Sustainable Development in any business can bring about great change and cost savings but sustainability is so much more. As defined in Wikipedia, “Sustainable development (SD) is a pattern of resource use, that aims to meet human needs while preserving the environment so that these needs can be met not only in the present, but also for generations to come.” This is critical to any business that wants to continue operations within the global marketplace. The thought of having to change your business operations might be daunting, but the fact is the global market and the environment require it. Implementing sustainable business practices within your organization doesn’t have to be as painful as pulling teeth. There are a few steps involved before taking the plunge. |
The benefits of Sustainable Development: cost saving, longevity for your business and corporate responsibility far outweigh the effects of being left behind. These steps are designed for anyone working in or operating a business; from the CEO to the maintenance man, everyone can start the process.
1. Know where your company stands
Think about the company you work for. What is its core business? How does your organization impact the society and/or the environment? Consider the issues most important to you. Does your company already have initiatives in place? Can you build on what is currently taking place or start a project?
2. Find out what is happening around you
Completed the examination of your company? Now look at what is happening around you in terms of regulations and initiatives taking place. Can your company benefit by joining forces with an environmental organization or sponsor a school’s environment club?
3. Decide where you want to go and why
You have looked at your company, its policies and initiatives. You have looked at what is happening locally and internationally. Now consider what motives you. Decide what steps you can take within your own organization to support your motivations and position these concerns with your company’s core objectives.
4. Gather support from others
For a successful sustainability programme all persons involved in the business have to be fully supportive and engaged in the programme’s activities. The company’s CEO, employees, stakeholders and community have to be involved. Commitment from all aspects of the organization may not start from the onset but for best results all parties should participate.
5. Put a plan in place and go for it
Decide on a plan of action, check the list and check it twice, build in clear objectives and goals to help your company reach the goals laid out. Be sure to involve interested team members in developing the plan. Your strategy should involve short, medium and long-term goals.
Once you have completed this step by step process the work has to keep going. There is still much to be done. Be sure to involve as many co-workers as possible, there is strength in numbers. Incorporate internal departments and external groups in activities aimed at attaining goals set out in the plan. Once the sustainability plan has been implemented there has to be continuous monitoring of the plan’s progress and its impact. In monitoring the plan revisions will be needed to adapt to the changing global environment.
1. Know where your company stands
Think about the company you work for. What is its core business? How does your organization impact the society and/or the environment? Consider the issues most important to you. Does your company already have initiatives in place? Can you build on what is currently taking place or start a project?
2. Find out what is happening around you
Completed the examination of your company? Now look at what is happening around you in terms of regulations and initiatives taking place. Can your company benefit by joining forces with an environmental organization or sponsor a school’s environment club?
3. Decide where you want to go and why
You have looked at your company, its policies and initiatives. You have looked at what is happening locally and internationally. Now consider what motives you. Decide what steps you can take within your own organization to support your motivations and position these concerns with your company’s core objectives.
4. Gather support from others
For a successful sustainability programme all persons involved in the business have to be fully supportive and engaged in the programme’s activities. The company’s CEO, employees, stakeholders and community have to be involved. Commitment from all aspects of the organization may not start from the onset but for best results all parties should participate.
5. Put a plan in place and go for it
Decide on a plan of action, check the list and check it twice, build in clear objectives and goals to help your company reach the goals laid out. Be sure to involve interested team members in developing the plan. Your strategy should involve short, medium and long-term goals.
Once you have completed this step by step process the work has to keep going. There is still much to be done. Be sure to involve as many co-workers as possible, there is strength in numbers. Incorporate internal departments and external groups in activities aimed at attaining goals set out in the plan. Once the sustainability plan has been implemented there has to be continuous monitoring of the plan’s progress and its impact. In monitoring the plan revisions will be needed to adapt to the changing global environment.