Sustainability in business means balancing the triple bottom line: people, planet, and profit. This approach ensures businesses not only generate financial returns but also support the well-being of their employees and communities (people) while protecting and conserving the environment (planet). By integrating these principles, businesses can achieve long-term success, reduce risks, and make a positive impact.

Sustainability is a crucial part of running a successful business in the NT.
It offers opportunities for cost savings, enhances your brand, and contributes to a positive environmental and social impact. Embracing sustainable practices ensures long-term viability, helps meet compliance requirements, and provides a competitive edge in the market. Sustainability also attracts talented staff, helps a business manage risk, meets investor expectations, and strengthens community connections.

How to get there? 

Sustainability Strategy

A Sustainability Strategy is a plan that helps businesses operate in an environmentally, socially, and economically responsible way. It outlines goals and actions to reduce environmental impact, improve resource efficiency, and support community well-being, ensuring long-term success while meeting stakeholder expectations.

Sustainability Action Plan

Once you have a Sustainability Strategy it is time to make an Action Plan.

A Sustainability Action Plan is a practical roadmap that outlines specific steps a business will take to improve its environmental, social, and economic performance. It includes clear goals, timelines, and measurable actions to reduce waste, conserve resources, lower emissions, and enhance community engagement. This plan helps businesses turn sustainability commitments into meaningful outcomes.

Comprehensive Action Plan

The comprehensive action plan is a detailed roadmap, carefully aligned with your business goals. This plan lays out long-term strategies, specific actions, timelines, and accountability measures. It helps integrate sustainability into the core of your business, ensuring that every step you take is leading toward those broader goals.

Download a sample comprehensive Sustainability Action Plan

Credit: Department of Business

One Page Action Plan

The one-page action plan is a much shorter, focused summary of key activities. This is not about the big picture but about having a quick reference to your immediate sustainability actions. It’s something you can revisit annually to assess your progress and make adjustments.

Both are important because the comprehensive plan gives you direction and vision, while the one-page plan keeps you on track, helping you stay adaptable and responsive to change without losing sight of your long-term goals.

Download a sample One Page Action Plan

How does a Sustainability Strategy help achieve better business outcomes? 

• Cost Savings: Sustainable practices reduce energy, water, and waste costs, improving your bottom line.
• Brand: A sustainable business appeals to customers who prioritize environmentally responsible companies.
• Positive Environmental Impact: Protecting natural resources supports the health of Darwin's unique ecosystems.
• Long-Term Viability: Sustainability future-proofs your business against climate-related and economic challenges.
• Compliance: Staying sustainable ensures adherence to environmental regulations, avoiding fines or reputational damage.
• Competitive Advantage: Meeting sustainability criteria makes your business more attractive for government tenders and partnerships.
• Attracting Staff: Talented professionals are increasingly drawn to companies that align with their values.
• Risk Management: Addressing sustainability reduces exposure to risks like resource shortages or climate impacts.
• Investor Expectations: Investors favor businesses with strong sustainability credentials and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices.
• Positive Social Impact: Supporting sustainability strengthens your connection to the Darwin community and its future.

Want to learn more? 

Download a copy of the COOLmob presentation from 2024 October Business Month and contact COOLmob to find out how you can get started on your workplace Sustainability plan:

COOLmob Sustainability Workshop for Business Part 1
COOLmob Sustainability Workshop for Business Part 2