What Is a Sustainability Strategy?

Today, the term “sustainability” can still feel like a bit of a buzzword. While climate change awareness is great, organizations setting net zero goals without a practical plan to achieve them is just an empty promise.  

With the public and investors growing more informed every day – and 70% of consumers believing it’s important for companies to engage in sustainable practices –  inaction can be detrimental to your company, regardless of good intentions. 

If you’re just getting started, now is the time to turn your sustainability ambitions into actionable goals that not only support global climate change efforts, but also can save you money and increase your company’s reputation. Here’s how to create a sustainability strategy that delivers real results. 

So what is a sustainability strategy?  

A decade ago, the idea of sustainability meant “avoiding the depletion of resources to maintain ecological balance.” Today, it’s seen more as a balance between economic viability, environmental protection, and social equity. 

A truly effective sustainability strategy goes beyond simple initiatives like recycling programs. It integrates carbon reduction and operational practices that support long-term goals for people, the planet, and profits. 

In other words, a sustainability strategy should focus on reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions while helping your business meet its financial and operational goals. It should also be driven by data, to ensure that goals are measurable, achievable, and backed by real-time tracking. 

Creating an impactful sustainability strategy 

To build a truly effective sustainability strategy, it’s important to forego lofty goals and take practical, data-driven steps that actually align with your business objectives. Here’s how you can create a sustainability plan that not only drives positive environmental impact but also contributes to your business’s long-term success. 

1. Identify your emissions baseline 

The foundation of any sustainability strategy is data. Start by collecting and analyzing energy and resource data and where it originates to pinpoint your company’s current status. This helps you identify where energy is being used and how much carbon your organization produces. You can compare this to industry benchmarks or use past energy usage as a reference point. This data will drive your goals and enable progress tracking. 

2. Gain support from decision-makers 

Building an impactful sustainability strategy requires buy-in from key stakeholders. To secure this, highlight the risks of inaction. For example, in commercial real estate, carbon reduction is becoming essential for attracting top tenants. Without a clear strategy, businesses risk costly penalties and damage to their reputation, especially as climate-related mandates become stricter. 

3. Use data to drive decisions and track progress 

Once you’ve established your baseline, set near-term goals and track progress using your data. This helps identify opportunities for energy and carbon reduction across operations. Asset-level data can highlight areas for investment, such as renewable energy sources or infrastructure improvements. Tracking and optimizing your energy consumption not only reduces costs but also shows commitment to sustainability to investors, customers, and regulators. 

Why taking action now matters 

When it comes to sustainability, risks of inaction are real. Companies that can back up their sustainability claims with data-supported plans and tangible results can differentiate themselves and stand out in the marketplace. 

An effective sustainability strategy doesn’t require massive operational overhauls or unattainable goals though. Start with tracking and optimizing energy usage, reducing your carbon footprint, and lowering utility costs. With the right tools, like Brightly’s Stream software, your organization can reduce emissions, save money, and support your short- and long-term goals.  

Learn more about tools like Stream or check out our Simplifying Sustainability guide for tips on taking the first steps on the journey to Net Zero.