2degrees is an online community for sustainable business that includes more than 35,000 people and organisations, and hosts platforms and regular events to inspire collaborative solutions to common problems.
2degrees provides online services for companies including Asda-Walmart, Tesco, GlaxoSmithKline and Kingfisher, allowing them to work more efficiently by cutting costs and reducing risks.
In 2011, Tesco introduced the first 2degrees platform – the Tesco Knowledge Hub – which was quickly followed by dedicated online networks for GSK, Asda and Kingfisher. Each forum is designed to stimulate partnerships by providing the tools, resources and technology to communicate best practice between businesses.
Collaboration with suppliers and stakeholders is the fastest way for major corporations to reduce their environmental impact and secure supply chain sustainability, argues 2degrees.
Tesco's membership of the 2degrees buying club, for example, enabled the retailer to install low-energy lighting at a 25% discount, resulting in an 80% reduction in energy use. Typhoo has joined the club and expects to cut 900 tonnes of emissions by installing the lighting.
Branston turned to the platform for advice on voltage technology and has since installed systems that reduce the consumption and cost of electricity by 5-8%.
2degrees claims that millions of pounds of savings have been made through its online platforms and that billions more are in the process of being unlocked.
Lynn Beavis is part of the wordworks network
The Guardian Sustainable Business Sustainability Case Studies contain articles on all the initiatives that met the criteria for the GSB Awards.
