In our sustainability consulting, we often encounter business owners searching sustainability answers and solutions external to their organization.  Too often, they view business sustainability as something outside of the company.   While an external solution  can be one answer, sustainable development is a commitment to change that most often originates and is driven from within the organization.

In a recent consultation with a prospective client, the discussion took this familiar path of external solution identification.  The business owner proclaimed, “if we had this software, this technology, or these resources, then we could reach our sustainability goals". 

This business, like many, was looking for that “silver bullet”  fix, that “missing piece of the puzzle”, or that “off-the-shelf solution” to fill their needs.  Our professional consulting advises clients to first look to leverage the resources currently available within the business.

Leading businesses are placing more emphasis on internal business process changes  than on external solutions.  In a recent post, Strategy for Success: Sustainability Plan for Small Business, we discussed some internal actions companies are taking for  business sustainability success.

•    Engaging sustainability leadership at all levels in the business
•    Encouraging stakeholders
•    Link environmental, social and economic responsibility to all business processes
•    Educate and bring eco awareness through ongoing training
•    Rewrite process and procedures to reflect your sustainability initiatives
•    Create a mutually beneficial relationship with your suppliers and customers

At Taiga Company, we view sustainability to be an integrated business practice.  Our professional consulting encourages clients to first evaluate their internal business practices for sustainable changes.  We provide small business resources to clients looking to integrate sustainability concepts directly into their core processes.