How our Accountants are Leading the Change in Sustainability

Sustainability is more important now than ever, not just for protecting the environment but for securing the future of your organization. Embracing such practices not only boosts your brand's reputation but also strengthens relationships with clients, investors, and employees who prioritize ethical and responsible business practices. 

With the environmental challenges we face such as climate change, resource scarcity, and the loss of biodiversity—shows that we need to act now to protect our planet for future generations. 

In many industries, professionals are stepping up to make a real difference. They’re not just talking about sustainability—they’re putting it into action. From driving innovation to promoting eco-friendly practices, these leaders are helping to create a greener, more responsible future. 

But what exactly is our team at D&V Philippines doing to lead this change? 

In this article, I’ll share how this initiative isn't just about a corporate mantra—it's a personal commitment that shapes how I lead and how our team operates here at D&V Philippines. 

Related: 6 Reasons Why Sustainability Matters in Accounting Firms 

Personal Turning Points: Why Sustainability Matters

When it comes to sustainability, I firmly believe that actions speak louder than words. My passion for this issue stems from witnessing environmental transformations over the years. 

Growing up, I cherished memories of lush green fields and clear blue skies. However, as time passed, urbanization and pollution have gradually replaced those once-vivid memories with stark realities. 

These environmental changes reinforce my belief that we must act now to prevent irreversible damage to our environment. This personal journey has also influenced how I lead within our organization, emphasizing personal accountability and collective responsibility toward a sustainable future. 

How We Make Sustainability Part of Our Daily Routine 

At D&V Philippines, we focus on small, everyday actions that, together, make a big difference. Here’s what we’re doing: 

1. Cutting Down on Single-Use Plastics 

We’re cutting down on plastic by using reusable containers and avoiding single-use plastic bottles. It’s a simple change, but it helps reduce waste in a big way. 

2. Saving Energy and Water 

Simple habits like turning off lights when leaving a room or being mindful of water usage are part of our daily routine. These small steps help us conserve resources and reduce our impact on the environment. 

3. Going Paperless 

From the very start, our company has embraced a digital-first approach to keep everything online and minimize the need for printing. This not only cuts down on paper usage but also makes our processes more efficient. 

While these practices are limited to office hours, they are also part of a larger cultural shift towards sustainability, influencing our actions even outside of work. 

Outside of work, some of our team members are actively involved in community initiatives such as tree planting. While this particular activity is a personal initiative by the team members, it reflects our broader commitment to sustainability and community engagement. 

Our company's CSR efforts over the past year have focused on various impactful projects, and we will be sharing more details in a report soon. 

Read: The Role of Accountants in Sustainability Reporting 

Our Sustainable Office Design 

Aside from making sustainability part of our daily routine, we've also taken it a step further by creating an office space that reflects this commitment — from energy-efficient lighting to designs that make the most of natural light. 

This dedication reflects our mission to implement sustainable practices throughout our operations. 

Challenges in Implementing Sustainability Initiatives 

Of course, advocating for sustainability isn’t without its challenges. Many are still accustomed to traditional operations that neglect sustainability. Here are a few common issues: 

• Continuous use of single-use plastics 

Many businesses still use a lot of single-use plastics, which isn’t good for the environment. 

• The lack of awareness about sustainability 

Many organizations don’t fully understand the importance of sustainability, which can hinder effective implementation. 

• Top-Down Approach Needed 

Sustainability efforts need to start from the top management, since when leaders spearheads these efforts, it sets a standard for the whole organization to follow. 

• Some companies exploit workers 

Unfortunately, some companies don’t treat their workers fairly, prioritizing profits over the welfare of their employees. 

Despite these challenges, it is encouraging to see that some organizations are making genuine efforts to adopt sustainable practices. In our company case, we ensure that we: 

1. Perform due diligence 

We closely examine our processes to minimize any negative environmental impacts. 

2. Work with like-minded partners 

We work with partners who share the same values and commitment to sustainability. 

3. Adopt Hybrid Work Setup  

By adopting a hybrid work model, we significantly reduce our energy consumption compared to a traditional office setup. With fewer employees on-site daily, we lower our energy use for lighting, heating, and cooling, contributing to a decrease in our overall carbon footprint. 

By doing so, we can support and promote sustainable practices effectively. 

Read Next: How Outsourcing Promotes Sustainability and Impacts the Economy? 

The Bottom Line 

It is important as a leader to encourage your team to embrace sustainability initiatives. By doing so, you're not just helping your organization; you're also doing yourself a favor to be part of the solution, making a positive impact on the future generation. 

As part of D&V Philippines, a finance and accounting outsourcing company, we have more exposure to how sustainability concerns are being tackled by other countries.  

This exposure puts us in a unique position to be ahead of most firms in terms of implementation and documentation, demonstrating that the journey toward sustainability does not have to be limited to manufacturing firms or publicly traded companies. We believe that every business, regardless of its industry, has the power to make a meaningful impact. 

Need help in assessing your environmental impacts? 

Consider D&V Philippines. We have paperless accounting solutions for CFOs and professional services firms to help you reduce your carbon footprint, one step at a time. Contact us today or download our whitepaper, Finding the Right Talents: D&V Philippines’ Solutions to Modern Accounting Firms, for more information. 

This article has been written in collaboration with Angelica Garcia, a content specialist at D&V Philippines.