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But what does “sustainable” really encompass and how can a business get there from here?
Sustainability, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is “based on a simple principle: Everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. Sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations.”
There are many, many ways to go about setting sustainable goals and establishing programs and while there are similarities across business sectors, there are likely already industry-specific guidelines in place, many driven by environmental regulations. You can check with your state or national trade association for programs or publications addressing sustainability such as case studies, awards, and best practices specific to your industry.
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Another good resource is your state government, usually the environmental agency, for similar information as well as workshops and more localized assistance. For example, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s (MDEQ) Sustainability Web page offers a list of related business forums, seven different newsletters, case studies, reports on sustainable activities, and sector-specific information. Depending up on your location, there may also be state and local organizations whose sole purpose is promoting and developing sustainability in their communities.
Another important step is to introduce the concept of sustainability to staff at every level of the company. This will both encourage support and show management commitment to a healthy workplace and environment, the ultimate goals of any sustainability program. Team members also offer an invaluable source of ideas, experience, and expertise to leverage as you develop your program to include your community, whether it is local or global.
Sustainable practices require a high level of commitment as well as the ability to think outside the box to find new and smarter ways to improve your processes, your products, and your environmental and social impact. Many companies with sustainability programs partner with academia, environmental non-profit groups and nongovernmental organizations serving specific social causes to create a well-rounded program. For example, if you have a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit you might consider supporting academic research on new technologies for cleaner emissions. Another possibility is to work with an environmental group that targets clean water or watersheds on projects that improve water quality near your operations. Socially, groups can work to improve housing, the safety of children, or access to fresh food operating in every community, and these possibilities are worthy of consideration.
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As you begin to develop a program, keep in mind there is no single set of rules for establishing a sustainability plan, but there are many great success stories to learn from, and they are provided in great detail on company websites. Some good examples are:
Regardless of the format you decide to use or the breadth of your overall sustainability program, you will want to keep in mind throughout the process that reporting your results in a transparent manner will be the key to gaining credibility for your company’s program. Tomorrow we will look at why sustainable reporting is so important and some of the mechanisms in place to standardize the process for all businesses worldwide.