In an interview with Parität Berlin, Steve Grundig (consultant and training manager at plant values) answers questions about sustainability in the social sector, shows first steps and highlights challenges.
Various training courses offer in-depth knowledge and methodology for the procedure, via the plans values in the newsletter regularly informed. Of course, there is also the possibility of individual counselling on sustainability in social institutions or the sustainable orientation of social institutions.
Sustainability in social institutions - for the benefit of employees, clients and the environment
The interview was conducted by Julia Mann (Paritätische Akademie Berlin): The idea of operating more sustainably has already gained a foothold in many social enterprises. However, against the backdrop of climate change, it is becoming increasingly clear that more comprehensive changes are needed. Social organisations can do a lot now to prepare for this.
In this context, we would like to address the issue of Sustainability management for social organisations. The aim is to make companies and organisations more socially, ecologically and economically sustainable - i.e. in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (read here).
What contribution can we make to Well-being of our clients and future generations in an ever more rapidly changing environment?
Behind our interview partner and lecturer Steve Grundig has over eight years of experience in the field of sustainability consulting for companies at plant values. In recent years, he has become increasingly involved with social institutions and organisations and has held workshops with employees and managers. We spoke to him about why now is the right time to integrate the topic of sustainability into your own organisation and what steps are necessary to do so.
Sustainability brings many advantages - also for social organisations and charitable institutions
Mr Grundig, how do social institutions benefit from addressing sustainability?
Steve Grundig: It has many advantages. On the one hand, it is an opportunity to save energy and resources. save and therefore often cash. At the same time more independent from fluctuating electricity and heating costs or food prices.
On the other hand, studies show that employees in the social sector in particular have an increased interest in the topic. Those who are seriously concerned with sustainability position themselves as Attractive employer and can thus counteract the shortage of skilled labour to some extent.
The mission statement or values of the organisations or sponsors are often also a direct call for sustainability. Those who take their values and mission statement seriously will then often end up with the principle of sustainable action. In workshops, it is often mentioned as a motivation that an organisation should be a Be a role model and, for example, wants to convey the attitude of acting sustainably.
Holistic sustainability means that we are not only concerned with climate and the environment, but that the Social sustainability and Responsible corporate governance thinks along with you. Acting sustainably means using resources in such a way that they can regenerate themselves and are not overexploited. This principle can be applied to environmental issues, to the form of corporate governance and, in terms of social sustainability, also to the company's own employees.
Consider sustainability in your own core business and set priorities
Many are already looking to become more sustainable. For example, they are printing less and switching to fair trade organic coffee. Is that probably not enough?
Steve Grundig: No. Reducing paper consumption and organic coffee are the first good steps. But the question must always be, what happens in our Core business? What are our major impacts? Both in the direction of where we cause damage and in the direction of where we can make a contribution, e.g. with the use of our building, our grounds, our services for users of the facility, etc.
This involves scrutinising existing processes, structures and services. Those who actively involve the users of the organisation, employees and other stakeholder groups can position themselves for the future.
What priority should sustainability have in a company and why?
Steve Grundig: In view of the various crises in the world, ambitious action is more than overdue. Sustainability as a guiding principle for decisions and social development is crucial, how well or badly we will live in a few years and what we leave behind for our children and grandchildren. Companies have a special responsibility here, as they have a major influence and actively shape people's lives and our immediate environment.
Of course, there is a lot of work involved at first. However, in view of the many advantages, it should still be a high priority in the company.
Starting with sustainability in social institutions - despite scarce resources in the organisation
How can an organisation make time and resources for this in its day-to-day work?
Steve Grundig: What is not possible is to do this on the side and after work. However, it usually fails precisely because there are not enough resources available or there is no clear responsibility. Therefore: A first step could be to form a working group so that 3-5 people from different areas can each dedicate a few hours to the project. are given time off from work. This is what the Backing from the managementwhich clearly states how the resources are made available.
What conditions are needed in an organisation to implement the changes in terms of sustainability?
Steve Grundig: Employees and users must be involved in the process. Together, goals should be set that fit in with a developed vision of a sustainable organisation. Sustainability should Part of the work culture and are firmly integrated into the offers and services of the organisation. This happens, for example, through regular training sessions, team events with a sustainability theme or fixed agenda items in team meetings to discuss environmental and social issues.
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Are you planning the next steps towards sustainability?
Ask me for a free information meeting.
I am ready with advice and pleasure.
Steve Grundig
Sustainability in human resources and corporate culture
Knowledge transfer and help for self-help for more sustainability in social institutions
What do you attach particular importance to in your seminars for social organisations? What do you want to convey?
Steve Grundig: I am happy to give a few practical examples and inspiration on what you can implement immediately. It's important to get into action.
However, as social organisations have very different purposes and structures, we always place a strong focus on methodology in our work. Our goal, whether in a counselling session or in seminars, is always Helping people to help themselves. Every person should be empowered to tackle the challenges of sustainability in their own organisation.
Let's take a look at the typical training structure: The participants learn what sustainability means. They are given initial instructions on how to translate this far-reaching term to their own organisation in order to then identify specific fields of action. I think it's important to identify the relevant topics yourself and not get bogged down in small details or even greenwashing. Overall, I always try to convey tools and procedures and to initiate an exchange of experiences between the participants.
We follow a similar approach in our consulting services. We empower people to tackle sustainability themselves and develop an understanding of it. We do not want to create a dependency on the advisory service, but rather help the social organisation to adopt and implement sustainable development itself.
The future? There will be a permanent crisis mode and new alliances will be needed
Where do you see the biggest changes in the coming years and what are specific ways in which the social economy can prepare for them?
Steve Grundig: We are currently facing numerous changes and unfortunately also a kind of permanent crisis mode. This is the point at which many people and some organisations feel overwhelmed.
There are two approaches to climate change. We need to minimise our own impact on the climate in order to mitigate further warming. At the same time, we need to adapt to the already changing climate. This is about Well-being and health of the people in the facilitybut also hard-hitting safety and emergency plans when it comes to prevention and protection against extreme weather events and disasters.
In order to save resources, we will move more consistently towards a Circular economy have to come. As a regional player, social organisations are good partners here, because a lot of resources are needed where many people are cared for or meet up.
If we look beyond environmental issues: Holistic sustainability is increasingly becoming a decision-making criterion for volunteers and permanent employees, for sponsors, for politicians and funding organisations and, of course, for users. Anyone who wants to continue to offer attractive services for users, be a good employer or fulfil the requirements for funding will have to deal with sustainability.
The best preparation is to face up to the issue: Get going and Form a working group or appoint a responsible person. Then look at where you stand, what the key issues, opportunities and risks are in your own organisation. Then you can prepare yourself and actively shape the major changes.
Do social organisations see the connection between climate justice and social justice? How can this be communicated well and established within the organisation?
Steve Grundig: There are already Closing ranks between social and environmental organisationsbecause both say you have to support each other and not play against each other. That can even on a small scale This can happen, for example, if the environmental organisation works together with the local social institution.
Ideally, the demands of environmental organisations will be formulated in a more socially responsible way and social institutions with their numerous buildings, employees and services can become drivers for a climate-neutral society, for biodiversity and for a functioning circular economy. That would be a win-win situation for everyone!
Thank you very much for the interview, Mr Grundig.
The interview with Steve Grundig was conducted by Julia Mann (Paritätische Akademie Berlin).
Originally published here under: www.akademie.org/wie-koennen-sich-soziale-einrichtungen-nachhaltig-aufstellen-steve-grundig/
Cover picture: Steve Grundig (Photo: Thomas Schlorke for plant values © )