Why is it More Effective to Focus on Results than Recognition in Corporate Sustainability?

In recent years, companies are becoming more and more recognised for their efforts in their sustainability practices. This happens through the presentation of awards, the listing of top companies and the mention in the news of great feats in sustainability.

Each of these achievements is incredibly important for a company's bottom line as they allow the company to engage in a form of marketing otherwise unaccessible without participation in these sustainability practices.

However, to ensure the sustainability of these sustainability practices, a company must ensure the values of a healthy economy, society and environment are at the core of these practices. Commitments which first and foremost focus on achieving brand recognition will often fall short of meaningful impact.

It is more beneficial to focus on metrics such as energy reduction, employee satisfaction and the impact to your company's bottom line. For some businesses especially SMEs and start-ups, commencing your commitment to sustainability with some of the basic steps is a great way to ensure that you are on the right track for creating an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable business. This includes actions such as creating policies which check the boxes as well as signing up to programs which recognise and celebrate business’ commitments to sustainability.

One of the key aspects of sustainability which is often discussed at Strategic Sustainability Consultants is the need for a full company commitment to sustainability to ensure its effective implementation. This mean sustainability cannot be run as a side program of business; it must be run as a value-driven commitment.

This focus on values means the implementation of sustainability practices will not only be more valuable but will be less time-consuming and less costly to the business. It also means these sustainability practices can be continued long-term to ensure the effects of these practices are long-lasting and can be used as a way to model business goals and achievement for the next 10 to 15 years.

An effective sustainability approach not only looks at the marketing of the sustainability practices but also on how these practices affect the business. It is important to not only ensure that the check boxes are being ticked off but also that there is a meaningful commitment to sustainability that goes beyond recognition and celebration of a business' commitment to sustainability.

If you have any questions about how to ensure your company's commitment to sustainability is meaningful, please don't hesitate to contact us today.

This article was originally published on the Strategic Sustainability Consultants website.