Sustainable management seems to be a buzzword and many are satisfied with small measures. For companies that are a little more serious and want to take a progressive approach, we have collected 9 ideas to help them think beyond the familiar topics.
Anyone who implements these ideas is already making a greater contribution to sustainable business practices. In addition, many of the ideas are also a clear commitment to sustainability for customers. Nevertheless, it is important not to stop at individual measures, but to make sustainability part of the company. Anyone who has reached this stage should adopt a sustainability strategy and firmly anchor sustainability in their organisation.
We wish you every success in realising these progressive ideas for sustainable business!
If you are looking for even more knowledge, we have a Comprehensive guide to sustainability strategy in companies compiled.
1. environmentally friendly team events
Team building is undeniably important and the possibilities are many and varied. In addition to rallies and evening dinners, there is also the opportunity to do something good together. How about this World Cleanup Day Clean up the river together? Or helping at the animal shelter, serving food at the soup kitchen or demonstrating for a common goal?
2. pass on the findings for sustainable management to everyone
As simple as it is effective: If you have had good experiences with one or two measures for more sustainability yourself, it has an even greater effect to pass these tips on to partners, business customers, suppliers, fans and all interested parties (stakeholders). This creates a connection and genuine dialogue.
A cool example: Travel companies have a huge impact if they pass on sustainable take-away recommendations to their customers, e.g. refillable bottles, water filters, cutlery, mentruation cups, cotton bags, etc. Even if only some of the customers take this to heart, the ecological footprint will be smaller.
3. additional holiday days for social or environmental commitment
The first companies such as ecosia are leading the way and giving employees extra days of holiday to get involved in social, environmental or political causes. Time and people who can get involved are most valuable for most initiatives, making this measure all the more effective.
4. offsetting CO2 and emissions
Almost old hat for sustainable business, but an important one. If you have set yourself the goal of reducing emissions (CO2 and equivalents) but are unable to realise this, then it is a logical step to compensate for these differences. There are various projects that plant trees or promote renewable energies, for example. However, you should first find out which projects are credible and provide realistic figures. Here information from Federal Environment Agency.
5. create incentives for reusable products
The possibilities don't end with your own actions. Incentivising your customers to act more sustainably is a huge opportunity. As a café operator, for example, you can give customers a discount if they bring their own cups. Or as a textile company (like Haglöfs) a voucher when customers return their old jacket so that raw materials can be reused.
6. have your drinking water topped up free of charge
The refill initiative is committed to ensuring that people have access to tap water even when they are travelling, because tap water is a basic right. As a company, you can simply become part of the movement, register, be listed online and draw attention to it with stickers or labelling. This can also create new encounters with potential customers.
[glossary_exclude]Methods and best practice for sustainability in your mailbox
7. use leftovers and waste creatively
Upcycling, i.e. the re-use or even upgrading of used items, has become a real trend and an important part of sustainable business. As a company, you can also look around to see whether "waste" can be reused somewhere. Laguna online shop is leading the way by using employees' private boxes (shoes, etc.) as shipping boxes for its own products.
8. finds sustainable solutions together with employees and partners
Many entrepreneurs and managers are faced with sustainability issues at some point and can no longer find answers. This is quite normal with such a complex topic. That's why you should involve employees and customers in finding solutions. After all, developing solutions together is more fun, significantly increases acceptance and often creates more pragmatic and workable solutions.
9. make sustainability a fun process!
Dealing with sustainability issues can be time-consuming and always pose challenges. It doesn't have to be that way! Find formats, joint working groups, creative workshops, "craft sessions" or completely different elements that make sustainability something fresh and encouraging.
Inspiration for this can come from formats such as the Global Goals Jam or sustainable design thinking methodologies.
Think progressively and position the company for the future: Pursue sustainable management as a holistic approach
Progressive approaches are needed for major change in companies and organisations. Better as a whole, not just in individual measures. This is why plant values offers, among other things, strategic thinking (sustainability strategy), joint development of suitable solutions for departments or areas of action (CSR measures) or joint identification of the key levers for long-term sustainable corporate development - with you and your partners. (materiality analysis and stakeholder dialogue). Simply contact us or send us an e-mail!
Even more collected sustainability tips...
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Do you want to get out of your comfort zone and into the transformation?
Ask me for a free information meeting.
I am ready with advice and pleasure.
Toni Koç
Sustainability strategy and reporting topics
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