Taking action to improve

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:

Sustainability indicator	Considerations	Objectives
I3. Recycled and reused materials consumption indicator	Our use of recycled materials is well below the industry average. Retailers and consumers are always asking for more information about the sources and environmental quality of materials.	Increase use of recycled materials over 3 years by changing suppliers: 1^st year: to 20% 2^nd year: to 30% (industry average) 3^rd year: to 40% (the best option possible considering the current rate of recycling)
O2. Energy consumption indicator	Our energy consumption in factories is very high and can be significantly reduced by renovation of the buildings.	Reduce energy consumption by 25% in 3 years with the following measures: 1^st year: installation of a new ventilation system 2^nd year: increase glazed surfaces 3^rd year: reinforce the insulation in all buildings
P5. Indicator of regulated substances contained in the products	Approximately 20% of the total weight of our products is made up of regulated substances. New legislation aimed at banning the use of these substances is likely to be introduced shortly.	Completely eliminate the presence of regulated substances in products within 5 years with the following measures: Increase use of non-toxic materials in production processes by 20% per year Develop a new range of non-toxic products within 2 years Gradually reduce the current rate of products from the 3^rd year onwards

Sustainability indicator

Considerations

Objectives

I3.

Recycled and reused materials consumption indicator

Our use of recycled materials is well below the industry average. Retailers and consumers are always asking for more information about the sources and environmental quality of materials.

Increase use of recycled materials over 3 years by changing suppliers:

1^st year: to 20%
2^nd year: to 30% (industry average)
3^rd year: to 40% (the best option possible considering the current rate of recycling)

O2.

Energy consumption indicator

Our energy consumption in factories is very high and can be significantly reduced by renovation of the buildings.

Reduce energy consumption by 25% in 3 years with the following measures:

1^st year: installation of a new ventilation system
2^nd year: increase glazed surfaces
3^rd year: reinforce the insulation in all buildings

P5.

Indicator of regulated substances contained in the products

Approximately 20% of the total weight of our products is made up of regulated substances. New legislation aimed at banning the use of these substances is likely to be introduced shortly.

Completely eliminate the presence of regulated substances in products within 5 years with the following measures:

Increase use of non-toxic materials in production processes by 20% per year
Develop a new range of non-toxic products within 2 years
Gradually reduce the current rate of products from the 3^rd year onwards

Source: OECD guidelines on sustainable production

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:

Action and objective	Responsibility	Schedule
Comprehensive analysis of costs and assurance of financing for renovation projects	Finance Department	Two weeks
Internal evaluation and recommendations concerning the impact of the introduction of the new ventilation system and glazed surfaces on production processes, employees and adapted solutions	Team in charge of real estate	One month
Inform management of options and next steps	Head of team in charge of real estate	End of the month
Draw up contracts with the supplier of the new ventilation system and fitters and prepare a work plan for the transition	Team in charge of real estate	1^st quarter
Installation of the ventilation system	Team in charge of real estate	2^nd quarter
Examine and evaluate successes and problems in collaboration with the workers	Team in charge of real estate and team in charge of sustainability	3^rd quarter
Adjust schedule and next steps depending on the preliminary results	Team in charge of real estate and team in charge of sustainability	4^th quarter

Source: OECD guidelines on sustainable production

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.