What steps can businesses take to ensure they are set to expand and operate sustainably?

While the old brand practices, such as performance measurement, quality assurance, etc., are still important, they are now insufficient goal-setting policies. With climate change concerns and the need for prioritizing sustainability in every facet of our society hitting the roof, it has become imperative to go beyond iterative advancements. Today, businesses are expected to be flexible enough to take on environmental issues that the world is grappling with. The best way to develop a genuinely strong and stable sustainability strategy (and also achieve the SDGs) is to increase commitment and dedication towards incorporating sustainability into an organization.

The past strategies are no longer as effective, and many businesses are raising their aspirations to meet the current bar. Take a look at some of the steps sustainable companies are practicing below.

• Comprehensive perspective— They include context-based goals and ethics metrics to take societal problems into account, such as climate targets, poverty eradication, etc. Businesses are improving their grasp of the bigger picture, setting goals based on what has to be done rather than on their perceptions of what they can do. 

• Using SDGs as a guide— Conscious businesses are supporting SDGs by considering more than just achieving goals separately. They include strategies like backcasting, deductive innovation, etc., to create cascading SDG outcomes. Starting with a goal and exploring the circumstances and tools required to achieve it, then getting to work. Incorporating SDGs into company operations and utilizing them as a map to locate new markets and transform old ways also contributes to reaping significant benefits. The rewards are quantified by a rise in both corporate and social values. 

• Zooming the lens on the important things— An ambitious objective requires resources to achieve. As a result, businesses are carefully deciding where to go big and where to concentrate on continual progress. Big goals are being focused on issues that are crucial not just to the operation of the company but to improving the planet.

Including all-encompassing strategies based on measurable results— Businesses are approaching their sustainability goals by assessing the risk of both negative and positive outcomes (to minimize the former and boost the latter). For instance, companies with strong climate objectives take into account all of their climate impacts, including direct and supply chain emissions, policy statements, etc. This adds thoroughness and increases the chance of success because it involves not just a precise progress plan but understanding the root cause and deep comprehension of the potential impacts.

Finding the perfect medium to bridge the gap between achieving commercial goals and acting responsibly toward the environment is challenging, which is why many organizations' strategy planning procedures are now being modeled on the concept of sustainability. While a cost-effective corporate sustainability strategy isn't always simple to achieve, it's crucial for satisfying market demands as well as establishing an environmental brand reputation. It also assists businesses in complying with today's stricter environmental standards. 

Companies looking to make a difference are aware that their targets won't be flawless, but they nonetheless take action while knowing that they might need to make adjustments along the way to meet marketplace changes. To achieve this, it can be beneficial to pair a set of ambitious long-term goals with a set of doable short-term targets. Here are five realistic goals companies can include in their operation to improve their sustainability efforts.

Doable Corporate Sustainability Targets 

• Prioritizing Sustainability

Company goals & mission statements outline the principles it aims to uphold every day. Including sustainability in your mission statement and supporting it with the right programs and actions demonstrates the unshakeable dedication of your business to be environmentally friendly.

• Entire Organization Participation  

Encourage everyone to participate in office sustainability programs because the impact is greater with a united contribution. You can form a team whose job is to create green initiatives for the company. It will facilitate an eco-friendly ethos throughout the entire organization by giving your employees the tools to get involved and take responsibility for the outcomes.

• Prioritizing recycling & waste reduction

Finding strategies to reduce waste in your workplace procedures contributes to becoming more productive and better environmental stewards. Ensure every member is aware of the benefits of reducing office waste and how to go about doing it. Lowering workplace wastage benefits the environment, increases resource efficiency, and cuts office waste management expenses. 

• Create green policies

• Conduct a waste audit and set up recycling bins

• Use energy-saving/efficient appliances around the office

• Digitize things around the office

• Distribute sustainable swags like reusable totes and cups, refillable pens and so on

• Take part in local events to find out how you can help the community

• Join an organization(s) that can guide you on sustainable practices

• Environmentally friendly sourcing  

Improve supply chain management, particularly in the area of sustainable sourcing, to meet company sustainability goals. Businesses must be accountable for environmental, social, and ethical behavior, not just for themselves but for their suppliers as well. 

• Track your sustainability progress 

Tracking results help in knowing where you stand. Accounting for the ups and downs will help you detect where you're doing good and make changes to the areas that need improvement.

How Gallant Can Help 

It's crucial to have a successful corporate sustainability plan that includes the most eco-friendly strategies—switching to ethical sources whenever and wherever possible will lessen the reliance on plastics and other unsustainable materials. Gallant's wholesale promotional and retail products made of certified organic cotton can help an organization's sustainability initiatives in reducing swag waste and carbon footprint. Organic cotton-made products provide a wide range of options (wholesale t-shirts and custom canvas tote bags being among the most popular) and also sends a message to the audience that your business is dedicated to protecting the environment (and supporting social issues).  

Get in touch with Gallant to find out more about sustainable wholesale marketing products!