Simple ways to make your business more sustainable

Incorporating sustainable practices into your business isn’t just a trend – it’s quickly becoming essential for staying relevant in today’s market.

Imagine your business reducing costs, attracting more loyal customers, and playing a key role in saving the planet – sounds like a win-win, right? Consumers are becoming more eco-conscious, and they’re looking to support businesses that share their values. By adopting sustainable practices, you’re not only helping the environment but also giving your brand a much-needed facelift. Plus, many green practices actually lead to cost savings in the long run, from cutting energy consumption to reducing waste.

But don’t worry – going green doesn’t mean overhauling your entire operation overnight. Sustainability can be incorporated step by step, in ways that are easy to manage, and fun to implement! Whether it’s swapping out plastic for more eco-friendly packaging, tweaking your supply chain, or going digital to reduce paper waste, there are countless small changes that can have a big impact.

In this edition of Let’s Talk, our experts break down some creative, actionable ways to make your business more sustainable, showing you how these green choices can give you an edge in a competitive marketplace. 

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Lisa Zembrodt, Principal and Senior Director, Schneider Electric Sustainability Business

“With climate-related financial disclosure regulations taking effect, adopting sustainable practices is becoming a business imperative.

“Procuring renewables is a simple entry point to decarbonisation, eliminating Scope 2 emissions and making your operations more sustainable. Encouraging manageable physical contributions can also go a long way – installing meters to understand energy usage or sensor lights to conserve energy – can help embed a sustainability mindset into business operations.

“Another critical step is having a comprehensive understanding of your carbon footprint; in particular, Scope 3 emissions. Schneider’s Electric’s Sustainability Index revealed that only 10% of Australian companies have a strategy in place for managing Scope 3 emissions spanning their entire value chain.

“Once you’ve identified where your emissions come from, it’s vital to align with suppliers and partners on shared sustainability goals. Open collaboration and transparency are key. Leveraging advanced digital tools streamlines this process and helps embed sustainability criteria into procurement decisions. Access to real-time data-driven insights allows you to track and manage your carbon footprint and accelerates decarbonisation efforts.

“Taking these steps for compliance with regulations seriously can also establish your company as a sustainability leader. A proactive approach drives long-term success for your business and the environment in which it operates.”

Brian Wienke, Product Marketing Director, Oracle

“As construction companies look to reach sustainability goals, they will likely need to significantly transform their processes to build a greener future. Thankfully, new technology and increased data management can help these companies surface insights that may have otherwise gone unnoticed, and that can make all the difference for companies looking to increase sustainability.

“For instance, one key component for increasing sustainability is to gain a holistic view of your entire workflow by analysing data and making necessary adjustments. New technology can help organisations manage and monitor workflow efficiencies, while using data-driven insights to prioritise sustainable investments.

“AI-driven predictive analytics can empower users to optimise scheduling and resource allocation (delivery of materials, idling equipment). A lot of sustainably built construction is related to chosen construction materials and various design elements, but the efficient use of materials on site can also reduce the waste that goes to the landfill. AI-driven analytics can also help managers access and use all their project data to gain a holistic view of performance metrics throughout operations. With more flexibility and real-time measurement, companies can prevent costly rework, minimise waste, and sharpen resource allocation, which can ultimately lead to more successful project outcomes.”

Greg Lever, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Iron Mountain APAC

“Newer isn’t always better. Australian companies are missing out on one of the world’s fastest growing waste streams by shipping valuable commodities overseas to shop the latest upgrade. If companies are committed to Scope 3 targets, why is hardware often discarded versus reused? Opting for refurbished equipment, extending the life of assets, reducing e-waste and cutting down on shipping and manufacturing emissions isn’t just good for the environment, but it’s smart business.

“It’s time for enterprises to prioritise asset management over new purchases. Establishing robust asset lifecycle standards, including maximising vendor support, will transform the approach to IT asset management. When a business begins to view assets as long-term investments, they can reduce the environmental impact of frequent equipment replenishment and embrace sustainable practices that align with commercial goals. Furthermore, if these assets are efficiently tracked on a database, it provides a clear inventory view to mitigate unnecessary new purchases.

“Under such circular processes, aging technology can find a new purpose, prolonging their expiration and proving a worthy investment for a business of any size.”

Craig Houliston, APAC Regional Consulting and Insights Leader, NielsenIQ’s (NIQ)

“Incorporating sustainable practices into business operations is no longer a choice but a necessity, especially as consumer expectations evolve. At the recent New Zealand Food and Grocery Council Conference 2024, I spoke about Gen Z and Millennials increasingly holding businesses accountable for driving sustainability.

“To navigate this shift, there are four key factors: cost, choice, context, and confidence. For businesses, this means balancing sustainability with affordability. While 71% of New Zealand consumers expect sustainable practices to increase prices, we are starting to see an emerging trend of consumers willing to choose products with sustainability labels–39% are likely to pick a labelled product over one without. However, this doesn’t always equate to brand switching, and transparency is key: 55% of consumers seek information on the sourcing of materials.

“Forward-thinking companies are already demonstrating how to effectively incorporate sustainability into their packaging strategies. This includes initiatives like shifting to fully recyclable materials and redesigning product components to optimise for existing recycling infrastructure. However, it’s critical to remember that sustainability efforts must be balanced with consumer expectations around price and value. Some recent product launches have illustrated the risk of prioritising sustainability features at the expense of affordability, highlighting the need for a holistic approach.

“Incorporating sustainability into your operations doesn’t just mean using eco-friendly materials. It’s about creating products that are sustainable, cost-effective and convenient–what I refer to as ‘sustainability plus.’ In the future, sustainability will be the norm, not a differentiator, so integrating it thoughtfully into your business model is key to long-term success.”

David Sewell, CTO at Synechron

“In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as ‘meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.’

“Today, this principle is more relevant than ever as organizations strive to balance profitability with environmental responsibility, and it’s a core driver of corporate strategy.

• End users can contribute by adopting energy-efficient devices, recycling old technology, and opting for remote participation where possible to reduce their carbon footprint. Small changes in everyday technology use can make a big difference collectively.
• Developers should focus on green engineering and sustainable end-to-end design. This includes creating systems that minimise data movement, are energy-efficient, and are aligned with service-level objectives. Observability and verification in design processes are essential to ensuring sustainability remains at the forefront.
• CTOs must champion sustainability throughout their organisations, emphasising that this commitment isn’t a limitation on innovation but instead a driving force for growth and differentiation in a saturated marketplace. This means setting realistic expectations, aligning resources to support sustainability goals, and driving company-wide initiatives that prioritize environmental responsibility.
• Investors have a crucial role to play by funding companies that prioritise sustainability and have clear environmental goals. Green engineering, distributed energy resources for data centers, and sustainable infrastructure are areas where innovation and investment can drive measurable impact.”

Michael Rhydderch, Head of Sustainability (APAC), Burson

“Sustainability is no longer a green or a moral conversation. If a business is ignoring its environmental and social impacts, investors will tell you that you are walking yourself into obsolescence, and employees will inform you through poor retention rates.

“The good news is that when sustainability is framed as integral to your business success, it becomes business as usual.

“There is a plethora of tips to incorporate sustainable practices into the business, but here are three that will help set the right foundation:

• Understand your biggest environmental and social risks to your bottom line, and the impacts on people and planet. Make these the backbone of your business, turning them into your biggest opportunities to redefine your business and generate brand value.
• It’s not about creating whole new frameworks, processes or teams to address sustainability. It’s about integrating sustainability into existing governance and risk management frameworks and ensuring the leadership team has the skillset and KPIs in their roles to truly drive sustainability outcomes.
• Do not underestimate the importance and power of storytelling. Yes, sustainability needs to be based on real data, but we need to humanise this to drive connection, and a greater collective will take action.”

Sonia Shwabsky, CEO at Kwik Kopy Australia

“Incorporating sustainable practices into business operations is impactful and practical. At Kwik Kopy Australia, sustainability is embedded in our operational ethos, starting with employee and franchisee education, empowering them to make environmentally-friendly decisions.

“We prioritise energy efficiency by upgrading to more sustainable equipment, switching to LED lighting and sourcing power from renewable energy providers. In addition, responsible waste management plays a vital role; we encourage recycling and using sustainable materials such as recycled paper and biodegradable packaging.

“Moreover, we collaborate with eco-conscious suppliers and provide customers with green options, such as refillable metal bottles and recycled paper products. Our partnerships, such as with the Sustainable Green Print (SGP) movement, reinforce our commitment to leading in sustainability within the print and design industry.

“Through implementing these strategies, we align environmental responsibility with business growth, establishing sustainability as an important element in our operations.”

Kumar Mitra, General Manager and Managing Director, Infrastructure Solutions Group (ISG), Lenovo

“Sustainability is no longer a choice—it’s a business imperative that drives efficiency, innovation, and long-term growth. Businesses can start by rethinking how resources are utilised and by integrating energy-efficient technologies. For example, Lenovo’s Neptune™ liquid cooling technology helps businesses significantly reduce energy consumption by using warm water for cooling instead of traditional air cooling. This not only cuts operational costs but also enhances performance. Organisations like the National Computational Infrastructure (NCI) have leveraged this innovation to scale computing power seven-fold, enabling groundbreaking research with a reduced environmental impact.

“However, sustainability requires more than adopting new tools—it demands a mindset shift. This means embedding sustainability into every decision, from supply chain optimisation and circular economies to prioritising renewable energy and designing for long-term efficiency. At Lenovo, this approach drives our commitment to creating smarter solutions while meeting our goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”

Steve Katanas, Regional Head, Mature Markets, ANZ, Physical Access Control Solution, HID

“Security and identity professionals are increasingly recognising the value of making buildings more sustainable. According to the HID 2024 State of Security and Identity report. 56% of respondents say that sustainability is a top priority in 2024.

“As such, to incorporate sustainable practices for their building’s access control system, a company could consider the following recommendations.

“Conduct Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) to understand and minimise the environmental footprint of products and services. For example, HID’s LCA revealed that digital credentials in mobile phones emit 75% less carbon dioxide and contribute 92% less to smog formation compared to traditional PVC cards.

“Transition to sustainable alternatives, such as mobile access credentials will reduce reliance on plastic and lower fossil fuel depletion. With 37.1 billion plastic cards produced each year, this shift not only benefits the environment but also enhances security through advanced features like biometric authentication.

“Involve sustainability officers in operational decisions, such as upgrading physical access systems, to align with environmental goals. Research shows that 63% of companies now include sustainability in access control planning.

“By integrating these practices, businesses can reduce their environmental impact, comply with regulations, and enhance operational efficiency while meeting customer and societal expectations.”

Jonathan Reeve, Vice President, APAC at Eagle Eye

“Sustainability plays a prominent role in consumer decision-making, with many shoppers demonstrating a willingness to pay a premium for eco-friendly products.

“Eagle Eye conducted a US-focused survey, asking whether sustainability played a pivotal role in shaping grocery purchasing decisions. More than half (56%) of consumers said sustainability was either “extremely” or “very” important when making grocery purchases. 62% of consumers were willing to pay more for sustainable items, with families especially likely to prioritise sustainability. This trend presents a valuable opportunity for retailers to enhance the average basket value by offering a wider range of sustainable goods and align their loyalty strategies with consumer values and growing demand around sustainability.

“From a loyalty perspective, some retailers that are integrating sustainability into their programs are offering members the option to donate points to environmental, social and sustainability causes. This approach provides retailers with a low-barrier entry point for incorporating sustainability within their loyalty frameworks.

“A significant 71% of consumers said an incentive would drive more sustainable behaviour. However, a sizable portion (37%) emphasised that the incentive must hold sufficient value to motivate them–reaffirming the well-established consumer focus on the importance of value.

“Although many retailers have made progress by offering more sustainable products, they have yet to fully incorporate sustainability into their loyalty programs. Those who effectively integrate sustainability into their strategies will be well-positioned to capitalise on the growing consumer demand.”

Brynn Beetge, ESG ambassador for Australia & New Zealand at OneAdvanced

“In the 1990s, procurement focused on price, quality, and delivery timelines. Today, it’s about aligning purchasing decisions with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Sustainability has evolved from a “nice-to-have” to a business imperative, offering organisations a unique opportunity to drive operational efficiency while making a positive environmental impact.

“At OneAdvanced, we view ESG reporting as the foundation of sustainable procurement. By embedding sustainability metrics into supplier evaluation and contract management, businesses can unlock a win-win: sourcing from suppliers who deliver competitive value while prioritising environmental goals. Suppliers with an environmental purpose are proving just as capable as traditional vendors, showing that doing business sustainably doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or profitability.

“Aligning procurement practices with ESG principles is crucial for shareholders, as it strengthens reputations and supports long-term value. A robust system like OneAdvanced’s, with integrated ESG reporting, ensures transparency and accountability, helping organisations track and measure their impact effectively. When every dollar spent supports a sustainable supply chain, procurement teams become strategic partners in building a better world.

“Incorporating sustainable practices isn’t just about meeting today’s demands; it’s about shaping tomorrow’s legacy. With the right tools, organisations can lead the way in creating lasting value for the planet.”

Lily Carlyon, Head of Strategy, Mahlab

“As a B Corp business, Mahlab is committed to creating long-term value for people, communities, and the planet. But as an agency that’s grown from small to large, we know that embedding sustainable practices can feel overwhelming when it’s not your core business.

“You don’t need to do it all at once. The B Impact Assessment is a great place to begin—it’s a free tool to measure your positive impact across key areas like governance, environment, and community. Use it to identify gaps and decide where to start.

“A few considerations:

• Document your policies, even those you already follow. This foundation will become critical as your business scales.
• Talk openly about your policies with your team and make them visible—from office recycling programs to mindful AI usage.
• Evaluate the sustainability practices of your partners and align with those who share your values. B Corp has been a valuable network to help us do exactly that.

“Sustainable practices aren’t just about doing what’s right for the planet—they must also make good business sense. By embedding sustainability into your day-to-day, it becomes a natural part of your operations.”

Daron Brinsdon, National Integration Solutions Manager, Teletrac Navman

“Incorporating sustainable practices into business operations is achievable and can drive long-term financial and environmental benefits.

“As businesses balance environmental goals with operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness, providing practical guidance during this transition can make all the difference on the path to Net Zero. From electricians and plumbers to local retail deliveries, transition to electric vehicles (EVs) or other alternative fuels helps reduce emissions and lower costs.

“Teletrac Navman’s consulting service and Electric Vehicle Evaluator (EVE) platform can help identify vehicles suitable for conversion to electric or other alternative fuels, including hydrogen and biodiesel, without disrupting the way you work.

“The EVE’s Sustainability Dashboard provides comprehensive evaluation of routes, distances, times and available charging infrastructure, enabling you to create a cost-effective charging infrastructure plan that will keep your business moving.

“With businesses under increasing pressure to reduce emissions and meet government-mandated sustainability targets, a multi-energy strategy, integrating alternatives like hydrogen and biodiesel alongside electrification, allows businesses to adapt to diverse needs. Investing in data-driven tools and prioritising a clear sustainability plan can achieve demonstratable financial benefits as well as demonstrating leadership in tackling climate challenges.”

Erica Smith, Chief Marketing and Alliance Officer, Blue Connections IT

“Incorporating sustainable practices into business operations requires a strategic and committed approach. Organisations should begin by assessing their current environmental impact and identifying opportunities for improvement in areas such as energy consumption, waste management, and supply chain practices. For example, Blue Connections IT established a dedicated green committee with employees from across the company to oversee its sustainability initiatives. Key actions have included transitioning to energy-efficient infrastructure, such as installing solar panels and LED lighting, significantly reducing carbon emissions while lowering operational costs. Additionally, replacing single-use plastics with sustainable alternatives into the business’s packaging and introducing initiatives to minimise waste are part of the organisation’s tangible commitment to sustainability.

“Collaborating with partners who share similar environmental goals can further strengthen a company’s impact, aligning business practices with broader sustainability objectives. For example, Blue Connections IT works with likeminded vendors, suppliers, customers, and stakeholders to implement sustainable technologies and processes across the entire value chain. Encouraging employees to adopt sustainable behaviours, including carpooling, cycling to work, or using electric vehicles, also supports a culture of shared responsibility.

“These measures, paired with transparent reporting on progress and achievements, build trust with customers and stakeholders while delivering long-term environmental benefits.”

Philip Keogan, Chief Commercial Officer, WattWatchers

“Sustainability starts with understanding your impact, particularly your energy use. These are some of the core principles we impart on businesses around incorporating sustainable practices to their operations:

1. Measure What Matters: Conduct an energy audit to pinpoint inefficiencies. Real-time energy monitoring or periodic assessments can help identify wasteful practices and areas for improvement.
2. Optimise Energy Use: Shift energy-intensive activities to off-peak times to reduce costs and strain on the grid. For businesses with on-site renewables, align operations with your generation patterns to maximise clean energy usage.
3. Set Clear Goals: Establish sustainability targets, such as reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, or achieving net-zero operations. Ensure these align with recognised standards like NABERS, Green Star, or industry-specific frameworks.
4. Engage Stakeholders: Foster collaboration among departments—operations, finance, and sustainability teams must work together. Equip decision-makers with actionable insights and involve employees in sustainability initiatives.
5. Innovate and Adapt: Invest in scalable, accessible solutions that suit your business size and model. Embrace technology to streamline energy management and improve operational efficiency.

“For businesses seeking to enhance their sustainability journey, expertise and tools like those from Wattwatchers can provide valuable insights and actionable data to drive meaningful change. Together, we can create a smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable energy future.”

Simon Sheikh, Founder & CEO, Future Group

“RealZero Check is a free, and open-source tool designed to help the financial services sector set genuine net zero targets and measure decarbonisation progress with transparency.

“Developed in partnership with the University of Technology Sydney’s Institute for Sustainable Futures, RealZero Check uses the One Earth Climate Model to evaluate a portfolio’s emissions against global carbon budgets, showing the decarbonisation pace needed to align with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5 degree target.

“The tool applies the carbon budgets necessary to limit warming to 1.5 degrees on a sector-by-sector basis. Investors can see how their investments stack up against those carbon budgets, and where change might be necessary.

“With 79%* of Australians desiring climate-aligned net zero commitments from their financial providers, RealZero Check will help the sector develop meaningful, authentic, science-backed net zero strategies.

“It will empower investors to make informed investment choices by breaking down portfolio emissions in a way they can easily compare their impact against scientifically backed benchmarks.

“We believe capital is the key to achieving net zero targets. We don’t have the time to wait until 2050, there is only a small window of opportunity to create real change.”

James Robinson, Vice President of Services for Asia Pacific at SYSPRO

“The manufacturing sector, historically a significant consumer of resources and generator of waste, has long been a challenge for the circular economy. However, many manufacturers now embed circularity into their operations, recognising its value in driving sustainability and efficiency.

“Modern ERP systems like SYSPRO are pivotal in facilitating this shift. They enable manufacturers to embrace digital technology to extend product life cycles and foster collaborative, value-creating partnerships.

“Our platform’s advanced ERP features, like Inventory Optimisation, allow manufacturers to adopt lean production practices through functionalities like Just-in-Time Materials. These tools help minimise overproduction, reduce spoilage from expired materials, and prevent stock mismanagement, which are common barriers to efficient resource use.

“Integrating Artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities within ERP further enhances circularity efforts. AI-powered predictive maintenance reduces machine downtime and extends equipment life by identifying potential failures before they occur. By maximising machinery longevity, manufacturers can decrease the need for total replacements, conserving resources and reducing waste.

“The SYSPRO ERP platform provides the data management, insights and tools manufacturers need to process inputs more efficiently and minimise waste, directly contributing to a circular economy. Additionally, the operational efficiencies gained support sustainability goals and enhance productivity and profitability, creating a win-win scenario.”

Anastasia Geneave, Founder & Chief Chameleon, No Grey Suits

“What’s your website’s carbon footprint? This was a HUGE realisation for me. Your website is stored (hosted) on a great big computer somewhere (servers). The datacentres use bucketloads of electricity, not just to power those big computers, but also keep them cool so they don’t, you know, spontaneously combust. The average website can produce 211kg of CO2 each year! According to the EPA that’s over 26,000 smartphones being charged.

“It wasn’t something I’d considered. As someone with multiple websites, and overflowing inboxes taking up a bunch of storage, my impact was probably more than I could imagine. Much more than can be negated by switching off an LED monitor each night.

“Last year, I made the switch to True Green Hosting. Their eco-friendly web hosting takes care of our planet and your business at the same time. Win-win!

“I did research before making the switch, after all, our websites are pretty darn important.

• Datacentres based in Australia? Check.
• Great support team, 24/7? Check. (I’ve needed this a few times when I “tinker”!)
• (9% uptime? Check.
• Back-ups done for me? Check. (another thing I’ve needed. Yes, more tinkering)
  Not to mention a great small business founder story to boot.”

Lucio Siri, CEO at Energy Solutions Centre

“More than ever businesses are realising that sustainability isn’t just a marketing tactic; it’s a core business principle. However, there’s a critical difference between genuine commitment and ‘greenwashing.’

“True sustainability requires a holistic approach and companies should conduct regular energy audits to understand consumption and identify areas for improvement.

“Embracing the circular economy and prioritising waste reduction, donating or repurposing old equipment and reusing, as well as recycling can help to foster a culture of sustainability.

“We’ve found that constantly educating and providing learning opportunities about eco-conscious practices has empowered our team and our customers to make responsible decisions. We now see them proactively embracing long-term sustainability initiatives that make a real difference.

“Sustainability isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business. Adopting sustainable practices as standard business processes means you are investing in the future of your team, your brand and your community.”

Nikita Atkins, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lead, NCS Australia

“In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, sustainability must be at the core of business operations to ensure resilience and growth. AI, while transformative, has significantly increased energy demands, contributing to carbon emissions and environmental concerns. Green AI represents the flip side of the coin — focusing not only on using AI to achieve sustainable outcomes but also on ensuring AI itself is developed and deployed sustainably. Ultimately, we must do both.

“Green AI prioritises energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and optimising resource use across training, running, and managing AI models. It represents a shift in AI design, moving away from the relentless race for accuracy and recognising that increasing computational resources comes at an environmental cost. Instead, Green AI embeds sustainability into its core through efficient algorithms, compact models, and renewable energy-powered systems, creating a foundation for responsible progress.

“Beyond operational improvements, Green AI drives innovations that tackle broader environmental challenges, such as optimising supply chains, reducing waste, and advancing renewable energy solutions. Through these applications, businesses can contribute meaningfully to a net-zero future.

“Realising this vision requires collaboration — raising awareness, standardising metrics, and fostering innovation. Green AI isn’t optional; it’s the key to aligning technological advancement with environmental responsibility.”

Terry Maiolo, Vice President-General Manager for OVHcloud Asia Pacific

“For many businesses looking to increase their productivity and growth, digital transformation is often the answer. Many are looking to technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing to drive efficiencies.

“But the use of more data and computer power simultaneously impacts our environment. Many businesses remain unaware of the growing level of carbon emissions that emerging technologies, such as AI, are having on the environment.

“Deciding to go green does not necessarily come at a business cost. Leveraging the right cloud providers that deploy sustainable practices such as water-cooling technology within their data centres and carbon calculators to help keep track of carbon footprint, can help power businesses whilst supporting their ESG commitments. Innovative technologies such as these are enabling businesses of all sizes to ride the waves of AI whilst cutting their energy consumption, shrinking carbon footprints and scaling operations efficiently. Monitoring your business’s carbon footprint can also help provide better greater transparency and encourage more responsible usage across your operations.

“At OVHcloud, we believe that minimising environmental impacts and driving up performance are factors that must go hand in hand. By striving to be frugal in our own designs, we can help our ecosystem become increasingly sustainable. Through our latest climate commitments, we are empowering our customers, partners and employees to help shape a greener cloud for businesses and our ecosystem.”

Rachelle Atkin, Founder and Managing Director, The Yorkshire Marketing Company

“For small businesses, adopting sustainable practices can result in you building trust amongst your audience and attracting more customers!

“Today’s consumers are drawn to businesses who reflect their values, and environmental responsibility is ranking higher than ever right now.

“But being sustainable isn’t about perfection — it’s about making better choices and taking small meaningful steps. Don’t fall into the trap of making it a huge job, otherwise it will become more of a chore than a way of life.

“Start by doing an audit of your workplace and focusing on key areas where you can generate some quick wins; eg. switching to more eco-conscious and cheaper suppliers, reviewing inefficiencies in your office and equipment. This is not only instantly rewarding but will inspire you to do more!

“Once you’ve made a few tangible changes turn your sustainability journey into a story and share with your customers:

• Publish a “Sustainability Promise” that outlines your goals and timeline.
• Share progress photos/videos on your website and social media that bring your initiatives to life to make your story relatable, eg. swapping out equipment, reducing waste.

“By inspiring others to follow your lead, together we can all make a big difference!”

Paul Berkovic, Co-Founder and CCO at Rayven

“One of the most important tools an organisation has to improve sustainability is their own data.

“Using real-time data to inform ESG is something that needs to be taken as seriously as it is for informing production data. If a factory owner only looked at production data once per year and made business decisions based on it, there would be chaos. The same goes for ignoring ESG data for months on end.

“For example, a business looking to reduce its energy consumption in its factory needs access to real-time data to help it make more informed decisions about its usage. If you only look at your energy data once a quarter, then you’ve already missed out on opportunities to improve your environmental footprint.

“Using real-time data is an important way for organisations to properly track their sustainability practices and help to improve their overall ESG performance.”

Trena Blair, CEO of FD Global Connections

“Gone are the days when sustainability was just a buzzword. In today’s American market, it’s a powerful driver of business success and customer loyalty. Here’s why embracing sustainable practices isn’t just good for the planet—it’s essential for your bottom line.

“Think sustainability is expensive? Think again. Energy-efficient LED lighting and smart thermostats can slash your utility bills by up to 30%. With federal tax incentives for solar installations and energy-efficient upgrades, going green has never been more financially attractive. Most businesses recover their initial investments within 2-3 years.

“Modern consumers vote with their wallets, and they’re choosing sustainable brands. Studies show that 78% of U.S. consumers prefer buying from environmentally responsible companies. By implementing visible green practices, you’re not just saving the planet; you’re building a loyal customer base.

“Your team wants to work for a company that cares. Businesses with strong sustainability programs report 55% better employee morale and 38% improved hiring rates. Simple initiatives like bike-to-work programs can transform your workplace culture.

“Start small: switch to LED lights, launch a recycling program, or source locally. Each step moves your business toward a more sustainable—and profitable—future. Don’t wait until you’re forced to change—be ahead of the curve.”

Kade Brown, Workforce Solutions Director, RMIT Online

“The ability to incorporate sustainable practices into business operations comes down to employees having the right skills to do so — especially when the business is required to meet certain sustainability-related reporting standards.

“And while standards like ASRS are currently aimed at large organisations, smaller organisations will need to comply in the future, Many SMEs must comply now depending on their supply chain. These standards require upskilling not only to drive compliance, but to drive long-term sustainable growth and competitive advantage.

“Those skills need to come from not just an organisation’s sustainability function, but from all business functions. All teams need to evaluate ESG and climate-related risks and opportunities, and they must collaborate when outlining their targets and operational plans to meet climate-related standards.

“Right now, however, many people working within organisations don’t have the necessary skills to address their organisation’s climate responsibilities. RMIT Online’s short course with Deloitte on sustainability and climate-related financial reporting has unsurprisingly, therefore, been popular because it helps professionals understand how to approach new standards and become sustainable in the long term.”

Trina Raymond, PR Consultant, Songbird Communications

“Incorporating sustainable practices into your business operations isn’t just good for the planet—it’s a powerful strategy to elevate your brand, reduce costs, and resonate with an eco-conscious market. As a ‘one-person-show’ (freelance PR Consultant), sustainability can be both simple BUT impactful – and apply to all businesses.

“Begin by evaluating your energy consumption and resources. Switch to digital tools to eliminate paper waste and reduce your environmental footprint. Choose energy-efficient devices.

“Next, assess the materials you use. Whether it’s for printing, packaging, or something else, opt for eco-friendly alternatives. Supporting sustainable suppliers for any physical products you need further strengthens your commitment to green practices.

“Sustainability doesn’t need to be overwhelming or costly. As much of my work is done remotely, I am already cutting down on commuting emissions. Start with small adjustments – every step counts. It is all about shifting your operational mindset to include sustainability as a core part of your business, so it is automatically a consideration in everything you do.”

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