Embracing the Call for a Sustainable Tomorrow

As the founder of B-works, I’ve had the honor of working with clients such as the Swiss government, Baloise, the University of Bern, and innovative sensor technologies. Our journey as a digital venture builder has been rewarding and eye-opening, giving us insights into industries including high-tech B2B manufacturing, non-profit, human resources, Software as a Service and B2C online marketplaces. Today, with an overwhelming sense of responsibility for our planet’s future, I am excited to announce our pivot towards sustainability.

This decision for our new direction is inspired by five factors: 

  1. The state of our planet and the urgency of the climate crisis
  2. Our passion for sustainability
  3. My experience from 6 years of corporate venture building, ideating and developing over 10 renewable energy projects across Europe
  4. The desire to create a better future for our children
  5. A deep-rooted passion for developing sustainable digital business models, and the enticing economic opportunities they present

In this blog post, I will provide the scientific foundation that triggered my reasoning, examine the critical role of CEOs and leaders, and share our vision for B-works’ renewed commitment to renewable energy, e-mobility, and decarbonization.

I. The Science: Ice Ages, Global Warming, and the Need for Action

Our planet’s climate equilibrium is delicate, and has long been shaped by natural fluctuations between ice ages and interglacial periods. In 2023 we are in the midst of an interglacial phase, and according to the Milankovitch cycles, we should be experiencing a gradual cooling trend. However, and contrary to natural cycles, global average temperatures are on the rise, with human-induced global warming as the key culprit.

Unchecked global warming poses significant threats to ecosystems, agriculture, and human settlements. The scientific consensus is unequivocal: we must act now to address this global challenge. Make no mistake: we are not doing it for the planet. The planet – as has happened throughout history – will survive. What will be severely impacted or irrevocably wiped out however, will be our children’s quality of life, their ability to make memories that stand up to our own generation’s, and in the worst case a severe and open-end period of wars for resources, economic decline and a dark age for science, innovation and arts. We see examples of civilizations being wiped out in the past: this time it could be permanent on a global scale.

Ice Age

II. The Role of CEOs and Leaders: Driving the Shift Towards Sustainability

In the face of this climate crisis, CEOs and leaders must prioritize sustainability in their strategic planning and decision-making. By focusing on renewable energy, e-mobility, and decarbonization, they can shape a cleaner, greener future while seizing the economic opportunities these industries offer.

III. B-works’ Commitment to Sustainability: Renewable Energy, E-mobility, and Decarbonization

Drawing from my own experience in corporate venture building and renewable energy, combined with B-works’ digital expertise, we wholeheartedly commit to the following areas of sustainability:

Renewable Energy

Renewable Energy

We’ll utilize our digital transformation know-how to help organizations tap into the power of solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy, offering a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. A significant shift towards renewable energy could reduce global energy-related CO2 emissions by 70% by 2050, with solar and wind power potentially representing 80% of the electricity mix.

E-mobility

E-mobility

B-works will champion the growth of electric vehicles and support the development of efficient, eco-friendly transportation infrastructure, contributing to reduced dependence on fossil fuels and mitigated air pollution. In 2019, electric vehicles avoided 0.6 gigatonnes of CO2 emissions globally. If the global EV stock reaches 245 million by 2030, transport-related CO2 emissions could decrease by nearly 1.5 gigatonnes.

Decarbonization

Decarbonization

We’ll collaborate with organizations to devise strategies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and sequestering carbon dioxide, paving the way for a carbon-neutral future. The potential for decarbonization across various sectors is immense, with the ability to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050 through a combination of energy efficiency measures, fuel switching, and carbon capture and storage.

III. The Impact and Actionable Steps

Transitioning to a sustainable society not only addresses the challenges of global warming but also sparks innovation, job creation, and economic growth. As CEOs and business leaders, you have the power and responsibility to drive this transformation.

1. Set ambitious targets

Establish clear goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy within your organizations.

2. Promote innovation

Invest in research and development of sustainable technologies, and encourage the adoption of these innovations throughout your industries.

3. Foster collaboration

Engage with stakeholders across sectors and borders to share best practices, pool resources, and develop joint initiatives to tackle climate change.

4. Advocate for policy change

Work with governments and policymakers to establish regulations and incentives that promote sustainable practices and the transition to a low-carbon economy.

5. Educate and inspire

Share your vision for a sustainable future with your employees, partners, and customers, and encourage them to join you in this collective effort.

B-works and the Vision for a Sustainable Future

Our decision to steer B-works towards sustainability as a digital venture builder stems from our understanding of the importance of addressing the global climate challenge, my vast experience in the field, and the desire to make a positive impact on our planet for future generations. Through our commitment to renewable energy, e-mobility, and decarbonization, we aim to empower CEOs and leaders to embrace sustainability and drive transformative change.

We invite you to join us in this pursuit, as together we can shape a greener, more sustainable future for our children and our pale blue dot.

Pale blue dot - Earth from space

Sources and Further Reading:

Get in touch