Picture this: a group of entrepreneurs sitting around a table, brainstorming ideas to solve the world’s most pressing issues. Inevitably, the conversation turns to climate change, and the group realises that they have the power to make a real impact – here, now, and at scale. This realisation has been the driving force behind Impact Hub Network’s work for over 15 years, and today, we’re more committed than ever to taking serious climate action.

That’s why in November 2022, we made a bold commitment to work collectively towards a net zero emissions standard by the end of 2025. Our goal is to empower Impact Makers worldwide to achieve neutral or positive environmental impact, and we’re thrilled to report that 44% of our Impact Hubs are already leading the charge towards this ambitious target.

In our latest article, we highlighted the incredible work of Impact Hub London, Curitiba, and Lusaka as they reduced their Scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Now, we’re excited to welcome three new Impact Hubs to the ranks of net zero pioneers: Impact Hub Leipzig, Impact Hub Madrid, and Impact Hub Stockholm. So grab a seat and get ready to be inspired by the valuable insights, strategies, and advice shared by these impactful teams as they pave the way for a sustainable future. Here’s what the Impact Hubs have to say:

Impact Hub Leipzig

Impact Hub Leipzig is a leading example of how businesses can prioritise sustainability and take responsibility for their environmental impact. Their motivation to become net zero is a simple yet powerful one: it’s the right thing to do. They have been successful in achieving this goal for the past three years through a range of initiatives, including:

• Impact Hub Leipzig sources from regional and green suppliers, such as using water-free reusable stone paper from MOYU, which reduces their carbon footprint and contributes to a circular economy.
• They use a regional energy supply that is fully under their control to ensure it comes from sustainable sources.
• They implemented a worm box for organic waste, which helps reduce waste and provides a source of natural fertiliser for their plants.
• The company avoids the use of company cars, which further reduces their carbon footprint and encourages sustainable transportation options.

Impact Hub Leipzig has established a valuable partnership with the Wilderness International Foundation. This partnership has led to the creation of a carbon calculator that all Impact Hubs can implement directly into their websites via an iframe. The calculator was initially filled out by the Impact Hub Leipzig team, and the Wilderness International Foundation made it suitable for all Impact Hubs to use. As a result, Impact Hub Dresden and Impact Hub Hamburg have already adopted the solution. The carbon calculator provides a useful tool for measuring and managing the carbon footprint of Impact Hubs, and it is a testament to the power of collaboration and partnership in tackling climate change.

By incorporating these measures into their business plan and budget, Impact Hub Leipzig has demonstrated that taking proactive and innovative measures towards sustainability can make a significant difference.

Explore more information on HERE and HERE (content in German).

Impact Hub Stockholm

Impact Hub Stockholm is a shining example of how small steps can lead to significant progress towards sustainability. The team firmly believes that taking climate action is not just a choice, but a calling and commitment that is embedded in the DNA of the Impact Hub community.

What’s impressive is that they didn’t require any funding to kickstart their sustainability journey. Initially, they approached Zero Mission in Sweden, which helped Max Burgers, the world’s first restaurant with a climate-positive menu. However, the costs would have exceeded €7,000 for Scopes 1 and 2 alone. As a result, they decided to turn to the global Impact Hub Network to find inspiration, build connections, and leverage opportunities.

One of these connections was a small business that was seeking to expand its case studies who agreed to collaborate free of charge. It wasn’t easy to persuade them, but eventually, they agreed to offer a climate-positive certification if Impact Hub Stockholm could meet the standard for climate-neutral and offset 150% of their unavoidable emissions.

Their advice to other Impact Hubs striving for net zero or carbon-neutrality is to start small. Instead of focusing on offsetting unavoidable emissions, they recommend beginning by eliminating avoidable emissions.

This is a sound strategy as it enables businesses to pinpoint areas where they can make an immediate impact without incurring significant costs. All in all, Impact Hub Stockholm’s journey towards sustainability is an excellent example of how every business can make a positive contribution to the environment, regardless of size.

Impact Hub Madrid

Impact Hub Madrid’s dedication to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions is a direct reflection of their mission to make a positive impact. They understand the importance of transparency and trust, which is why they have taken proactive steps towards a carbon-neutral future.

By transitioning to renewable energy sources, they have eliminated all Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, paving the way for tackling their Scope 3 emissions. They have implemented various measures such as low-flow toilets, faucet aerators, and encouraging their employees to switch to renewable energy at home.

To ensure their sustainability goals are met, Impact Hub Madrid has established a team of Sustainability Ambassadors from each department. They work together to identify and implement environmentally friendly practices, holding monthly meetings to gather and put forward innovative ideas.

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