Sustainability planning

Why do we want to build a sustainable business? What are our priorities?

What are the environmental and social issues important in my business?

How can I save money and avoid future costs?

Where do/will we operate – locally, nationally and/or internationally?

Which mandatory and optional standards/eco-labels apply to these locations?

Of these standards, which might we aim to achieve? We need to consider our business efficiency, aspirations, market perception of the standards/labels and our capacity to resource the work of achieving accreditations

Who might we engage in this process? Staff, value chain, other stakeholders?

Who/what can help with decision-making, planning and action? Consultants, industry bodies, business groups/networks, tools/resources/databases?

Developing procurement policies that explicitly incorporate sustainability

Using Global Reporting Initiative (GRI Standards) as an enabling framework

Following ISO sustainability standards for environmental management systems, life-cycle analysis, reporting, governance and social responsibility

Measuring carbon emissions via tools such as Greenhouse Gas Protocol, EcoInvent, AusLCI Database and National Greenhouse Factors and work towards Climate Active Certification

Investigating ISEAL or GECA accredited labels for procurement and certification

Keeping up with Australian legislation for mandatory product labelling

Using NATA accredited laboratories for certification tests and inspections