Most of us in the sustainability world approach our jobs from the perspective of sustainability. Well, duh… a batter doesn’t walk up to the batter’s box with the mindset of the groundskeeper. So while this makes sense, it can also be a hindrance in connecting to business opportunities and value. I’ve long preached that sustainability professionals must learn in detail how their company/clients make money and why as a foundation for sustainability initiatives. Here’s a “next step” idea that turns the concept on its head:
Instead of developing a sustainability project that saves money (such as energy efficiency projects), try this:
Identify all the company cost savings goals, targets and initiatives and then find sustainability attributes that relate to those and contribute (hopefully additional) cost savings.
This tactic may identify additional cost savings by exploring sustainability attributes/initiatives associated with the original reductions, or provide a way to credibly attach a sustainability tag to the already-identified savings. Either way, you can still demonstrate sustainability business value.
Remember – sustainability doesn’t have to come first.
Members can read more about the business value of sustainability here, along with other resources like our Guidebook Simplifying ESG/Sustainability Business Value and Checklist: Economic Opportunities for Environmental Improvements
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