How to Create a Simple, Achievable Sustainability Strategy for Your SME

For many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), building a sustainability strategy can sound like something only big corporations have the time or budget for. But in reality, every business, no matter its size, can take practical, affordable steps toward being more sustainable.

Creating a sustainability strategy doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s about understanding your impact, setting clear priorities, and taking action that fits your business.

1️⃣ Start with Where You Are

Before making changes, you need to know your baseline. This means understanding your business’s current environmental and social impact.

💡 Look at:

• Energy use: How much electricity, gas, or fuel do you consume?

• Waste: What materials are being thrown away? Can more be recycled or reused?

• Transport: How often do staff travel for work, and how?

• Purchasing: Are you buying from sustainable suppliers?

You don’t need complex systems to start — even basic tracking using bills and supplier data can reveal quick wins.

2️⃣ Set Realistic Goals

Ambition is good, but realism keeps you on track. Choose a few achievable priorities for the next 12–24 months. For example:

• Cut electricity use by 10%

• Eliminate single-use plastics from packaging

• Switch to renewable energy

• Encourage hybrid working to reduce travel emissions

Remember: small, measurable goals build momentum. Once achieved, you can set more ambitious targets.

3️⃣ Involve Your Team

Sustainability works best when everyone’s involved. Ask your team for ideas - they often spot waste or inefficiencies you might miss. Consider setting up a small “green team” to drive progress and share updates internally.

Employee engagement doesn’t just improve sustainability, it strengthens culture and boosts morale.

4️⃣ Communicate and Celebrate

Once you’ve started implementing your strategy, share your progress. Add a sustainability section to your website, update customers, and highlight success stories. Transparency builds trust, and can make your business more attractive to clients and investors who value responsible operations.

5️⃣ Review and Improve

Sustainability isn’t a one-off project, it’s an ongoing process. Review your goals at least once a year, measure progress, and refine your approach.

If you’re not sure where to begin, start with a simple assessment like The Net Zero Co.’s Sustainability Health Check. It helps SMEs understand their current impact and identify clear, practical next steps toward a sustainable future.

Final Thought:

Building a sustainability strategy doesn’t mean overhauling your entire business overnight. It’s about taking manageable, meaningful steps that make your company stronger, greener, and more resilient for the long term.