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Navigating the Sustainability Journey: How Companies Can Start Making Genuine Progress 

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As the push for sustainability continues to intensify, companies face increasing pressure from customers, employees, and investors to take genuine steps towards sustainable practices. While sustainability is a priority for many organizations, figuring out how to begin can feel overwhelming. 


Stacey Varsani, founder and principal consultant at Hadouken Consulting, underscores the urgency: "Customers are demanding accountability, employees are seeking purpose, and investors are putting greater weight on ESG criteria. To stay competitive and relevant, companies must embrace sustainability, but it’s important to start strategically." 

Here’s how companies can take the first steps toward sustainability: 

 

1. Perform a Baseline Assessment 

The first step in any sustainability journey is performing a thorough baseline assessment. This means analyzing your company’s carbon footprint, waste management practices, resource consumption, and supply chain impacts. Benchmarking against peers can highlight areas for improvement. 

Varsani advises, “Understanding where you currently stand is critical for setting realistic and measurable goals. A baseline assessment provides clarity on what areas need attention and where your sustainability journey should begin.” 

A 2023 study by McKinsey found that companies that undergo regular assessments of their environmental impact see up to a 20% reduction in energy consumption and operational costs. 


2. Involve Employees 

Engaging employees in sustainability efforts is crucial. Companies can organize workshops, training sessions, and brainstorming events to get staff involved in sustainability initiatives. This not only fosters a culture of sustainability but also helps identify innovative ideas from within the organization. 

“Creating a sense of ownership among employees is key,” says Varsani. “Sustainability champions within teams can drive initiatives forward, making sure that these efforts aren't just top-down directives but embraced company-wide.” 


3. Start with ‘Easy Wins’ 

To build momentum, start with "easy wins"—initiatives that require minimal investment but yield quick, tangible results. For instance, reducing single-use plastics or ensuring lights and air conditioning are turned off after hours can immediately reduce energy consumption and create a visible impact. 

“A small win can motivate larger changes,” explains Varsani. “These early successes demonstrate the value of sustainability efforts and help secure buy-in for more comprehensive initiatives.” 


4. Explore Technology Investments 

Investing in technology is a critical step toward achieving sustainability goals. From energy-efficient systems to carbon management platforms, technology can make the transition to sustainable operations more manageable and cost-effective. 

In 2022, Gartner predicted that by 2025, 50% of large companies will use AI-driven solutions to track and manage their carbon footprints. These solutions can streamline sustainability efforts and make data-driven decisions easier to implement. 

 

5. Partner with NGOs and Local Communities 

Collaboration with NGOs and local communities can provide companies with valuable insights and resources. These partnerships help organizations align their efforts with broader societal and environmental goals while enhancing credibility. 

Varsani highlights the importance of community engagement: “Partnering with NGOs or local community organizations can offer new perspectives and help tailor sustainability initiatives to have a meaningful local impact.” 

 

6. The Importance of Expertise 

Hiring a sustainability expert—whether as an external consultant or an internal officer—is vital for navigating the complexities of sustainability. Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) companies, for example, are well-placed to provide audit and assurance services across entire supply chains. 

“TIC providers like SGS and Intertek offer specialized ESG service offerings and can help companies with certifications and reporting frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD),” says Varsani. 

By partnering with experienced consultants and leveraging the services of TIC companies, businesses can ensure they meet global standards while making progress on their sustainability goals. 

 

Moving Forward: The Time to Act Is Now 

The pressure on companies to implement sustainable practices will only increase. With a structured approach—starting with a baseline assessment, involving employees, and leveraging technology—companies can begin their sustainability transition in a way that drives long-term success. 


Varsani concludes, “The key to sustainability is taking action now. It’s not just about meeting today’s demands, but building a business that is resilient, future-proof, and capable of making a positive impact on the world.” 


Hadouken Consulting specializes in helping businesses navigate their operational and strategic challenges with a unique combination of audit, strategy consulting, and TIC operations management experience. Rather than offering cookie-cutter solutions, Hadouken embeds within its clients' organizations to solve problems from the inside out and ensure the successful implementation of sustainable practices.  


For a free online consultation, visit this link to schedule a session with our consultants.

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