Running a sustainable small business doesn’t have to be complicated. At its core, a sustainable business is simply one that’s not harming the environment while still being profitable and supporting its community. You can have the best of both worlds; let’s dive into how it can make all the difference.
What makes a business sustainable?
At its heart, sustainability in business means making conscious choices about how you use resources, manage waste, and source materials. These decisions might seem small on their own, but collectively they create meaningful change. The goal is to meet your business needs today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. This approach also gives your entire team something concrete to work towards and provides a way to measure your progress along the way. Here’s how to do it.
How to make a sustainability action plan?
Developing a sustainability action plan gives your business a clear roadmap for reducing environmental impact. It outlines specific goals, strategies, and realistic timelines that guide your business towards more sustainable practices. Think of it as a structured approach that helps you make gradual, manageable improvements rather than attempting to change everything overnight.
1. Conduct a comprehensive audit
Start by understanding where you are right now in your sustainability journey. Take a moment to analyse your current practices by reviewing energy efficiency, water use, waste management, and overall environmental impact.
Your suppliers play a crucial role in your sustainability efforts, so it’s worth examining these relationships closely. Look into the materials they’re using and whether they prioritise sustainable, renewable, or recycled options. Understanding their waste management practices and how transparent they are about their environmental approach will give you a clearer picture of your supply chain’s impact.
If you’re uncertain about any of these details, make it your first priority to find out. Working with partners who share your values is essential for genuine progress. If there’s a misalignment, it’s worth having an open conversation with your current suppliers or exploring alternatives that better reflect your sustainability goals.
2. Define your values and goals
Once you understand your current position, the next step is clarifying where you want to go. This means establishing clear sustainability values that reflect what matters most to your business and setting achievable goals that your entire team can understand and support.
Your values act as a guide for everyday decision-making, and your goals support your long-term success. When everyone in your business knows what you stand for and where you’re headed, it becomes easier to make choices that align with your sustainability commitments.
If you’re unsure where to begin, consider connecting with other businesses in your industry. Many have already navigated similar challenges and can offer valuable insights into what works. Learning from their experiences can help you discover practical actions and opportunities you might not have considered on your own.
3. Build an action plan
With your values and goals set, it’s time to develop a structured plan. Make sustainable sourcing, waste minimisation, and energy efficiency your core priorities. Break these broad areas into specific, actionable steps with clear responsibilities and timelines. Being specific helps turn good intentions into actual progress.
Involving your employees throughout this process is valuable. Consider inviting them to brainstorm ideas or share observations from their day-to-day work. The people closest to your operations often spot opportunities for improvement that management might miss. Raising awareness across the business also helps embed sustainability into your company culture.
When you work collaboratively with your peers, it helps everyone feel invested in the outcome and often yields creative solutions you wouldn’t have thought of alone.
4. Monitor progress towards succes
You won’t be able to see the change unless you track it. Sustainability requires ongoing attention, not just a one-off effort. Establish a regular schedule for reviewing your progress; whether that’s monthly or quarterly depends on your small business needs.
Track key metrics such as your environmental impact, business waste, water usage, and energy consumption. Compare where you are now to where you were several months ago, so you can see what’s working and where you might need to adjust your approach.
When you hit milestones, share those wins with your team. When you celebrate achievements, this keeps momentum going and reminds everyone that their efforts are making a difference. Similarly, when things don’t go as planned, communicate openly about what got off track and work together to find solutions.
Building accountability across your organisation makes sure that everyone understands their role in making sustainable changes happen. When the whole team is on board, it inspires collective action and creates lasting impact.
4 practical steps to implement now
Wondering where you can start? Here are some sustainable changes you can consider making, if they align with your small business.
1. Reduce energy consumption
Lowering your energy use cuts operating costs while decreasing your carbon footprint. There are several straightforward ways to make this happen. For example, consider upgrading to energy-efficient LED lighting or maximising natural light with windows that align with the sun, which reduces both energy consumption and electricity bills. Or, invest in regular maintenance of your heating and cooling systems to keep them running efficiently, because poorly maintained systems work harder and use more energy than necessary.
2. Conserve water and minimise waste
Reducing waste directly impacts your environmental footprint and often lowers disposal costs at the same time. If your team is mostly in office, implement a comprehensive recycling programme that includes paper, plastic, glass, and metal. With our digital age, you might as well consider transitioning towards a paperless office by adopting digital documents and filing systems that reduce waste while often improving efficiency.
3. Work with aligned suppliers and materials
As mentioned earlier, the choices you make about suppliers and materials have a big impact on your overall sustainability footprint. Choosing local suppliers reduces transportation emissions and supports your local economy. A boutique clothing store, for example, could source items from local designers rather than importing from overseas. Opting for recycled or eco-friendly materials whenever possible makes a tangible difference.
4. Consider sustainable building practices
If you’re renovating or planning a new space for your business, incorporating sustainability from the start makes good sense, such as materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, or recycled steel reduces environmental impact. You can also consider passive solar heating and cooling, which takes advantage of natural temperature regulation and reduces energy consumption over the long term.
Take the next step with us
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. At Melbourne Connect CoWorking, we support small businesses as they grow and thrive in their sustainable strategies. Whether you’re just starting your sustainability journey or looking to take it further, our coworking community designed for entrepreneurs and growth is here to help.
Ready to learn more? Get in touch with us today and discover how we can support your business’s sustainable future.