Sustainable support
The Sustainable Business Project: a holistic new framework for organisational sustainability management towards a purposeful, inclusive and greener future
In an era characterised by environmental challenges and a growing imperative for corporate social responsibility, sustainable business practices have become not just a choice but a necessity for organisations worldwide. Using sustainability assessments rooted in rigorous research is a valuable way to support decision-making in organisations towards socially responsible and environmentally-friendly operations. The Centre for Environment and Sustainability at the University of Surrey has launched The Sustainable Business Project, a research study, to investigate approaches to organisational sustainability management and corporate social responsibility including large companies, SMEs, public sector and third sector organisations. Organisations interested in gaining a free assessment of sustainability are invited to participate in the project.
This article explores the concept of how a new model for holistic sustainability measurement and management can contribute to responsible business, including the wellbeing of communities, to help organisations thrive in the 21st century. Looking ahead to Human Rights Day on 10th December, it is timely to consider how sustainable business activities should include weighing the social impacts of operations, safeguarding the health and wellbeing of employees and the communities they operate in.
Why manage sustainability?
Sustainability has become an integral aspect of corporate strategy and decision-making. Our sustainability research focuses on the intersection of economic, environment and social activities, using a new framework that can be used to manage business success reconciled with the long-term health of our environment and society. The practical, adaptable sustainability framework developed as a part of the project, used to evaluate the impact of complex interconnected business operations, supported by a responsible and holistic business model, can ultimately contribute to the wellbeing of employees and communities along with reducing environmental impacts. The outputs from this project can enable businesses to benchmark their sustainability performance and go further to become regenerative and inclusive.
A new sustainability model – the 7E model for sustainability management has been developed for this project and has been used in the first phase of the study to assess approaches to business sustainability, decarbonisation and net zero progress, CSR and employee wellbeing. These results have been presented at international conferences recently. The advantage of the 7E model is its flexible and holistic approach to support business sustainability management.
Seven reasons for organisations to take part
The sustainable business project measures sustainability with data conveniently collected via an online survey that gives an overall sustainability score and sectional scores for seven key areas of the business, along with a Triple Bottom Line (TBL) score (economic, environment, social). Organisations in various stages of their sustainability journey, of all sizes and sectors can take part. The research project analyses approaches to materials management, decarbonisation, energy, emissions, social impact and governance to produce a sustainability index to support sustainability planning.
The 7E model (Figure 1) measures seven key areas of organisational sustainability, and overall sustainability performance using over 70 indicators.
Examples of sustainability indicators assessed by the 7E model.
The seven themes measured by the 7E model can contribute to responsible business strategy with several key benefits.
Economic
Implementing sustainable practices can lead to reduced resource consumption and waste, ultimately lowering operational costs. Companies with strong economic sustainability records may have better access to investors, markets, and partnerships, as sustainability is increasingly a factor in investment decisions. Being ahead of regulatory changes and consumer demands can offer a first-mover advantage.
Environmental
Reducing resource consumption and waste, along with circularity practices minimises costs and environmental impact, improving materials and resource efficiency. Demonstrating environmental responsibility can enhance a company’s image, attract environmentally conscious consumers, and help avoid reputational risks associated with environmental negligence. Meeting or exceeding environmental regulations can prevent fines and legal issues and ease compliance.
Expertise
Embracing innovation with sustainable technology can foster innovation and open up new market opportunities. Innovation not only improves a company’s environmental footprint, but also often results in the development of sustainable, greener products and services that can capture new markets and gain competitive advantage.
Energy
Efficient energy consumption through sustainable practices can result in significant cost savings. Investing in renewable energy sources can make a business more resilient to energy price fluctuations and supply disruptions. Measuring emissions and decarbonisation actions will support net zero transition planning.
Empathy
A focus on social sustainability, such as providing fair wages, diversity, inclusivity and a safe working environment, can lead to higher employee engagement. Consumers often favour companies that engage in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), with positive social impact which can lead to improved reputation, long term employee retention and competitive edge.
Ethics
Adhering to ethical principles in business practices builds trust with stakeholders and can enhance a company’s long-term credibility. Ethical business practices can help mitigate legal, climate-related and reputational risks.
Executive
Strong governance practices ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with laws and regulations. Stakeholders are more likely to support companies with sound governance structures, reducing the cost of capital.
In conclusion:
Sustainable business is no longer a mere ethical consideration but a strategic imperative for organisations today. The benefits – including cost savings, brand reputation, access to new markets, employee engagement, risk mitigation, and long-term viability make sustainability management a key consideration for businesses of all sizes and sectors. As the world becomes more conscious of its environmental and social responsibilities, organisations that incorporate a holistic sustainability model inclusive of employee and community wellbeing into their core operations are better positioned for long-term success, profitability, and a greener, more sustainable future. In a rapidly changing world where sustainability is becoming increasingly important to consumers, investors, and governments, businesses that embrace sustainability across all dimensions are better positioned for long-term success and growth. The 7E model used in this research can support a systems-based interconnected sustainability approach with flexibility for use by any size of company, with granular insights and comparability.
We would like to invite any organisations interested in gaining a free assessment of sustainability using the 7E model and other insights to take part in this project. Data is confidentially held, and results are anonymised. Companies that took part in phase one of this project have found the insights useful for implementing sustainability improvements.
Active Travel for Workplaces
Transport generates the most greenhouse gas emissions in Surrey, but swapping the car for walking, cycling or public transport brings benefits to the environment and beyond. Improved staff health and wellbeing, reduction in staff absences and increased productivity are just some of the pluses identified by the transport charity Sustrans
That’s why Active Surrey and Surrey County Council are working to help you help your staff travel more sustainably. Surrey County Council has teamed up with BetterPoints, a reward scheme which enables staff who walk, cycle and use public transport for part or all of their journeys earn vouchers to spend in high street stores or to donate to charity. Our Surrey Liftshare service enables employees to link with other members of their community who live nearby and make similar trips by car. Cycling training sessions are available for colleagues who would love to cycle but whose confidence is low. Interested?
Click here to find out more about how we can help or click here to take our short survey and express interest.
One-stop-shop to help businesses save money and go green
British businesses will be able to access new advice and support to reduce their energy bills and cut their carbon emissions from the UK Business Climate Hub.
British businesses will be able to access brand new advice and support to reduce their energy bills while cutting their carbon emissions.
- Business website offers new help for Britain’s 5.5 million SMEs to save on their energy bills while reducing their emissions
- the hub will provide small businesses with advice on everything from paying less for EVs, getting a low-carbon heat pump, to generating green energy and selling it back to the grid to make money
- comes as industry leaders and ministers on the new Net Zero Council call on all businesses from Aberystwyth to Aberdeen to develop net zero sector roadmaps
“People Planet Pastry or Pint is all about action, and bringing together local small businesses to hear about action that is going on locally, and know where to start themselves.
Whether you’re well on your way, or haven’t started, you’re more than welcome to come along. Free to attend. It’s all about sharing successes and challenges small businesses are facing to collectively build an action plan.
You might also want to consider the nationwide People Planet Pint meet up on 7th December for COP28. This will be a unified alternative COP28 event, with PPP’s all over the country at the same time, to give those who may be tired of the relentless news cycle somewhere to come and feel heard, and learn about local action they can get involved with. You’re invited to join us at the “Congress of the People Planet Pints”, or “COPPP28”.
If you’re curious about climate and want to learn more about what you can do individually or through your work, join others at COPPP28 to find out more about what’s happening in your area and how you can get involved.
Take the first step to a net zero future! SMES can get the standard (free)
The Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and British Standards Institution (BSI) have partnered to help SMEs reduce their energy bills and cut carbon. BEIS is sponsoring 100,000 FREE downloads of the energy management standard, BS ISO 50005. The standard is designed to help SMES manage their energy performance, which is crucial to controlling energy bills and minimise carbon emissions. It simplifies the implementation of an energy management system, and gives organisations with limited resources the means to develop a practical, low-cost approach to energy management.
For further information on the standard, download the free guide here or download your free energy management standard here.
https://businessclimatehub.org/sme-climate-commitment/
South2East Local Energy Strategy
We have worked with our partners Enterprise M3 and South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) to produce an ambitious energy strategy for our combined region.
The strategy, produced with technical consultants Siemens, was launched in March 2019, to help meet the UK’s statutory climate change targets for 2032 and 2050.
The shared vision for our region is to become a leader for sustainable energy production within the UK, powering innovative, decarbonised and clean economic growth. South2East Local Energy Strategy | Coast 2 Capital
Zero
ZERO is a community space set up to drive a community-led climate action plan. Promoting education and solutions for climate mitigation and adaptation, we’re bringing together the work happening locally to help the borough adapt to a changing planet.
They have lots of exciting events coming up – click on the link below to find out more.
https://www.zerocarbonguildford.org
Click here to learn why you should choose Zero
5D Net Zero Ltd – A Newly Launched Surrey Hills Based Carbon Management Consultancy – Can Help Your Business Become Carbon Neutral and Reach Net Zero
With the UK government targets set to reach Net Zero by 2050, it has never been more important for businesses to take action to mitigate climate change. 5D Net Zero – a newly launched carbon management consultancy – helps local businesses to reduce carbon emissions, become carbon neutral today and ultimately achieve net zero by 2050, in line with the UK Government’s commitment under the Climate Change Act.
5D Net Zero supports businesses in every step of their journey to net zero by delivering tailored carbon footprint measurements to identify the biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), carbon reduction plans and certified carbon credit offsets using the most widely used and internationally recognised standards.
Our expertise and advisory excellence enable businesses to strengthen their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), stake holder engagement and corporate reputation, whilst driving commercial performance and long-term resilience through risk management.
Calculating a business’s carbon footprint is the first step towards reaching net zero. GHG emissions are categorised into three ‘Scopes’ that are based on the emissions a business creates. 5D Net Zero utilises all three Scopes when measuring carbon emissions and works closely with businesses to establish their carbon footprint baseline and identify the most meaningful carbon reductions, throughout their operations and values chains.
5D Net Zero works in partnership with businesses, using the GHG data from a carbon footprint to create a carbon reduction plan that includes carefully identified carbon reduction targets and defined actions to achieve the goals set by a business. Our bespoke carbon reduction plans allow businesses to implement effective carbon reduction strategies, monitor progress, and reduce emissions to a minimum before offsetting the unavoidable residual emissions.
We help businesses navigate the voluntary carbon-market to become carbon neutral, from as little as £5 per tonne of CO2eq*, through the purchase of certified carbon credits that can be claimed towards balancing their own GHG emissions, to achieve carbon neutrality or net zero. 5D Net Zero works closely with independent carbon reduction project developers across the globe – because wherever in the world carbon is offset, the effect on climate is the same. We offer a portfolio of certified carbon offset projects that are best suited to a business’s unique requirements and ethical goals, all the projects have gained the Verified Carbon Standard administered by Verra and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
To find out more about our carbon management services, please visit www.5DNetZero.co.uk or contact us on info@5DNetZero.co.uk.
*At today’s prices
SAV & Energiraven
Until recently, the UK has had access to an abundant and cheap supply of fossil fuels. However, Denmark has been on the journey of reducing the cost of energy since the global oil crisis of the 1970s. This has been driven forward by high carbon taxes and a national desire for reliable, low carbon energy supplies.
EnergiRaven was established in the UK by SAV Systems. As a company of Danish heritage, SAV have instinctively looked towards the experiences of Denmark and its Scandinavian neighbours to introduce low carbon renewable technology solutions to the UK.
The purpose of EnergiRaven is to help building owners achieve their Net Zero targets.
As a platform, EnergiRaven is designed to help understand, plan, and navigate the optimum route to Net Zero.
EnergiRaven does this through energy education, state of the art carbon management tools, and energy performance reporting.
For more information call 01483 227500 or click on the button below to visit their website.
GEP Environmental
The Environmental Impacts of Space Management FINAL – click to read
A guide to understanding Sustainability Certifications
With increasing focus on responding to the climate emergency many organisations have growing pressure from the government, customers, employees, investors and communities they work within to understand their environmental impacts and transition to a more sustainable business model.
The challenge for many organisations is understanding where to start, this guide will provide you with an insight to some of the most popular certifications that organisations are beginning to align to and what your organisation should do next to become more sustainable.
What are Sustainability Certifications?
There are many sustainability certifications and initiatives that organisations are beginning to turn to for guidance with an end goal of being Carbon Neutral or Net Zero. Some of the most popular include ISO standards, B-Corp, Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), GHG Protocol, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
These certifications can provide organisations with the foundations to measure and mitigate their social and environmental impacts, whilst also providing them with recognition or a “badge of honour” which can be used to advertise their sustainability credentials.
What certifications could benefit your organisation?
With the quality of certifications varying widely it is important for organisations to pick the most appropriate to their organisation and ensure that they are not at risk of “greenwashing”.
We have outlined below some of the most popular certifications and initiatives that organisation are now moving towards, looking at some of the benefits for your organisation.
ISO Standards
ISO standards are internationally recognised frameworks that outline key requirements for organisations to implement to make improvements across their business processes. We are seeing an increase in the number of organisations seeking to become certified against standards such as:
- ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems – provides a framework for organizations to protect the environment, respond to changing environmental conditions, and integrate environmental management into their strategic planning processes.
- ISO 50001: Energy Management Systems – The aim is to enable organisations to follow a systematic approach in achieving continual improvement of energy performance, including energy efficiency, energy use, and consumption.
- ISO 14090/1/2/3: Adaptation to climate change – the world’s first International Standard on climate adaptation. It focuses on integrating adaptation within or across organizations by helping to understand the impacts and uncertainties of climate change and how these can be used to inform decisions
B-Corp Certification (B-Impact Assessment)
The B Corp Community is a global movement of businesses that provide leadership by demonstrating their commitment to people and the planet. To gain B-Corp certification organisations must complete a B Impact Assessment. This management tool helps organisations to assess their impact on various stakeholders, including their workers, community, customers, and the environment.
Science Based Targets Initiatives (SBTi)
Science-based targets provide organiasations with a clearly defined path to reduce emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goals.
Setting a science-based target is a five-step process:
- Commit: submit a letter establishing your intent to set a science-based target
- Develop: work on an emissions reduction target in line with the SBTi’s criteria
- Submit: present your target to the SBTi for official validation
- Communicate: announce your target and inform your stakeholders
- Disclose: report company-wide emissions and track target progress annually
How Sustainability Certification Can Benefit Your Business
Achieving sustainability certification can help your business by:
- Enhancing reputation: Achieving a sustainability certification shows customers, investors, and other stakeholders that your organisation is committed to environmental stewardship.
- Driving operational efficiency: For instance, improved waste management and energy efficiency can result in significant reductions in overhead and operational costs.
- Achieving regulatory compliance: sustainability certifications ensure that your business complies with current environmental regulations and can better prepare for future legislation.
- Establishing market advantage: as consumers and businesses become more environmentally conscious, sustainability certifications can give your company a competitive edge.
- Increasing employee engagement: employees are more likely to feel proud and motivated working for a company that demonstrates environmental responsibility.
How Can GEP Environmental help?
Navigating the path to sustainability certification can often be time intensive. This is where the GEP can support you on your journey to a more sustainable business model:
- Expert knowledge: our team of environmental consultants have many years of experience supporting organisations with certification to ISO standards and can help identify the most appropriate one for your business.
- Customised solutions: sustainability isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our consultants tailor sustainability strategies to fit the unique needs and circumstances of your organisation, ensuring that the certification process is as efficient and effective as possible.
- Training and support: GEP Environmental’s certified Training Centre offers a range of sustainability training solutions for your staff, ensuring everyone is on board and knowledgeable about sustainability practices and goals.
Investing in sustainability certification is not just about compliance; it’s about building a sustainable future for your business and the planet. Ready to take the next step in your organisation’s sustainability journey? Our team would be delighted to help. Get in touch today.
Exclusive Offer from Goodlight for Surrey Chamber of Commerce Members
As a new member of the Surrey Chamber of Commerce and with energy prices on the increase, Goodlight would like to offer any member a free site survey. Together we can work together to reduce your carbon footprint.
To register your interest, please complete the form on our contact us page and a member of our team will be in contact to arrange the site survey.
Businesses can save up to 85% in lighting energy & maintenance cost reduction. Now is the right time with energy prices on the increase
Huge reduction in lighting energy costs and CO2 emissions – all with a simple lighting change
LED refits pay back from as little as 3 months. Your return on investment is recouped faster than any other energy saving technology – whilst making your building brighter and safer!
LED lighting & control upgrades improve the EPC rating of your building and your investment into LED lighting attracts tax incentives^ (subject to status).
Save on your lighting costs and reduce your energy bills and CO2 emissions. Goodlight offers:
• 20% off Lighting Supply & Installation
• Free Site Survey, Lighting Design & ROI Report
• Net Zero Marketing Support
• Price Match Guarantee
(Terms & Conditions apply).
Click here to arrange your FREE site visit
4 IN 5 UK BUSINESSES SAY WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING ARE CENTRAL TO SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS
· Over 4 in 5 (85%) businesses say recycling and waste management are important to preventing climate change
· Almost 9 in 10 (88%) also view waste management as an important part of being a sustainable business
· Close to two thirds (60%) use at least one waste stream to measure their sustainable progress – with general waste and recycling among the top 3 metrics favoured
· Sustainable waste management company Biffa celebrates this success and releases resources to support businesses with their recycling efforts
New research by sustainable waste management company Biffa shows that over four-fifths (85%) of UK businesses surveyed recognise the significance of recycling and waste management in preventing climate change. Moreover, almost 9 in 10 (88%) see waste management as central to being a sustainable business.
The survey of over 1000 UK business decision-makers, conducted by the YouGov analysis institute, explored attitudes towards sustainability and the circular economy. The results showcase the clear importance placed on waste management in the battle to combat climate change.
Businesses are putting their support for waste management into practice. When asked how they measure sustainability, almost two-thirds (60%) of businesses confirmed using at least one waste stream to track their progress against green goals.
Over 4 in 10 (44%) respondents say they measure sustainability by ‘reductions in general waste’, tying with ‘reduction in carbon emissions’ as the most popular means of measuring sustainability. Meanwhile ‘increase in recycling volumes’ emerged as the third most popular metric, used by 39% of businesses surveyed.
The strong positive attitude towards waste management and recycling in sustainability are largely mirrored across business sizes, though large businesses have been more effective than smaller enterprises in embedding waste metrics into their sustainability strategies.
Over four in five (85%) of small businesses believe that waste management and recycling are important to preventing climate change, in line with 87% of large businesses. However, less than half (44%) use at least one waste stream to measure their sustainability in comparison with 67% of larger enterprises.
Maxine Mayhew, Chief Operating Officer – Collections and Specialist Services, Biffa, commented on the findings:
“Over the years, businesses have shown a real commitment to reducing their environmental impact through responsible waste management and recycling practices. It’s clear from Biffa’s research that SMEs are facing challenges in stepping up their recycling.
“Last year’s Recycling Tracker Report by WRAP revealed that while recycling is an everyday behaviour for 89% of people, there are still clear barriers for businesses.
“It’s understandable that cost is considered the biggest barrier, but being more sustainable does have financial benefits – from attracting eco-conscious talent and customers, to incurring lower fees for lighter bins due to separating recyclables.
“If all SMEs had a recycling service, they would have a significant impact on UK recycling rates. We know this because in 2022/23 SMEs generated nearly a third (31%) of the industrial and commercial waste we collected.
“We’re proud to offer a breadth of resources to guide businesses, and help them build or enhance a sustainability strategy.
Biffa has produced a series of how-to video guides to support businesses with their recycling efforts, including how businesses can reduce packaging waste to save money on their waste management bills, and how to avoid wishcycling, which can increase the weight and cost of waste collections as well as lead to contamination which reduces recycling rates
