Taking action to improve an SME’s sustainability
The seventh and last step in the use of sustainability indicators is the introduction of a plan of action to improve the company’s performance.
During the previous steps, the company’s environmental performances have been determined using indicators, the measurements analyzed and the options for improving sustainability identified. This step involves implementation of decisions taken thanks to the formulation of clear objectives and the creation of a plan of action.
Formulating targeted objectives for improving sustainability
Targeting specific objectives is essential for improving the company’s environmental performance and demonstrating its commitment to employees and external actors. This also promotes the desire to achieve the required results. Thanks to the formalities completed in the previous stages to clarify the best options for improvement, these objectives are now clearly definable.
It is not unusual for the targeted objectives to involve changes in the design of products or adjustments in existing processes in order to reduce environmental impact. Ideally, the objectives set should also include a schedule for their achievement.
Example of table grouping targeted objectives
The objectives can be grouped together in a table as in the fictitious example below:
Index
Creation of a sustainability improvement action plan
Preparation of an action plan facilitates achievement of the objectives set by precisely identifying the activities, responsibilities and due dates for the measures to be introduced. To manage and share an action plan, a table can prove very useful.
Example of a sustainability improvement action plan
In the sample action plan below, a fictitious company seeks to improve the sustainability of its energy consumption through renovation of its buildings:
It is usually necessary to draw up one action plan for each sustainability indicator to help the various sectors of the company to evaluate the numerous options for improvement.
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Continuous improvement of sustainability
By communicating their environmental performances or by adopting international standards, companies have the option of taking sustainability one step further.