How to enable sustainability in your business

This past week has highlighted one of the real world challenges facing sustainability; a lack of a true commitment from the Government of the day here in the UK. It continues a trend of removing legislation (potential or otherwise) that can actually help businesses to both reduce their impact on the environment and reduce costs. This short-term decision making is completely the opposite of what businesses should be seeking to do; plan for the long-term impact of Climate Change.

This blog doesn’t intend to convince anyone of the realities of climate change, or to publicly criticise the political landscape. This blog is here to serve as a guide to those of you that have either already identified that your business can be a vehicle to change, or that want to know where to start. If that sounds like you, then follow these straightforward steps to establish long-term resilience in your business:

• Establish your purposeWhat matters to you and what do you want to achieve? Maybe you want your business to identify future risks and to establish long-term resilience? Perhaps people are your focus and you want to build a business that grows jobs and encourages diversity & equality? Or maybe it is your customers that matter most and you want to provide for their future behaviours. Whatever your motivation, identify your purpose and focus your efforts behind that goal.

• Measure your impact

As per Peter Drucker; “You can’t improve what you don’t measure.” At the start of your journey, it is important to quantify your existing impact. With a clear understanding of your impact, you can target your resources to solve particular problems.

• Build your foundations

Change doesn’t happen overnight, nor does it happen without solid foundations. Foundations mean putting in place the internal infrastructure that enable you to head towards your north star. Actions to consider include; putting good Governance in place to monitor progress; training your people on your purpose; establishing good data capture and measurement practices; developing consistent communications; setting expectations with your suppliers.

• Focus your efforts

On solid foundations, you can take the next steps. Measurement will guide you to your biggest impact(s) and it is those which you will now focus your attentions. Whether that be; improving supply chain resilience; providing your people; encouraging diversity; giving back to the community; your solid foundations will enable you to take the next step toward your goal.

• Grow forwardBy this point you will have a very clear purpose that is well understood and supported internally, and your suppliers and customers will be aware of what you stand for. But what next? Now is the time to show leadership; that is to continue to set the standard for others to follow and to encourage them to do so; that is to innovate and to continue to improve.