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There was a time when a journey could alter the entire trajectory of the universe. I recall an old narrative, a representative of its sort, found in an old book called “Epic of Gilgamesh”. As an avid reader, I was constantly on the lookout for new adventures, which I usually found inside an old and dusty book. Gilgamesh was the semi-mythical king of Uruk. His time was magnificent after the Roman and Greek Empires, he was the most well-known Babylonian hero, his poem precedes Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey by a millennium and a half, and it remains one of the most important adventures I’ve ever read. He was a magnificent hero, powerful and brave in the face of incredible adversity. He fought lions, defeated demons, wedded a goddess, and ruled cities and campaigns. But I remember him for his most essential quest: researching immortality. Back then, just one guy, Utnapishtim, achieved immortality in mortal life. He was the only mortal preserved from the last flood by the Gods, and he lived on an island at the end of the Earth, in the middle of a mortal ocean. Only one drop of this ocean’s water might instantly kill the mortal courageous enough to try to travel through it. Gilgamesh desired immortality beyond all else since he had lost his best friend Enkidu, and his valiant heart began to feel the icy embrace of youth departing his body. One night, he had a dream about the elderly guy talking to him and saying, “I will aid you; I will be your guide on your mission. However, it will be your most challenging voyage. First, chop the Lebanon cedars to make a boat and hundreds of poles. You can only use one pole at a time, and you must be cautious of mortal water. I shall wait for you on the other side.” Finally, he reached Utnapishtim, who explained that the plant which grows at the lake’s bottom was his key to immortality. After tying several hefty stones to his feet, he arrived at the lake’s bottom and abruptly emerged with the plant. “I shall return to Uruk and give the plant to the elderly so that they might grow robust and young again. I will consume myself, and my strength and youth will be restored.” However, on the voyage to Uruk, a snake ate it, taking advantage of Gilgamesh’s sleepiness. This story has served as an inspiration to me since the beginning. Aside from Gilgamesh’s valor, the melody of this epic poem hits a high note. The old Utnapishtim, as the hero’s tutor and advisor, has always inspired me. Would Gilgamesh have made it to the island without some hints? Everyone requires a little assistance from time to time. It’s an amazing lesson for a little guy like me, and it may also be (why not?) good advice for anything larger, like a company or an organization. Let us envision The Gilgamesh Inc’s CEO in 2080, who one day dreams of achieving sustainability and circularity. “Guys, we will be a wonderful sustainable enterprise, but we need some aid! Was that the guy that achieved sustainability in 2024? Anyone remember the name?” It sounds like an amazing adventure. Who would he turn to for assistance? If we want to set a good example for future generations, we must start thinking about sustainability and energy efficiency today. Businesses are the major drivers of the economy’s ongoing transformation, leading the charge toward cleaner energy and an orderly transition to a brighter future. Their role revolves around three distinct habits:
- Innovation and Development: Companies are substantially investing in research and development of renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and tidal power. This reduces costs and increases accessibility for future generations. In addition, firms are creating technology and techniques to cut energy usage across multiple industries. This could include creating energy-efficient buildings, appliances, and industrial operations.
- Shifting Practices: the first step is to find a clean energy source and then apply other low-carbon alternatives. Many businesses have pledged to transition to renewable-powered electricity, lowering their dependency on fossil fuels. Meanwhile, groups are looking into alternative fuels such as hydrogen and biofuels for transportation and industrial use.
- Business model transformation: Innovative business models that promote energy efficiency are emerging, such as “pay-as-you-save” or “pay-as-you-go” programs for building energy renovations. Circular economic concepts encourage the reuse or recycling of materials, hence reducing waste and energy consumption.
The future Utnapishtim could be a company like Patagonia. The outdoor clothing brand is a pioneer in sustainable methods, concentrating on minimizing environmental effect throughout its supply chain. Among its initiatives, some may need to be passed on to posters.
- Focus on recycling materials: Patagonia incorporates a high amount of recycled materials into their apparel, minimizing reliance on virgin resources and energy use during production.
- Repair and reuse program: Customers are encouraged to fix worn-out gear through workshops and repair guides, which increases product longevity and reduces waste.
- Activism for Change: Patagonia is an outspoken supporter of environmental causes, campaigning for regulations that promote and encourage renewable energy and sustainable practices and encouraging current generations of young entrepreneurs.
This is the most vital thing to remember when a big quest comes knocking at our door. Find a model, be inspired by it, and begin our trip. The journey to the island of sustainability is treacherous, with misjudgment and failure lurking beneath the surface, but the end goal is worth it, and it is not immortality but environmental resilience, so let us be inspired by Gilgamesh and begin our journey!
Davide Colombo – 14 June 2024
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