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Why Your Business Needs Sustainability Policies and How to Get Started

Sustainability affects the way any organization does business, impacting everything from the bottom line to the ability to attract top talent. In this article, we explore five essential sustainability policies that can transform your business practices while driving real results for both your company and the environment.

Green Business Benchmark°

Published

August 28, 2025

last updated

August 28, 2025

Read time

Min

Why Your Business Needs Sustainability Policies and How to Get Started

In this article

Sustainability affects the way any organization does business, impacting everything from the bottom line to the ability to attract top talent. Companies that embrace strong environmental, social, and governance principles are positioning themselves for long term success in an increasingly demanding marketplace.

The numbers tell a compelling story. 73% of consumers are willing to pay more for products made by sustainable companies (First Insight, 2023); 38% of global employees feel their employers are doing enough to address climate change and sustainability (Deloitte, 2025); and the ROI generated by sustainability “leaders” outpaced that of “laggards” by 4.3% (Kroll, 2023).

But where do you start? The key lies in developing comprehensive sustainability policies that guide your operations and create measurable impact.

Let's explore five essential sustainability policies that can transform your business practices while driving real results for both your company and the environment.

1. Energy Efficiency - The First Step Toward Lower Costs and Carbon Reductions

Energy efficiency represents one of the most straightforward paths to sustainability, and often delivers immediate financial returns. Through implementing smart energy policies, companies typically reduce their energy consumption by double-digit percentages while cutting operating costs significantly.

The importance of energy efficiency extends beyond cost savings. Buildings and industrial operations account for nearly 40% of global energy consumption and carbon emissions. When businesses commit to using energy wisely, they’re directly contributing to climate change mitigation while improving their competitive position.

Getting started with energy efficiency:

Policy Objectives: Clearly state the purpose and goals of the energy policy, such as reducing energy consumption or achieving sustainability targets
Scope and Applicability: Define the areas, facilities, and operations the policy will cover
Energy Efficiency Standards: Include benchmarks for infrastructure, equipment, and technology, such as LED lighting and smart systems
Performance Metrics: Specify how energy use will be measured, tracked, and reported
Compliance Requirements: Outline expectations for adherence to the policy and any relevant regulations
Roles and Responsibilities: Assign accountability for implementing and maintaining the policy across teams or departments
Review and Revision Process: Establish a timeline and criteria for regular policy updates to reflect new technologies or goals
Stakeholder Engagement: Highlight how employees, tenants, or partners will be involved in supporting the policy

2. Waste Management - Turning Environmental Responsibility into Profit

Effective waste management policies can help the environment, generate revenue, and reduce disposal costs all at the same time. The circular economy model, where waste becomes input for other processes, has helped companies discover new previously undiscovered income streams.

The scale of the waste challenge makes business action critical. Global waste generation is expected to increase by 70% by 2050, but businesses that get ahead of this trend can capture significant value. Companies with comprehensive waste reduction strategies report average cost savings of 15-20% on their waste management expenses.

Building your waste management policy:

Policy Objectives: Define the overarching goals, such as reducing waste, achieving zero-waste-to-landfill, or promoting circular economy practices
Scope and Applicability: Specify the types of waste (e.g., organic, recyclable, hazardous) and the facilities or operations the policy covers
Waste Diversion Standards: Include guidelines for recycling, composting, and material repurposing to minimize landfill contributions
Partnership Guidelines: Outline criteria for collaborating with local organizations to donate or repurpose materials
Monitoring and Reporting: Establish methods for tracking waste streams, measuring progress, and reporting outcomes
Compliance and Accountability: Define roles, responsibilities, and expectations for adhering to the policy
Goal Setting and Timelines: Include measurable targets, such as zero-waste-to-landfill, with clear deadlines
Review and Improvement: Set a process for regular policy evaluation and updates to incorporate new practices or technologies

3. Green Procurement - Extending Impact Through the Supply Chain

Organizational sustainability impact extends far beyond the office walls; it flows through every supplier, vendor, and partner that a company works with. Green procurement policies help you choose suppliers who share your environmental values while often delivering better quality products and services.

The procurement function represents tremendous leverage for sustainability impact. For most companies, supply chain emissions account for 70-80% of their total carbon footprint. Implementing green procurement practices can dramatically amplify companies' environmental benefits while building stronger supplier relationships.

Developing green procurement policies:

Policy Objectives: Define the goals, such as reducing environmental impact, supporting sustainable suppliers, or promoting circular economy practices
Scope and Applicability: Specify the types of products, services, and suppliers the policy covers
Supplier Evaluation Criteria: Include sustainability scorecards and standards for assessing supplier practices
Local Sourcing Guidelines: Prioritize local suppliers to minimize transportation emissions and support regional economies
Certification Requirements: Require environmental certifications for specific product categories to ensure compliance with sustainability standards
Material Standards: Establish minimum requirements for recycled or sustainable content in purchased goods
Contractual Obligations: Include sustainability clauses in supplier contracts to ensure long-term commitment to green practices
Monitoring and Reporting: Define processes for tracking supplier performance and reporting on procurement sustainability goals

4. Health, Safety, and Wellness - Creating Value for People and Performance

Health, safety, and wellness policies represent the human side of sustainability, and they're increasingly important for business success. Companies with comprehensive wellness programs see 25% lower healthcare costs and 40% lower turnover rates, while strong safety cultures reduce accident-related expenses by up to 40%.

The connection between employee wellbeing and business performance is crystal clear. Healthy, safe employees are more productive, more engaged, and more likely to stay with your company long-term. They also serve as powerful ambassadors for your brand values in the community.

Implementing health, safety & wellness policies:

Policy Objectives: Define the goals, such as promoting employee well-being, ensuring workplace safety, and supporting work-life balance
Scope and Applicability: Specify the areas of health, wellness, and safety the policy covers, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being
Safety Standards: Include comprehensive workplace safety protocols, training programs, and emergency procedures
Mental Health Support: Outline resources for mental health, such as counseling services, stress management programs, or employee assistance programs
Wellness Initiatives: Define offerings like wellness incentives, fitness memberships, or access to healthy food options
Ergonomic Standards: Include guidelines for ergonomic workspaces, proper equipment, and regular break opportunities
Work-Life Balance: Address flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options or flexible scheduling, to support employee well-being
Monitoring and Updates: Establish a process for reviewing and improving the policy based on employee feedback and evolving needs

5. Human Rights - Building Trust and Sustainable Growth

Companies that respect human rights create more stable operations, stronger communities, and more resilient supply chains. They also protect themselves from reputational risks that can devastate brand value overnight.

The business case for human rights extends beyond risk management. Companies with strong human rights practices attract better talent, build deeper customer loyalty, and often access new markets more easily. They also tend to have more innovative cultures, as diverse and respected workforces generate better ideas and solutions.

Establishing human rights policies:

Policy Objectives: Define the commitment to upholding human rights, promoting equality, and ensuring ethical practices across operations
Scope and Applicability: Specify the areas covered, such as labor practices, workplace conduct, and community engagement
Supply Chain Standards: Include requirements for regular audits to ensure ethical labor practices and compliance with human rights standards
Anti-Discrimination Policies: Establish clear guidelines to prevent discrimination and harassment in the workplace
Fair Labor Practices: Define standards for fair wages, safe working conditions, and equitable treatment across all operations
Grievance Mechanisms: Outline accessible and confidential processes for employees and stakeholders to report concerns or violations
Community Engagement: Highlight partnerships with local organizations to support community development and promote social equity
Monitoring and Accountability: Include processes for tracking compliance, addressing violations, and updating the policy as needed

How GBB Can Help Your Sustainability Journey

While this list is certainly not exhaustive, these five policies demonstrate a starting point for businesses looking to establish more robust, company-wide sustainability business practices. The Green Business Benchmark (GBB) platform and our team of experts provide comprehensive support for businesses ready to embrace sustainability as a competitive advantage.

GBB offers practical tools and resources that make sustainability implementation straightforward and measurable. Our certification programs provide clear frameworks for policy development in each area, while our team of advisors help you avoid common pitfalls and accelerate your progress.

Whether you're just starting your sustainability journey or looking to deepen your existing efforts, GBB can help you create policies that deliver real results for your business and the environment. Our approach focuses on practical solutions that work for businesses of all sizes, making sustainability accessible and achievable.

Start with one policy, measure your progress, and build momentum toward a more sustainable and profitable future.

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