Five Steps for Creating a Sustainability Action Plan

1. Conduct Sustainability Research Begin by familiarising yourself with sustainability principles, their importance, and the sustainable practices that smaller businesses can implement. Investigate relevant environmental legislation and compliance standards for your industry. Engage with key stakeholders, such as employees and customers, to identify your business’s environmental impact. Research sustainable business practices by watching the video content of Great Start on this website.
2. Evaluate Your Company’s Current Sustainability Assess your company’s current sustainability by examining factors like energy usage and suppliers. Utilise tools to estimate your company’s carbon footprint. If you are just starting out then Small99 have a simple calculator https://small99.co.uk/measure/  Consider auditing major business operations, from material recycling to employee commuting and raw material sourcing. A professional environmental audit may be beneficial, especially if you aim for certifications like ISO 14001 or B Corporation status.
3. Set Your Sustainability Goals Using data from your environmental audit, identify areas for improvement and set clear sustainability goals, such as replacing disposable kitchen cups with drinking glasses or investing in renewable energy stocks. Consider the cost of each goal, ensuring they are feasible for your business. Make your goals SMART – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely. For example, aim to reduce energy consumption by 20% within 12 months.
4. Identify Actions to Achieve Your Goals Brainstorm actions to enhance sustainability across your company. Involve employees, suppliers, and customers in this process for valuable input. Evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of each action, then create a shortlist with implementation timelines. For instance, replace paper towels with hand dryers in all company restrooms within three months. Communicate these actions clearly to your workforce to ensure their participation.
5. Implement Your Sustainability Strategy Assign specific tasks to colleagues, such as sourcing sustainable stationery or researching centralised recycling units. Incorporate your sustainability strategy and goals into company policy to reinforce green practices at all levels. Create a mission statement with quantifiable results to hold your company accountable and motivate progress. Finally, monitor and assess the impact of your strategy to ensure continuous improvement.

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