How to carry out a business sustainability audit – checklist included

How to carry out a business sustainability audit 

– checklist included

Conducting a business sustainability audit is a crucial step for organisations aiming to align their operations with environmental and social stewardship principles. This process involves a comprehensive evaluation of a company's practices, policies, and impacts in areas such as energy use, resource consumption, waste management, and social responsibility. The audit not only highlights areas where the company is performing well but also identifies opportunities for significant improvement, helping to integrate sustainability deeply into the strategic framework and corporate culture.

While the audit itself is not overly complex, it often gets overlooked amid the day-to-day demands of running a business. Nevertheless, both major and minor improvements can benefit your business by making it more sustainable and positively impacting your bottom line.

1. What to review

It is essential for your sustainability initiatives to address both the direct and indirect environmental impacts of your business.

2. Getting started

To ensure you get the maximum value from your sustainability audit, we recommend the following steps before you begin:

a. Review the Audit Checklist in advance:

b. Form an Audit Team or designate a Responsible Person

c. Choose the right timing

d. Establish a clear timeline

e. Approach the Audit with an open mind

3. Using the audit checklist

a. Each section comprises questions related to sustainability best practices within your business, offering response options of 'Yes,' 'No,' 'Not sure,' and 'Not applicable’ (N/A).

b. Put the number 1 in the relevant cell of each question. Then, in the ‘Results’ Totals’ cells sum the numbers for each column.

c. You have the flexibility to complete all sections or focus solely on those you consider most important or relevant to your business.

d. Once you've identified areas with the greatest potential for improvement, you can refer back to this guide for guidance and examples.

4. Using the audit checklist

a. Each section comprises questions related to sustainability best practices within your business, offering response options of 'Yes,' 'No,' 'Not sure,' and 'Not applicable’ (N/A).

b. Put the number 1 in the relevant cell of each question. Then, in the ‘Results’ Totals’ cells sum the numbers for each column.

c. You have the flexibility to complete all sections or focus solely on those you consider most important or relevant to your business.

d. Once you've identified areas with the greatest potential for improvement, you can refer back to this guide for guidance and examples.

5. Your sustainability audit checklist

Completing a business sustainability audit provides a company with invaluable insights into its operational impact on the environment and society. The findings serve as a roadmap for enhancing sustainability practices, driving innovation, and improving overall corporate resilience. By addressing the identified areas for improvement, a company can not only reduce its environmental footprint but also enhance its market positioning, stakeholder trust, and compliance with increasingly stringent regulations. Thus, a sustainability audit is not just an exercise in corporate responsibility but a strategic imperative for future-focused businesses.

Choosing bespoke software solutions not only tailors technology to your unique business needs but also reflects our shared commitment to fostering sustainable business practices while saving you time and money. Contact us now and start your sustainability journey!

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