TL;DR:
Due to climate change, resource scarcity, and rising consumer expectations, sustainability is becoming essential for businesses. Becoming a sustainable company can be profitable and innovative, but can also seem very difficult. In this article we provide you with a simple, step by step guide to get your company on the way to sustainability and making your company future proof.
Introduction
The more we are starting to notice the effects of climate change, the more important sustainability is becoming in the business imperative. Along with climate change, we are increasingly dealing with resource scarcity, and rising consumer awareness, reshaping how companies operate and how customers choose who to support. The greater public does not solely care for profit maximalization anymore, but companies that consider the broader human needs.
But there is good news: becoming a sustainable company is not just doable, it can be profitable, innovative, and a powerful way to lead your industry. With the right tools and guidance, even small steps can make a huge impact.
Why sustainability is urgent (and smart)
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), human-caused global warming has already reached approximately 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels, and is on track to exceed 1.5°C unless immediate action is taken. This isn’t just an environmental crisis anymore, it can be considered an economic one.
Consider these numbers:
78% of consumers say they're more likely to support brands that prioritize sustainability and the importance of a sustainable lifestyle.
Companies with ‘high sustainability’ efforts have outperformed their competition over the long term according to this Harvard Business School study.
Globally, there is over $30 trillion invested in sustainable investing assets.
So, the question is not whether your company should become sustainable, it is how fast can you get there? To help you on the way, we have made this guide that explains in a few steps how you can make your company more sustainable.
Step-by-Step: How to become a sustainable company
1. Define your vision
Set a north star. What matters to your company? carbon neutrality? Ethical sourcing? Circular economy? Knowing where you want to go makes it easier to define the road to get there.
2. Measure and audit your impact
You can’t improve what you can’t measure. Calculate your carbon footprint with one of the tools that can be found online. Regreener offers for example the Footprint Navigator. This tool is designed to help companies assess and manage their carbon emissions, with as primary purpose to facilitate the measurement of your scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
3. Embed sustainability across your business
Once you have measured your carbon footprint, you can implement this knowledge in your sustainability plan. The goal is to make sustainability a core strategy, not a side project. Implement it for example in
Products: Design with circularity in mind. Use reusable, modularity, low-impact materials.
Operations: Use green energy, efficient processes, and waste-reduction programs.
Supply Chain: Source locally or ethically, track emissions, and ensure fair labor practices.
In addition to our carbon footprint tool, we also offer comprehensive consultation throughout the process. Interested? Contact us here!
4. Empower your people
Sustainable change comes from within. Train your staff in sustainability, launch green challenges, and build a purpose-driven culture. Employees feel more engaged with a company that is doing ‘something good’. It is not easy, but once you have your employees engaged, they can be up to 16% more productive and 18% more loyal.
5. Track, report, and certify
Sustainability is not a “one-and-done” effort, so once you are on the road forward, it is essential to stay on that road. Keep tracking and reporting your emissions. Besides that, it is highly advised to become certified by a globally recognized standard like Ecovadis or B-Corp. This certification can be very useful in the next, and last step
6. Communication
Once you have gone through all these efforts to make your company more sustainable, it is important to communicate this correctly to the outside world. A good communication strategy can help you build stakeholder trust and credibility, it engages employees even more, it attracts customers and it can strengthen B2B relationships and sales. For the strongest effect, it is important to communicate in a correct way, also to avoid greenwashing. To find a comprehensive guide on this, please read our article Sustainability communication: the do’s and don’ts s for ethical green marketing strategies.
Start small, scale fast
You don’t need to become carbon neutral overnight. But you do need to start. Keep in mind for the quick start: Discover where you stand today Get a clear, personalized roadmap for improvement Just start where you can
Conclusion
Becoming a sustainable company is no longer a futuristic ideal, it is today’s business imperative. The steps may seem daunting at first, but every action, no matter how small, moves your company closer to a more resilient, responsible, and profitable future. By following our 6 steps, becoming as sustainable company comes within reach for everyone. Define your vision, measure your impact, embed sustainability across your business, empower your people, track your progress, and communicate authentically.
Ready to take control over your CO2 footprint?
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Looking for extra info?
Want to know more about CO2 management through tooling? ➔ Discover the top 10 carbon footprint calculators in our explainer article
➔ Learn how to calculate your company’s CO2 impact with our step-by-step guide
➔ Discover all Regreener’s Carbon Footprint Calculator has to offer
Want to know the difference between carbon neutrality and net zero? Read our article that clearly compares both concepts.
➔ Learn more about the difference between carbon neutral & net zero
Keen to understand how CO₂ is measured and reduced? Read our articles on Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and CO₂ emissions factors.
➔ Learn more about Scope 1-2-3 emissions
➔ Learn more about CO₂ emissions factors
Curious how to communicate sustainably and credibly? Read our articles on the do’s and don’ts of sustainable messaging and authentic green marketing.
➔ Discover the do’s and don’ts for green marketing
➔ Learn more about greenwashing & authentic communication
Want to build a credible green reputation? Explore the best sustainability frameworks and certification systems.
➔ Learn more about sustainable frameworks and certificates
Looking for ways to combine sustainability with profit?
➔ Learn more about quick wins for cost-effective reduction of your CO2 footprint
➔ Find out why sustainable companies will are becoming increasingly profitable
Looking for a meaningful way to offset your CO₂ emissions and support nature?
➔ Discover the 5 best tree planting organizations in the Netherlands
Didn't see the answer to your question?
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