Sustainability is not just about long term environmental protection but it is a huge part of it as it is intertwined with economic and social outcomes. It is about businesses making a profit ( economic) and people’s health and well-being (social aspect) protected and enriched in the long term. It is not about today. It is about tomorrow and years to come. To break it down:

a. If a business is not making money, it cannot cover its operational cost, it is bound to shut down

b. If the people’s well-being is being affected by the business operations, products and services the staff and community will revolt, and it will have to change its policies or eventually be shut down.

c. If the environment is harmed, the health and livelihood of the people and other living things in the eco-system will be affected. People and nature will revolt — It’s already happening — but in this case, the polluting businesses haven’t all shut down, but some have or are changing their processes – a current political issue. More climate action is required. Read more …..

Do you know that building sustainability into your business can impact your bottom line?

a. When you integrate sustainability into your existing offerings, you send a message to your clients that you care about them, their community and the environment you do business.

b. You build lasting relationships with your clients.

c. You are able to discuss issues and implement projects that affect them and they are able to discuss your business to their network in addition to the products or services you offer.

d. In doing that you open doors to more opportunities to improve your market share and increased profit margin. e. It is also a business risk mitigation measure that keeps your customers loyal to you.

Sustainability Best practices will include the following:

a. Creating sustainability programs /projects around your business and products.
b. Identifying an environmental, social or health issue that you are passionate about and tie your product or service to that. Example: A waste project to reduce paper waste or an energy project to minimize energy usage etc. ; organizing/participating in a tree planting event; and participating in a community initiative to provide for the less privileged.
c. Sustainability reporting- Showcasing all your sustainability initiatives to your clients, network and the public.