There are so many challenges to running a sustainable company.
Whether you are a start-up watching your costings with micro precision, or a company that has been around a while, and now having to transition to being more sustainable, there are challenges.
Here’s a few of the challenges that we are hearing from companies.
Cost. Being green can carry significant costs. Companies are worried about who will fund green projects if consumers won’t cover the extra expense. There can be a trade-off between the environmental and financial side of the company. Phrases like a ‘balancing act’ comes up in our conversations with companies looking to become more sustainable.
‘Will customers pay for the sustainability agenda they say they have? Because if they won’t, then that is a lot of cost pressures on us. Sustainability is a cost, everybody talks about it … but nobody wants to pay for it’.
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Customer Demand. Reluctance from companies often stems from uncertainty whether customers will actually reward greener practices. In other words, without clear customer buy-in, they might be reluctant to purchase organic food, fabric etc. Many consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable products. Sustainability Victoria puts that figure at 78% of consumers are ready to spend more for products from brands committed to sustainability.
Accountability. If you are going to be sustainable, then spend time actually being sustainable. Greenwashing is actually hard work, and there is also the real possibility that you will be found out. Some businesspeople are skeptical of purely symbolic projects. In practice, this translates into demands for accountability, e.g. clear metrics, trusted partners, or evidence for tree-planting and community projects.
Moving towards sustainable practises takes time. Showcase your wins (and talk about loses) and involve your customers in the journey. You just might encourage them to also make better choices. Make progress over perfection, have a few goal every month, and maybe put together a ‘green team’ to take the lead.
If you would like to know more about sponsoring community tree planting projects and how we can assist you in becoming a more sustainable business, please contact Colleen at <[email protected]>.
Writer: Colleen B. Filippa
With a background in Environmental Science, Colleen is the Founding Director of Fifteen Trees. In 2009, after 20 years in primary, secondary and tertiary education institutions, Colleen left the classroom to start the company. Fifteen Trees is a social enterprise assisting individuals and companies to reduce their carbon footprint by supporting community groups such as Landcare, schools and environmental networks.
