What Is Your Nature Score, And Why Does It Matter? – Prowess

Understanding your business’s relationship with the environment is becoming increasingly important, especially in the face of rising environmental challenges.The question is no longer if you should care about nature, but how you measure that care. This is where your nature score comes into play. It’s not just a measure of how green your practices are, though; it’s a reflection of your company’s broader impact on ecosystems, resources, and even your supply chain’s sustainability.

Gone are the days when having a recycling bin or using energy-efficient light bulbs was enough. Now, businesses are expected to think bigger—about biodiversity, nature-positive strategies, and long-term environmental goals. So, how does your business measure up? More importantly, how can you improve your nature score to ensure you’re doing more than just ticking the sustainability box?

What Exactly Is a Nature Score?

As the name might suggest, a nature score measures your business’s impact on the natural world around you. It considers things like how much waste you produce, how efficiently you use energy, and how you contribute to the preservation of biodiversity. Beyond looking at your direct impact, your nature score also takes into account how your value chain operates. This means looking at your suppliers and how sustainable their practices are, as their actions ultimately affect your score too.

Essentially, it’s a means of assessing how “nature-positive” your company is. For example, if your business engages in unsustainable practices, such as using non-recyclable materials or failing to manage waste properly, this will drag your score down. On the other hand, if you take steps to enhance biodiversity, reduce carbon emissions, and adopt eco-friendly materials, your score will reflect those positive actions.

Why Should I Care About My Nature Score?

It might seem like another corporate buzzword, but your nature score has real-world implications for your business.

1. Consumer Demand: British consumers increasingly want to spend their money with companies that care about the planet. A good nature score signals that your business is serious about sustainability, which can help you build trust and loyalty with your customers.

2. Regulatory Compliance: The UK government isn’t resting on its laurels when it comes to environmental laws. Stricter regulations are being rolled out, meaning businesses need to stay compliant or risk fines. Having a good nature score helps you keep up with regulations like the Environment Act 2021.

3. Managing Risk: As businesses become more global and interdependent, nature-related risks can disrupt entire operations. A low nature score highlights areas where your business could be at risk—whether from resource shortages or negative impacts on biodiversity.

4. Attracting Investors: Nowadays, investors are looking beyond financial performance. They’re keen on businesses that demonstrate strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. A high nature score tells potential investors that you’re forward-thinking and sustainable.

5. Cost Efficiency: Enhancing your nature score can help cut costs. Sustainable practices often go hand-in-hand with more efficient use of resources, which translates into savings on everything from energy to materials.

How Is A Nature Score Assessed?

Your nature score is determined by looking at several factors across your business operations:

1. Carbon Emissions: This includes the greenhouse gases your business emits directly and indirectly, from energy consumption to logistics. Companies that rely on renewable energy sources or reduce travel-related emissions tend to score higher.

2. Biodiversity Efforts: How does your business contribute to the preservation of nature? Whether it’s maintaining green spaces or supporting biodiversity projects, actions that help nature thrive will reflect well on your score.

3. Resource Use: Efficient use of resources, such as water and raw materials, is key. Businesses that minimise waste, recycle materials, or source from sustainable suppliers will see a boost in their score.

4. Waste Management: A strong waste management strategy, which includes reducing, reusing, and recycling, significantly improves your nature score. Circular economy practices, where materials are kept in use for as long as possible, are especially effective.

5. Governance and Culture: Does your business have a clear strategy around environmental governance? A good nature score often requires that sustainability be woven into your company’s culture—from top-level strategy down to day-to-day operations.

How Can I Improve My Nature Score?

Improving your nature score doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some steps you can take to boost your score and minimise your impact on the environment:

1. Cut Carbon Emissions: Start by auditing your current carbon footprint. Can you switch to renewable energy, like wind or solar? Even small changes, such as reducing unnecessary travel or switching to energy-efficient appliances, can have a big impact.

2. Support Biodiversity: Consider participating in biodiversity initiatives. Whether it’s planting trees, supporting local wildlife, or creating green spaces around your office, these actions help offset any negative impacts your business might have on the environment.

3. Sustainable Sourcing: Review your supply chain. Are you sourcing raw materials from sustainable providers? Sustainable sourcing not only improves your own nature score but also encourages your suppliers to improve theirs.

4. Adopt a Circular Economy Model: Could your products be designed to be reused, recycled, or refurbished? Moving toward a circular economy model can drastically reduce waste and improve your environmental impact.

5. Engage Your Employees: A business’s sustainability efforts are only as strong as the people behind them. Make sure your team is on board with your goals. Offering training on environmental practices or engaging employees in eco-friendly initiatives can make a big difference.

Tools and Assessments to Help Your Business

If you’re unsure where to begin, there are tools available to help you assess and improve your nature score. For example, NatureMetrics offers a Nature Maturity Assessment, which evaluates your business across six key themes, including strategy, governance, and operational impact. It helps you identify gaps in your nature performance and offers actionable steps to improve.

This assessment can provide a detailed overview of how well your business is doing in terms of biodiversity, waste management, and sustainability practices. It’s an excellent starting point if you’re looking to take meaningful action but aren’t sure where to begin.

So, what’s your next step? Whether it’s tweaking your energy use, managing waste more efficiently, or investing in biodiversity, every action counts toward building a better world—and a better business.