Sustainability Plan
Writing a Sustainability Plan
A Sustainability Plan can take many forms. Depending on the size, type and capacity of your organization, your Sustainability Plan could be a two-page document that focuses on a long-term vision and broad goals, or a one hundred-page document that outlines specific targets, quantitative indicators and a detailed timeline. What is important is that your organization takes the first step to holistically managing the impacts – both positive and negative – that your organization has on the environment, community and economy. STEP ONE – DEVELOP A VISION The first step in sustainability planning is to envision what your organization could be like in ten, twenty or fifty years. How would it enhance the community? How would it contribute to the local economy? How could it be a good environmental steward? Creating a vision of your ideal organization will help guide you on your path to a sustainable future. STEP TWO – EVALUATE CURRENT IMPACT Once you have envisioned the future of your organization, you must then determine how your current operations match up with your vision. Evaluating the level and significance of your current impacts will allow you to properly focus your efforts. STEP THREE – SET GOALS & TARGETS Using your vision and current impacts as a guide, determine what longterm goals you have for your organization. Then use these goals to determine what interim-targets you need to set to send you towards your goal. STEP FOUR – PLAN & ACT Now that you have your goals and targets, it’s time to determine what specific actions will get you there. Break it down to specific activities, practices or policies and then make sure someone is responsible for each item. Over time these small steps will help your organization achieve its long-term vision.
Printed on 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Paper
BEST Business Center
Sustainability Plan (SAMPLE) FY 2007-2008
Table of Contents 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 Vision Activities and Impacts
A Sustainability Plan can take many forms. Depending on the size, type and capacity of your organization, your Sustainability Plan could be a two-page document that focuses on a long-term vision and broad goals, or a one hundred-page document that outlines specific targets, quantitative indicators and a detailed timeline. What is important is that your organization takes the first step to holistically managing the impacts – both positive and negative – that your organization has on the environment, community and economy. STEP ONE – DEVELOP A VISION The first step in sustainability planning is to envision what your organization could be like in ten, twenty or fifty years. How would it enhance the community? How would it contribute to the local economy? How could it be a good environmental steward? Creating a vision of your ideal organization will help guide you on your path to a sustainable future. STEP TWO – EVALUATE CURRENT IMPACT Once you have envisioned the future of your organization, you must then determine how your current operations match up with your vision. Evaluating the level and significance of your current impacts will allow you to properly focus your efforts. STEP THREE – SET GOALS & TARGETS Using your vision and current impacts as a guide, determine what longterm goals you have for your organization. Then use these goals to determine what interim-targets you need to set to send you towards your goal. STEP FOUR – PLAN & ACT Now that you have your goals and targets, it’s time to determine what specific actions will get you there. Break it down to specific activities, practices or policies and then make sure someone is responsible for each item. Over time these small steps will help your organization achieve its long-term vision.
Printed on 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Paper
BEST Business Center
Sustainability Plan (SAMPLE) FY 2007-2008
Table of Contents 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 Vision Activities and Impacts