How to build a sustainable business

Board directors and other business leaders understand that effective, ethical corporate governance is their responsibility. In today’s world, that governance has taken on a broader definition. Financial reward is still a key goal, of course, but it’s not the only one.

Corporate governance is much more than ensuring efficient business practices and profitability for shareholders. Meeting this century’s corporate challenges means business leaders must focus on ESG — environmental, social, and (corporate) governance.

This focus means creating a sustainable business, but that term is somewhat vague. Many business leaders wonder exactly what makes a business sustainable.

Sustainability has several elements.

Environmental sustainability means protecting the environment by using as few finite resources as possible when operating your business.

It also means protecting the environment during the manufacturing, shipping, and sales processes.

Sustainability is not limited to the environment, however.

Solid business practices include economic and social sustainability.

Good corporate governance minimises negative impacts on every level and protects the well-being of employees, shareholders, local communities, and the broader world. It’s a huge, complex responsibility.

You have to make sustainability a core value if you want to embrace ESG. Every decision you make as a board director or company leader needs to be viewed through that lens. Some basic steps toward sustainability include the following:

• Use sustainable sources: Purchase products and supplies from manufacturers that embrace green practices. For instance, when you buy paper or wood, choose a supplier that plants trees to ensure long-term supplies and environmental protection. Do not do business with those companies that raze forests and leave behind devastated land. Ensure your suppliers are compliant with government regulations.
• Use locally sourced materials: Buying locally sourced items reduces environmental damage caused by truck emissions. It also supports the local economy by pumping money into small businesses. Supporting community businesses is a key to social sustainability.
• Create and use sustainable materials: Try to produce items that are biodegradable or recyclable to reduce your company’s effect on the environment. Use recyclable packaging made of wood pulp, seaweed, cornstarch, and other materials. Avoid plastic whenever possible.
• Allow employees to work remotely: If possible, allow your employees to work from home or create a hybrid work situation. Remote work reduces your company’s carbon footprint because your office requires less energy to operate. The employees lower fuel consumption by eliminating their commute, which is helpful to the environment and saves them around $4500 in fuel costs each year. In addition, they reduce the length of their workday, which allows for more family time and community involvement.

Your leadership determines if your company truly adopts sustainable practices. You must create a culture of sustainability from the top down. Some ways to accomplish this mindset include:

• Create a sustainable game plan: You can begin by adopting a mission statement that focuses on ESG and expand it into a strategy that considers your company’s logistics, employment practices, community impact, employee training, etc.
• Set specific environmental policies: All company policies should reflect your sustainability philosophy. You’ll need to review current practices to be sure they follow the latest environmental regulations.
• Invest in staff education and retraining: A sustainable company invests in its greatest asset: its workforce. Providing ongoing education means higher productivity and efficiency. It also allows employees to grow and develop as individuals and take on more responsibility at your company. They can achieve a better quality of life while enhancing your company’s bottom line, which strengthens all three branches of sustainability.
• Prioritise community involvement: Contributing to the community often improves your company’s reputation and attracts new clients. But your community involvement should not focus on what you can get but on what you can give. When you become a responsible community member, you improve the lives of the public. A responsible company considers societal sustainability its responsibility outside of profitability concerns.
• Practice diversity: Sustainable companies are inclusive companies. They create a culture where all backgrounds and genders are recruited, hired, and respected. Diverse workplaces are associated with greater creativity, workforce retention, and productivity as well. A diverse workplace is good for everyone.

Today’s board directors and other corporate leaders have a responsibility beyond simply achieving financial excellence. You need to focus on creating economic, environmental, and societal sustainability. Companies do not exist outside the communities they serve. They should create a culture that contributes to the greater good by being a productive, responsible entity.

Sustainability is not a sacrifice. When a company is fully sustainable, it’s financially and socially successful. Excellent corporate governance considers the effect that all business practices have on employees, the environment, and the community.

Have you considered earning a university-approved Diploma in ESG as part of your sustainability goals? Download the free course brochure below.