How to Start Your Company’s Sustainability Journey
Embarking on a sustainability journey can be daunting for small to medium sized businesses at the outset. However, the potential for success is significant. There is no magic formula to follow that will work in all situations. However, ISSA's Introduction to Sustainability course points out that certain steps have proven valuable for many organizations.
Among them are the following:
Top/Down. The pivotal role of leadership in sustainability cannot be overstated. Without the backing of top stakeholders, the success of a sustainability program is often compromised. A top-down approach sets the tone and direction for the entire organization.
Change Agent. A “change agent” is a crucial figure in the sustainability journey. This individual, as highlighted in ISSA's Introduction to Sustainability, is responsible for assembling and steering the program towards success. Like any effective leader, their ability to motivate and inspire others is crucial.
Build the Team. This is a essential step. We are trying to create a culture of sustainability, and your employees are at the heart of this. To do this, we must educate and empower them to understand what sustainability is and what it entails. Team members should be encouraged to fully participate in the sustainability program and share their ideas, as their contributions are invaluable.
The Assessment. Conduct a thorough assessment of current business practices and identify areas for improvement. Remember, sustainability is made up of three components:
· Environmental
· Social
· Governance.
In some cases, an organization may have made significant strides in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing consumption, waste, water, and fuel consumption. This is the Environmental component. However, work is needed to improve "social" aspects, such as collaborating more closely with its local community, promoting human rights and diversity, and ensuring fair wages.
Goals. The foundation of a successful sustainability program is clear, achievable goals. Engaging stakeholders at all levels in this process not only sets a roadmap for success but also ensures everyone is on board with the objectives, be they short-term or long-term goals.
Reviews. Regularly reviewing progress and being open to adapting new strategies as needed can also help businesses maintain momentum and achieve their sustainability objectives. Be sure to recognize and celebrate achievements, as this fosters more success and makes everyone involved feel appreciated for their efforts.
Communicate Success. Begin publishing sustainability reports for internal use and sharing them with employees, stakeholders, and customers. Sharing with employees will encourage more staffers to become involved with the sustainability program. Sharing with customers is good public relations and can boost an organization's reputation - and sales.
Seek Experts. At some point, consultations with a sustainability expert or partnering with a sustainability organization may be necessary. This is expected. Transferring from traditional business practices to sustainable business practices can be challenging. However, the benefits of cost savings, risk mitigation, creating a healthier workplace, and enhancing a business's reputation make it an overwhelmingly worthwhile investment.
By following these seps, your business can effectively implement and maintain a sustainability program that benefits your company, the environment, and society. This proactive approach can also give your business a significant competitive advantage, making it well worth taking.