What is a Sustainable Business?  We are often asked what a sustainable business looks like. A sustainable business offers products and services that fulfil society's needs while placing an equal emphasis on people, planet and profits.

So, what about the principles that make up a sustainable business? 

• Business leaders are committed to applying sustainability principles. Sustainability is central to the organisation's vision
• People are invested in, and staff behaviour that reinforces sustainability is promoted
• All resources are assessed for their need, the most sustainable option available, used efficiently and reused or recycled where possible
• Where possible external accreditation has been achieved to verify the sustainability of business practices
• Sustainability is built into design, production and logistics, and the business takes a whole lifecycle approach
• The business is profitable and invests strategically in its sustainable future and innovation
• The surrounding community is invested in financially and through time and skills
• Sustainability successes and ongoing challenges are communicated, to promote transparency and accountability

For those starting out

If your business is just beginning the sustainability journey, here are some first steps you can take;

• Use recycled and totally chlorine free paper in your work place - and set your printers and copiers to double side automatically
• Green your supply chain by purchasing products with certification such as Environmental Choice
• Where possible replace conventional light bulbs with compact florescent light (CFL) bulbs
• Choose suppliers committed to sustainability - e.g. an energy supplier that uses 100% renewable energy; or financial institutions that are actively working towards climate change reduction 
• Ensure computers, monitors, lights and all appliances are turned off overnight and when not in use
• Get your heating and air conditioning units serviced regularly
• Check out GreenFleet to learn about travel planning, efficient driving and how to offset your vehicle's carbon emissions - www.greenfleet.org.nz
• Use public transport, carpool and buy and lease fuel efficient vehicles such as hybrid's or small cars
• Keep your car well tuned and check your tires weekly to make sure they're properly inflated - proper inflation can improve fuel economy by more than 3%
• Use our Adviceline, take Get Sust Online and if you're not already a member, join SBN