What’s sustainability planning?

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Sustainability planning is a form of long-term business planning focused on environmental issues associated with business. This involves thinking about how to do business in an environmentally friendly way over the long term and developing a plan to take advantage of environmental trends to position a company in the marketplace. Businesses of all shapes and sizes can benefit from sustainability planning, and there are a number of extensive guides put out by government agencies and environmental organizations to guide businesses through this process.

During sustainability planning, people identify environmental topics of interest and relevance to a business‘s mission and function. Planning includes finding ways to do business in ways that are more environmentally sustainable to keep the business functional and addressing issues such as immediate and hidden costs associated with the business. For example, moving an office to a paperless scheme will be expensive in the short term because of software and equipment expenses, but in the long term it will reduce costs for paper, ink and related supplies. Additionally, it will allow the company to market itself as environmentally friendly and progressive, two traits consumers may look for.

Developing long-term business strategies requires thinking about expansion possibilities, possible directions for taking a business over its lifespan, and considering possible regulations and changes in the market climate. Sustainability planning includes planning ahead for changes that are likely to occur, based on existing information and concerns. A company in a polluting industry may see signs that regulations will be tightened and take steps to anticipate and comply with them before they appear to be ahead of the curve, for example.

Companies can also think about the opportunities available in the green commercial market. Sustainability planning can include identifying new market sectors and thinking about ways to take advantage of them. Companies with flexibility when it comes to developing new products and services are more likely to anticipate market needs and be in a position to meet them than companies that react to changing market forces and struggle to stay afloat.

Business consultants specializing in sustainability planning are available to assist companies in developing and implementing sustainable practices. It is also possible for companies to appoint a group internally to work on sustainability projects, set goals, monitor progress and help other company departments achieve the goals set by the group. Consumers often expect large companies to have a department dedicated to environmental responsibility, and this group can be good public relations for a company, as well as help the company prosper in the long term.

Asset Smart.

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