Sustainable Business Strategies and How to Achieve Them

Most of the world’s major companies now set sustainability goals and submit reports about their progress as standard. Since COP26, sustainability has become a central topic for business leaders, not an afterthought.

To make business culture friendlier for the planet and the local communities, businesses should decide on a set of strategies that will have an overall positive effect.

So, what does your business need to think about when addressing its sustainability practices?

A strong brand image

Having a strong brand identity will help you sustainably grow your brand. Many customers are willing to switch brands in favour of one that is more sustainable. So don’t make your brand’s sustainability practices a secret. They could be key to your success!

You’ll need to back this up with other qualities, of course. A strong brand image also depends on being highly responsive to your customer’s needs, providing expert insights on your online platforms, and being open to feedback.

Strong partnerships

Collaboration makes business go round. Partnering with other companies who share your sustainability values can result in a win-win situation for both of you.

One great scenario is when one company pairs up with another to use their waste products for the manufacture of their products. This prevents waste from clogging up the landfill or oceans. It also reduces the need to take fresh resources from the environment.

For example, Costa Coffee partnered with Bio Bean, sending them used coffee grounds to be upcycled into sustainable products, such as fire logs for wood burners and stoves.

Customer satisfaction

Customers love to feel like they’re helping the planet and local communities by being loyal to your brand. But if you don’t make the customer journey as seamless as possible, there’s still the potential for you to lose those customers. Without a strong customer base, your business might struggle to keep up the good work it’s doing!

Hire the right number of staff and ensure that they feel valued; staff happiness levels often rub off on customers!

If relevant to your product or service, publish “how-to” videos and tutorials on several platforms online. Customers love anything that makes their life easier, and this could also reduce the number of calls your staff have to deal with.

And lastly, never assume your customers are satisfied! Proactively send quick surveys so they can let you know how likely they would be to recommend your brand on a rating scale. Those passive raters who don’t hate it but don’t love it either are the ones you need to focus on.

Find out where you need to improve by listening to the customer feedback directly.

Optimising logistics

Unfortunately, the shipping industry is a major source of greenhouse gas pollution among other things. This is something the International Maritime Organisation wants to reduce by at least 50% before 2050.

You can help by selecting a carbon-neutral courier that offers same day delivery, keeping both your customers and the environment happy.

Look out for shipping companies that are trying green alternatives. For example, we may see more companies using renewable electricity like hydrogen and e-ammonia in the future.

Becoming more sustainable doesn’t happen overnight for any business. But gradually swapping out old practices, for newer, greener practices is a promising start.