Strategy for Success: Sustainability Plan for Small Business

Many businesses address sustainability in an ad-hoc manner, doing a couple of things here and there – such as replacing light bulbs or "trying" to reduce energy consumption. Although the intention is aligned with eco awareness, these actions are not necessarily impactful or strategic in building business sustainability.

A strategic approach will help your small business to achieve the best results for your business and will ensure that the approach ties in with your overall business objectives.

As a professional consultant in the role of introducing sustainability concepts to businesses, I advise clients of the strategy components and success components to a successful sustainability plan.

Strategy components:

Begin by identifying the pressures that are driving your business to become more sustainable.
Set a vision
Define objectives
Establish Current Position
Analyze Gaps
Develop Strategies
Design and Action plan
Implementation
Monitor and Review
Continue to innovate and improve

Success components:

Top down and all inclusive: Leadership and at all levels in the business, everyone needs to be on board
Encourage stakeholder engagement
Link environmental, social and economic responsibility core subjects 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

Having a strategic approach to bridging the gap from your current state of business to that of an environmental/ sustainable business will help you achieve the best results. Additionally, it will ensure that the approach ties in with your overall business objectives.