Perhaps your entity has decided to establish a Sustainability or Climate Change program with robust goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy usage, waste generation, etc. How does one establish such a program to better ensure success in meeting the goals and communicating successes? Some people think that once one establishes such a program, one goes right out to the plant and collect data. Not so fast! It takes planning. Really!
- Establish the Right Committee. Make sure the right people are involved in the endeavor. Establish a committee of people at least somewhat knowledgeable about sustainability and Climate Change bringing with them knowledge of needed areas. It’s important to have representation from Engineering, New Product Design, EH&S, Financial & Accounting, Legal, Communications. Why? Because these areas contribute to the program. There are contracts and laws to understand and advise on (Legal). New technologies to consider installing and implementing (Engineering). Balancing costs, benefits, taxes, rebates, and borrowing (Financial). Communicating progress internally and externally (Communications). Leaving out even one such expertise can sidetrack an entire program. Gather not just the experts, but those knowledgeable or willing to learn about Sustainability and establish roles.
- Critical Addendum: Get the CEO involved. A program like Sustainability or Climate Change may not be liked by some at the company and could get short shrift when it comes to funds, respect, discussions, etc. Such people who could sidetrack this are not bad people; they are just people not familiar with the concepts and the potential benefits for the company. They did not learn about this in school. Getting the CEO involved will overcome any interference by others in Management. Let the CEO know about the potential benefits and what is involved and the progress of the program (no surprises!).
- Estimate Future Progress and Problems. Before you get too deep into company details, think about the long-term future of the program. What do you wish to accomplish in the first year? How about longer term, like in 3 years? Think deeper. Do you really think that you can achieve these goals given the reality of your entity? Do some honest introspection and think about the culture of your company. Are there potential barriers to success, such as “difficult and competitive to get funding for even a good project”, getting the CEO to keep this as a high priority; getting positive feedback and cooperation from Labor; getting approval to make changes to operations, etc. These are issues that can de-rail a good Sustainability program even if the Committee is gung ho. Try to anticipate what issues may come up in the short- and long-term and begin to “grease the wheels” to alleviate them. And don’t just study the negative. What achievements can be made and which ones can occur early on to give perhaps skeptical stakeholders confidence that the investment in Sustainability is worth it? Later work toward the success of early-progress projects and be ready to share it.
- Create a Vision. Develop a vision of how Sustainability can change the entity to be more clear, modern, “hip”, able to be flexible in future crises, and profitable in the future and communicate this throughout the organization. Make sure you do not overpromise or promise “utopia”. But do create a positive vision to motivate Management, staff, and stakeholders to be a part of. Use videos and social media, if possible. Try to motivate diverse people to help out or do their part.
Yes, it seems like a lot of work, but taking these steps as you establish your Sustainability Program better ensures long-term success and favor within your organization. And, after all, that is what you want, right? Success, favor, funding so you can implement the projects to make Sustainability a success and beneficial. Have a good year!
CCES has the experts to help your firm establish a successful Sustainability or Climate Change program. Done the right way. Contact us today at 914-584-6720 or at karell@CCESworld.com.