Sustainability isn’t just a trendy buzzword anymore; it’s becoming a crucial aspect of running a successful business in today’s world. But with 98% of sustainability programmes failing to achieve their desired goals and objectives, you’re probably wondering where do you start and how do you deliver success?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with a simple guide to help you get you off to a flying start. In this latest blog post, we’ll dive into the key points you need to consider when implementing a sustainability program.
Setting up your Green Team
Setting up a green team composed of passionate individuals from different departments can help ensure that sustainability becomes ingrained in your company culture. This group will be your champions, brainstorming ideas, implementing initiatives, and keeping everyone accountable along the way. We can support you with this as offer bespoke workshops to ensure accountability and turn intent into impact.
Engaging employees
Your employees are your greatest asset when it comes to sustainability. Get them excited and involved from the get-go. Host workshops, lunch and learns, or team-building activities focused on sustainability. Encourage them to share their ideas and take ownership of initiatives.
When everyone is on board, your sustainability efforts will have a greater chance of success. Carbon Literacy training is a great way to ensure that everyone is aligned and empowered to ensure that your sustainability programme gets off to a great start.
Selecting the Right Approach
Choosing the right sustainability partner can make all the difference to the success of your project. You essentially have three choices, do it yourself, sign up for a software platform or hire a consultant like Positive Planet. Using a consultant is typically 30% of the cost of doing it in-house and 50% of the cost of using a sustainability platform. Be wary of using platforms that rely on spend-based metrics for your scope 3 emissions as these can give you inaccurate calculations.
When picking a partner, do your research, ask for recommendations, and don’t be afraid to interview multiple candidates. A strong partnership can provide valuable expertise, resources, and support as you navigate your sustainability journey.
Measuring Carbon Emissions
You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Start by assessing your company’s carbon footprint. This involves quantifying the greenhouse gas emissions produced by your operations, supply chain, and other activities. There are various tools and methodologies available to help you with this process. GHG Protocol is the most commonly used methodology for measuring emissions and it is what we use at Positive Planet. Once you have a baseline, you’ll be better equipped to set targets and track your progress over time.
Reducing Carbon Emissions
Now comes the fun part – reducing those emissions! Look for opportunities to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste, and transition to renewable energy sources. This could involve investing in energy-efficient equipment, implementing recycling programs, or optimising transportation routes. Get creative and involve your team in brainstorming solutions and turn your outputs into a carbon reduction plan or a net zero roadmap. Every small change adds up to make a big difference.
Supply Chain Engagement
Your supply chain plays a significant role in your overall sustainability impact. Engage with your suppliers to promote sustainable practices throughout the entire supply chain. This could include sourcing materials responsibly, reducing packaging waste, or collaborating on carbon reduction initiatives. By working together, you can drive positive change beyond your own operations.
Setting Up KPIs
To track your progress and stay on track, it’s essential to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and targets for your sustainability initiatives. These could include metrics such as energy consumption, waste diversion rates, or carbon emissions reductions. Set clear, measurable targets and regularly monitor your performance against these benchmarks.
This will help keep your team focused and accountable as you work towards your sustainability goals. Before setting and communicating a net zero goal, ensure that you have a robust roadmap to get there or run the risk of failing to meet your objective. You can learn more about setting effective targets here.
Integrating Sustainability into Your Business Strategy
Sustainability isn’t just a standalone initiative – it’s a fundamental part of your business strategy. Embedding sustainability into your company’s DNA requires a holistic approach. Consider how sustainability aligns with your mission, values, and long-term goals. Integrate it into your strategic planning process, decision-making criteria, and performance evaluations. By making sustainability a core part of your business strategy, you can drive innovation, enhance brand reputation, and create long-term value for your stakeholders.
Most company leaders don’t have the skills and expertise to create a fully integrated sustainable business strategy which is when working with a partner such as Positive Planet can help. You can meet with one of our founders for an executive meeting here.
Upskilling Your Team
As you embark on your sustainability journey, invest in upskilling your team. Provide training and development opportunities to equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. This could include sustainability certifications, workshops, or on-the-job training. Encourage continuous learning and empower your team to become sustainability leaders within your organisation. The more knowledgeable and skilled your team is, the more effective your sustainability efforts will be. We offer a wide range of engagement support, learn more.
Communicating Your Impact
Transparency is key when it comes to sustainability. Share your progress, successes, and challenges with your stakeholders openly and honestly. Use various communication channels – such as your website, social media, or annual reports – to communicate your sustainability efforts and their impact. Celebrate milestones and recognise the contributions of your team along the way. By communicating your journey, you inspire others to join you in making a difference and sharing your impact can help you win new business and retain existing clients.
We advise our clients to publish and impact statement or ESG report annually where you can share details of the progress you are making as well as your future actions.