Planning your approach
As a business, ask yourself…
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?
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?
Longer term strategies
Depending on your business priorities, resources and industry, you can consider…
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
Keeping up with Australian legislation for mandatory product labelling
Using NATA accredited laboratories for certification tests and inspections
Take action
