Many people address sustainability in an ad-hoc manner, doing a couple of things here and there – such as installing low energy light globes or buying an efficient dishwasher. These actions are good, but not necessarily very coordinated or strategic.

A strategic approach will help you achieve the best results for your business and will ensure that the approach ties in with your overall business objectives.

Business Planning

Developing a strategic approach to sustainability

Business Planning

First of all, do you have a business plan? If not, developing even a basic business plan is highly recommended to help you clarify the nature of your business and chart a course for success.

The Victorian Government has developed Plan to Succeed, a guide to help small/medium businesses write a business plan with minimal assistance.

You may also find the following sites helpful.
smallbusiness.ninemsn.com.au - How to write an effective business plan
microsoft.com/australia/smallbusiness -Office Templates for Small Businesses

Developing a strategic approach to sustainability

If you already have a business plan, the following documents will help you develop amore strategic approach to sustainability – without the complications.

This is the 'big picture' guide designed to take you through the process of developing your strategy and linking it with your business plan. It includes a sample environment policy.

Use this to help you plan various sustainability actions. You can download it in ‘word’ so that you can use it as a working document to plan your sustainability actions.

This document is an example of an environmental management plan that is easy to construct, read and follow. Use it as an example for your business.

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