Your sustainability checklist: Five key questions

Incorporating sustainability into your organisation's core principles is not just about ecological stewardship; it's an increasing demand from stakeholders. Organisations reliant on governmental funding and investors often need to demonstrate their efforts towards energy conservation and reducing environmental impact. Therefore, a compelling narrative about your sustainability efforts will underscore your organisation's purpose and dedication to creating sustainable value.

Here are five questions your organisation should be able to answer:

1. Does your organisation have a sustainability programme? This seemingly straightforward question necessitates consensus on sustainability's meaning within your organisation. Creating a sustainability programme means defining its parts and making sure they align with your overall goal. An excellent example is Interface, a leader in modular carpet manufacturing, with its 'Mission Zero' initiative which aimed for zero environmental impact by 2020 . Remember, setting clear deadlines for certain goals can speed up actions, while long-term targets, such as reducing water use, energy, and carbon emissions, can be broken down into several stages.

2. What sustainability challenges does your organisation face? Any robust plan, be it for sustainability, business growth, or technology adoption, should take into account potential hurdles that could impede its success. These challenges could range from internal barriers like lack of employee engagement or budget constraints, to external factors like regulatory changes or market volatility. For instance, consider a sustainability plan for a manufacturing company. An internal challenge could be the high initial cost of replacing traditional energy sources with renewable ones. An external obstacle could be a lack of government incentives for renewable energy adoption. A successful plan would not only identify these challenges but also develop strategies to mitigate them. This could involve securing buy-in from senior management on the importance of renewable energy for long-term sustainability and lobbying for supportive regulatory policies. Similarly, a digital transformation plan for a traditional retail business might face the internal challenge of resistance from employees accustomed to older systems and processes. Externally, the business may encounter a rapidly evolving technological landscape, making it difficult to choose the right solutions. To address these, the plan might include training programmes to help employees understand the benefits of digital technologies, and a dedicated team to monitor and respond to technological changes in the industry. Employee engagement for example, can be improved by regular communication, progress updates, and rewarding participation. Unilever has successfully implemented this approach through their 'Sustainable Living Plan'.

3. How do you compare to competition? Comprehensive research and knowledge of your competitors' sustainability efforts are pivotal. If a prospective client values sustainability, you should be able to articulate your programme's achievements and how they fare against your competition. IKEA is an industry leader in sustainability among furniture retailers with its 'People & Planet Positive' strategy. Understanding your competition's sustainability initiatives requires a deep understanding of their strategies, practices, and results. For example, if you're a food production company, it's essential to know if your competitors are using sustainable farming techniques, sourcing ethically, reducing water usage, and eliminating waste effectively. Some competitors might have implemented innovative packaging solutions that reduce plastic use, or they may have partnerships with NGOs to bolster their green credentials.

For instance, you could look at companies like Ben & Jerry's, who are known for their commitment to sourcing Fairtrade and non-GMO ingredients. Another example is Unilever's 'Sustainable Living Plan', which integrates sustainability into their business model.

Should a potential client prioritise sustainability, it becomes crucial to demonstrate your own programme's successes and how they stack up against these competitors. You might share how your organisation has reduced carbon emissions by a certain percentage over a specific period or how you have successfully switched to using entirely renewable energy sources. Further, you could highlight any partnerships with local farmers or green initiatives you have taken to give back to the community.

4. How are you measuring progress? Implementing a sustainability plan is just the starting point; it's essential to demonstrate its tangible impact through metrics such as energy expenditure and ROI from sustainability investments. Nestle’s 'Creating Shared Value' initiative serves as an exemplar in this respect, emphasising both economic and societal benefits. Regularly sharing updates about your methods and results can improve how you communicate your progress.

5. What business value have you seen? Quantifying the business value derived from sustainability initiatives is paramount. Both tangible and intangible benefits, like enhanced employee satisfaction, increased community support, and a reputation as a sustainability leader, carry significant weight. Patagonia's 'Footprint Chronicles' demonstrate how an organisation can effectively communicate these values.

Considering these questions can help strengthen your sustainability plan, find any weak areas, and prepare your business to promote sustainability as a key advantage. These insights can also help teach your employees about your sustainability efforts and encourage their support throughout the company.