Snow of tomorrow | Between summit dreams and the common good

A new economic model for people and nature

The Economy for the Common Good sees itself as a counter-model to the current economic system, which is based on unlimited growth and profit maximisation. Instead of these characteristics, it emphasises a good life for all: human dignity, ecological sustainability, social justice, solidarity, co-determination and transparency. These values are measured in a common good balance sheet that companies can draw up on a voluntary basis. This not only assesses what a company does, but also how it does it - from the supply chain to the corporate culture.

The concept has existed for around 15 years and was largely initiated by economist Christian Felber, who published a book of the same name in 2010. Mountain sports shops that follow the concept of the economy for the common good are characterised by a sustainable corporate structure. Fair working conditions, durable products, conscious use of resources and close cooperation with regional suppliers characterise the business model. For example, repair services are offered to extend the service life of the equipment. These actions show that ecological responsibility and economic success do not have to be mutually exclusive.

How does the Economy for the Common Good work in practice?

The Economy for the Common Good, or ECG for short, is based on the idea that companies can make their responsibility towards society and the environment measurable and transparent. At the centre is the so-called common good matrix, which depicts five central values: Human dignity, solidarity, ecological sustainability, social justice and democratic co-determination. These values are integrated into four areas of corporate activity: Suppliers, employees, customers and the social environment.

Using this matrix, companies draw up a common good balance sheet that shows in detail the areas in which progress has already been made and where there is still room for improvement. A company goes through several phases before the common good balance sheet is published at the end of the process: Suppliers, employees, customers and the social environment are included and scrutinised, from the self-assessment and preparation of the common good balance sheet to the external review.

For example, a ski pole manufacturer could document in its balance sheet that it uses recycled materials, ensures fair wages along the supply chain and minimises transport routes. At the same time, it could set itself targets such as introducing repair services to extend the lifespan of the poles or switching to renewable energies in production to reduce emissions.

Even if this path requires commitment and an economic rethink, the advantages are obvious. By taking these steps, companies not only contribute to their credibility, they also attract customers who value sustainability.

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We all love and benefit from winter.

Lea Hartl

Juhokarhu

Skiing fun with responsibility

For many of us winter sports enthusiasts, nature is far more than just a backdrop. It is a retreat, a place of adventure and a source of inspiration in equal measure. But as we know, this nature is under threat: glacier melting, extreme weather and dwindling snow reliability are direct consequences of man-made climate change that will fundamentally change winter sports. Against this backdrop, it becomes clear why we should rethink our approach to nature and its resources. Even if the influence of individual consumer decisions is rightly the subject of controversial debate, the economy for the common good can serve as a valuable compass in a market economy characterised by capitalism. It helps to reconcile the interests of a wide range of stakeholders and shows ways to harmonise economic efficiency, humanity and climate protection. Whether choosing equipment or planning your next trip: Those who take the principles of the Economy for the Common Good into account not only contribute to climate protection, but also support companies that act in accordance with these values.

Hurdles and criticism: Why the Economy for the Common Good is not a panacea

Despite the many advantages highlighted, the limits of the Economy for the Common Good should also be addressed. The central challenge here is and remains the prevailing market logic. "The best sustainability reports and the best ethical performances are of little use if those who behave unethically can offer cheaper products and have a price advantage," admits the inventor of the Economy for the Common Good, Christian Felber. Even companies that act according to the principles of the ECG are competing with large chains and online retailers that often have no regard for environmental standards.

The bureaucratic effort involved in preparing a common good balance sheet should also not be underestimated. Finally, there is the question of exclusivity: the additional effort invested in products of the Economy for the Common Good is often reflected in the price, making them inaccessible to some. And so the desirable sustainable consumption can often hardly be extended to all population groups.

While the ECG could certainly be successful in niche markets such as the mountain sports sector, large-scale implementation in all industries seems unrealistic. The growth imperative inherent in the capitalist system cannot simply be overridden. Even companies that work according to principles that are orientated towards the common good must submit to the rules of the market.

It is up to politicians to create the necessary framework conditions to organise such a system fairly. They have the major levers in their hands to make sustainable business practices not only possible, but also more attractive. The European Union's Green Claims Directive, which must be implemented by 2026, can help here, for example, by obliging companies to make credible claims about their environmental promises and thus combat greenwashing. Another step could be to extend the repair bonus to other areas such as clothing. This would facilitate sustainable use and at the same time help companies to generate added value through repair services without having to fear a loss of profits. If prices can be charged for repairs that are more attractive to customers than a new purchase and at the same time are calculated in such a way that companies do not suffer a loss of profit, profit is maintained and resources can be conserved.

A disclosure obligation driven by the EU's CSRD can also benefit ECG companies, especially in the clothing industry. It could lead to more transparency and make it easier for consumers to choose sustainable products. However, the question of incentives arises once again: only if sustainable business practices are rewarded not only ideally but also economically can the Economy for the Common Good and other sustainability approaches represent a genuine alternative in a competitive environment.

The common good matrix.

https://www.econgood.org/

https://www.econgood.org/

The Common Good for the few or a Good Life for all

Despite the hurdles mentioned, the Economy for the Common Good remains a valuable approach in my opinion. Especially in niches, it shows that it is possible to a certain extent to combine a sense of ecological and social responsibility with economic activity. Of course, the ECG does not provide a patent solution for all problems, but it does provide an important impetus to rethink our relationship with nature and our consumption.

As users of nature, snow sports enthusiasts are directly dependent on it. Those who use the mountains should ask themselves how they can contribute to their preservation. Small steps, such as opting for durable products or using repair services and local ECG retailers, can be a start. The ECG is a promising concept that can find its place in niches such as mountain sports. However, as long as the market economy is dominated by growth and the pursuit of profit, its impact will remain limited. However, this should not stop us from reflecting on the mechanisms behind our coexistence and becoming active in our own sphere of influence so that we can spend an even better time together in the mountains.