Sustainability in the company: Goals and opportunities
The word “sustainability” is on everyone’s lips. However, it is not just a passing trend, but a necessity if our planet is to have a future. The word is usually used in connection with environmental protection and ecological responsibility. However, sustainability encompasses much more and affects almost all areas of our society. Private consumers are just as responsible as business and politics; everyone must face up to the challenges and make their contribution to the implementation of sustainability strategies and sustainability goals.
What does sustainability mean?
Something is sustainable if it lasts for a longer period of time, i.e. if it is durable. And this is exactly what sustainability is all about: buying products that last and making decisions that promise not only immediate benefits but also long-term success. It is also about living in harmony with nature and protecting the environment so that future generations will still find an intact planet. Sustainability permeates all areas of life: We can shop sustainably, build sustainably, get around sustainably, produce sustainably, invest money sustainably and much more. Living sustainably is a conscious decision and starts with our own behavior.
What does sustainability mean in the company?
When companies consciously use their resources, they are acting sustainably. Resources can be both the materials and raw materials used as well as people themselves in the form of their labor. Sustainability in the company also has many faces: from the use of recyclable packaging and the avoidance of plastic waste to respect for human rights, for example when raw materials are imported from other countries, sustainability can be implemented in many different ways. It is important that the concept of sustainability is anchored in the corporate culture as one of the guiding themes and that a clear sustainability strategy is in place. Nowadays, it is almost impossible to do without this, as consumers and customers are attaching ever greater importance to the sustainability of the value chain of the goods or services offered.
What can sustainability look like in a company?
Many paths lead to greater sustainability in a company. Some measures, such as saving energy, avoiding waste or conserving resources, represent opportunities to act sustainably in both the private and business environment. Depending on the industry or business model, companies can ensure that the supply chains of the products they offer are climate-neutral, that employees travel to business meetings by train instead of by plane and that the office building is well insulated so that no energy escapes. The company’s own photovoltaic system on the roof allows it to harness the power of the sun. But even small actions have an impact and sustainability in the company starts with the use of environmentally friendly cleaning agents or the installation of a bee hotel. In the best case scenario, a company has its own sustainability strategy.
Ecological, economic and social sustainability
In 1997, the EU divided sustainability into three areas: environmental, economic and social sustainability. These are also known as ESG criteria. ESG stands for environmental, social and governance – environmental, social and responsible corporate governance. It is a good idea to take a closer look at the three pillars of sustainability in order to understand the big picture and develop your own sustainability strategy.
Ecological sustainability
This area relates to environmental protection and nature conservation as well as the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable companies rely on renewable energies and renewable raw materials.
Economic sustainability
Generating profits, yes, but in the most responsible and environmentally friendly way possible so that future generations can also look forward to a high quality of life. Sustainable companies place just as much value on transparency as they do on local and regional value chains.
Social sustainability
Fair working conditions, respect for human rights and equal opportunities are just three of many examples that fall into this area. Sustainable companies assume social responsibility, show their employees appreciation and also pay attention to humane working conditions throughout the entire supply chain.
Development of a sustainability strategy
For example, companies can take action in the areas of resources, energy, employees, supply chain or CO2 footprint and optimize these in terms of sustainability. However, not every measure is equally suitable for all sectors and types of company. To ensure that the path to greater ecological, economic and social responsibility is already sustainable, it is recommended to develop an individual sustainability strategy. This usually consists of three steps:
1. analysis of the current situation
What is the initial situation? What approaches is the company management pursuing? Are measures for more resource conservation and material efficiency already being implemented? Are there any ongoing projects or completed sustainability innovations? Does the company use green electricity? The analysis of the current situation forms the basis for the sustainability strategy.
2. creation of a concept
The next step is to consider which measures are suitable and realistic for the company. It is important to define and schedule the sustainability goals as precisely as possible. What should be achieved by when? Becoming a sustainable company is a process that is best started at management level.
3. monitor compliance with sustainability targets
All measures introduced must be monitored and their impact and success measured. Did everything go according to plan or do some implementations need more time? Where is there a need for optimization? Have the framework conditions changed? Regular monitoring enables systematic improvement of sustainability in the company.
What advantages do sustainable companies have?
And why all this? Doing business sustainably initially sounds like a challenge, if not an obligation. Both are true, but there are also numerous advantages for companies that operate sustainably. It is therefore not only worthwhile in terms of our planet and future generations to show economic, social and ecological responsibility, but also in our own interests. Here are a few examples:
Sustainable companies save costs!
Conscious use of energy and resources ensures that only as much as necessary is consumed. Less money is spent on electricity or packaging, which of course saves costs. There may even be a PV system on the roof that the company uses to cover its own electricity requirements.
Sustainable companies have a better image!
Sustainability is a good thing and should be communicated openly. Companies that use green electricity, produce no plastic waste and use company bicycles or e-cars for business trips enjoy a good reputation. This has a positive effect on customer acquisition on the one hand and on the search for new employees on the other.
Sustainable companies can set higher prices!
Consumers are quite willing to pay more for sustainable products and services. The majority of people are aware that climate- and environmentally friendly and resource-conserving materials and manufacturing processes are more expensive than non-sustainable supply chains and production processes.
Sustainable companies have motivated employees!
Responsible and people-friendly corporate structures lead to higher employee satisfaction and less fluctuation, as the company is managed in such a way that employees feel comfortable and have no reason to leave. Secondly, many people identify with a sustainable way of working, as they also pursue a corresponding lifestyle in their private lives.
Sustainable companies remain fit for the future!
Resource scarcity, climate change, skills shortages – these are the key issues of today and tomorrow. Laws on greenhouse gas and CO2 emissions as well as reporting requirements for resource conservation are constantly being tightened. Companies that face up to their social responsibility at an early stage can adapt to new framework conditions more quickly.
What are the goals of sustainability?
If all companies and people adopted an effective approach to sustainability, the planet would be a better place: there would be no hunger or poverty, there would be less inequality in the world as everyone would have access to education, clean water and sanitation, green energy would be affordable for everyone … These are just some of the global goals formulated by the world community.
Small measures that make an impact
Every contribution counts on the road to greater sustainability in the company and there are numerous opportunities for those responsible to take action. Great deeds often start on a small scale: for example, offering organic fruit, switching to a paperless office or creating an incentive to use public transport. And it is not only worth optimizing heating behavior and completely disconnecting electronic devices from the mains overnight in view of rising energy costs. In a sustainable company, the business account is managed via a sustainable bank, business trips are replaced by video conferencing and green electricity is used. The list of possible measures is long.
Conclusion: Sustainability in the company
The question is not whether a company wants to be sustainable, but rather when and how it starts. Only an effective sustainability concept can ensure that the earth remains a planet worth living on. From small businesses to large corporations, everyone has a responsibility and must rethink their working conditions, supply chains, manufacturing processes and corporate governance. This is associated with many challenges, but also offers numerous business opportunities and benefits.
Sustainability can be implemented in almost all departments and areas, including HR management. Teamhero, the central and time-saving personnel planning software, supports companies in optimizing work and communication processes and thus making them more sustainable. The program can be used to strategically determine and plan rosters, requirements and capacities over the long term. If all shifts, tasks and projects are optimally staffed, this not only increases productivity and efficiency, but also employee satisfaction. Efficient personnel planning is therefore an important aspect of any sustainability concept.
