How Can Sustainability Practices Be Integrated into Business Operations?
In the quest for a greener future, we've gathered insights from 10 sustainability professionals, including CEOs and founders, on how they've woven eco-friendly practices into the fabric of their businesses. From greening finances to enforcing green procurement policies, these leaders provide a spectrum of strategies that underscore the importance of integrating sustainability into every aspect of business operations.
- Green Your Finances
- Promote Social Responsibility Online
- Transition to Digital Technologies
- Link Goals to Sustainability
- Implement Green Procurement Policy
- Conduct Video Interviews
- Collaborate for Sustainability
- Adopt Carbon-Offset Program
- Source Eco-Friendly Fabrics
- Enforce Green Procurement Policy
Green Your Finances
One of the best sustainability practices you can incorporate into business operations is to green up your finances. Who you bank with has a huge impact on total emissions. That's because most banks and pension providers invest money into projects that support the fossil fuel industry, deforestation, and factory farming. According to the latest 'Banking on Climate Chaos' report, big banks across the world have provided $5.5 trillion to fossil fuel companies since the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement.
By having your money with one of these banks, you're inadvertently supporting these environmentally harmful and unethical activities.
Switching to a bank that strives to be sustainable with its investments is a simple, yet immensely impactful way to create positive change.
Promote Social Responsibility Online
We've embraced social responsibility as a powerful method to promote our business online. Our small business differentiates itself through our commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability. Honest Eco was founded to promote conservation values, and this dedication has become our key market differentiator.
This strategy has proved fruitful for us, enabling us to maintain sustainability, increase revenue, and commit to social responsibility all at once. Honest Eco pursues these goals through Sustainable Nature Tours, Community Outreach, and Leadership in the industry. We are particularly recognized for our Dolphin Watch and snorkel trips, which are notable for balancing the welfare of the animals with the enjoyment of our guests. Our strong dedication to conservation and ethical eco-tourism has resonated deeply with our customers. We believe that by showing a commitment to social and environmental issues, businesses can improve their image and cultivate loyalty among consumers and other stakeholders.
Transition to Digital Technologies
Up until recently, our NDT technicians were completing all radiography inspections using the traditional "wet film" process. This entailed capturing our radiographs on conventional film and then processing them through an automatic processor that takes the film through developer and fixer chemicals. These films are consumables which, once used, cannot be used again, and the chemicals themselves can cause harm to the environment if not disposed of properly. To support our sustainability pledge, we have invested in and have started to implement real-time digital radiography wherever possible. This process uses X-rays to create a digital image that is displayed instantly on a computer screen without the need for consumables or chemicals. This allows us to reduce waste and provide a more sustainable service.
Link Goals to Sustainability
At Parachute, one significant way we've integrated sustainability into our operations involves tying performance goals directly to sustainability achievements. By aligning our business objectives with environmental and social governance targets, we ensure sustainability remains a core focus even during budget constraints. This approach includes incorporating sustainability metrics into executive compensation and creating incentives for teams that meet specific environmental objectives.
Additionally, we promote cross-departmental collaboration to embed sustainability into various aspects of our business. For example, we have established sustainability champions within each department who are tasked with driving green initiatives and integrating sustainable practices into their workflows. Regular meetings and communication channels facilitate the sharing of ideas and best practices, ensuring that sustainability is not siloed but a shared responsibility. This collaborative approach fosters a company-wide culture of innovation and responsibility towards environmental stewardship.
Implement Green Procurement Policy
One of the ways I 'embedded' sustainability in the business was by installing a Green Procurement Policy. This meant that all departments had to buy the most sustainable products available, from the office supplies to the materials we used in production.
For it to work, our procurement team needed to understand what sustainability criteria meant and how life-cycle assessments could be part of supplier selection, so we spent a lot of time training up. We also partnered with vendors who, on paper, were verifiably more environmentally responsible.
This green procurement strategy had several positive impacts. First, it helped make our operation more resource-efficient by minimizing waste, reducing energy consumption, and encouraging recycling. Secondly, the eco-friendly business methods boosted our brand image and increased our appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, thus enhancing our market competitiveness. Thirdly, the pilot project demonstrated that integrating sustainability into core business operations would enhance operational efficiencies and support the company's wider corporate responsibility targets. It benefited both the business and the environment.
Conduct Video Interviews
Video interviews are becoming the norm in recruiting circles, but I don't see much made of the green benefits therein. Yes, skipping in-person meet-and-greets is convenient, but it also eliminates a good deal of travel. Reducing cars on the road is one of the most crucial things you can do for the environment.
It sounds small, but it's not uncommon for companies to hold several dozen interviews for a single position. Doing these virtually really adds up. Now, multiply that by the number of hires happening at any given time around the country.
At Bemana, I evaluate candidates via video whenever possible. While jobs can't always be remote, there is no real downside to holding interviews this way, and it's a great step toward sustainability.
Collaborate for Sustainability
A different approach we've taken to incorporating sustainability into our business operations is through strategic partnerships and collaboration. Rather than considering sustainability purely as our responsibility, we understand the value of collaborating with other partners to create genuine change. For example, we've worked with local communities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to conduct environmental conservation projects and promote sustainable development.
Through these collaborations, we can use local knowledge and resources to solve sustainability issues in a more comprehensive and effective way. Whether it's forestry efforts, waste management projects, or encouraging sustainable agriculture techniques, cooperating with other groups allows us to multiply our impact and effect long-term change.
We think that by cultivating a collaborative and cooperative culture, firms may open up new avenues for innovation and produce shared value for society and the environment.
Adopt Carbon-Offset Program
At JetLevel Aviation, we've integrated sustainability into our operations by adopting a carbon-offset program. For every flight we charter, we calculate the carbon emissions and invest in environmental projects to offset these emissions. This practice not only helps mitigate our environmental impact but also aligns with our commitment to responsible business practices, appealing to environmentally-conscious clients.
Source Eco-Friendly Fabrics
At DasFlow, we've integrated sustainability into our operations by sourcing exclusively from suppliers who provide eco-friendly fabrics and using advanced, energy-efficient printing technologies. This approach not only reduces our environmental impact but also appeals to consumers looking for sustainable athleisure options, aligning with our commitment to ethical business practices.
Enforce Green Procurement Policy
One impactful way I've integrated sustainability practices into our business operations is by implementing a comprehensive green procurement policy. This approach involves prioritizing the purchase of eco-friendly and sustainable products and services for our business needs, from office supplies to company vehicles.
For example, we made a strategic decision to source office supplies like paper, pens, and furniture from suppliers who adhere to environmentally friendly practices, such as using recycled materials or renewable energy sources. Additionally, for our company vehicles, we opted for electric models to reduce carbon emissions. This not only supports our commitment to sustainability but also encourages our suppliers and partners to adopt greener practices.
The successful integration of this policy has not only reduced our environmental footprint but has also positively influenced our brand image and attracted like-minded clients and employees who value sustainability. Implementing a green procurement policy required initial research and some adjustments in supplier relationships, but the long-term benefits in terms of sustainability and operational costs have been significant.
This practice demonstrates that sustainability can be embedded in the core business operations and can drive both ecological and economic value. For any organization looking to integrate sustainability into their operations, starting with procurement can be a practical and impactful first step.
