Don't just talk the sustainable talk — walk the sustainable walk.
So how do organizations get started in their journey towards being a role-model sustainable organization? Well, it is not just as easy as saying "we are sustainably-minded!" in the mission statement and recycling Red Solo cups when it is convenient to do so. This journey does not happen organically, and certainly does not happen without sustained, honest effort. Here are four ways to transform your organization from talking the sustainable talk to walking the sustainable walk.
1. Designate a goal
Think in the directions of the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals for 2030! Find out more information on their website.
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The first goal that comes to mind for many organizational executive boards is the commitment that they will make their organization 100% sustainable. While it sounds great, it does not establish a road map. We need to move beyond wishing for vague, untimely goals to setting goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely. With SMART goals, your organization can become sustainable more quickly and efficiently.
Some examples of good goals include:
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2. Create an Official sustainability role or committee
An organization needs a designated person or committee who will be responsible for pushing the group towards achieving the goals that were set. While in an ideal world, it would be great to have the entire team be the sustainability cheerleader, that is an unrealistic goal to set right at the beginning. Setting one person or committee to be that first spark of advocating for sustainable routine practices will allow the flame to spread to the team in due time (if they do their job).
The roles of this Sustainability Committee or Chair could be to propose innovative ideas at board meetings, connect with Cornell sustainability groups to schedule workshops, keep track of progress (qualitatively and quantitatively), and mobilize the rest of the organization members. Mobilization of all members is critical in the road map to achieving the goals, because this is precisely what transforms the organizations' culture and thus makes systemic change in routine practices for the long-term. Finally, the designated person(s) can hold the leadership accountable with keeping sustainability as one of the top priorities when planning the year.
The roles of this Sustainability Committee or Chair could be to propose innovative ideas at board meetings, connect with Cornell sustainability groups to schedule workshops, keep track of progress (qualitatively and quantitatively), and mobilize the rest of the organization members. Mobilization of all members is critical in the road map to achieving the goals, because this is precisely what transforms the organizations' culture and thus makes systemic change in routine practices for the long-term. Finally, the designated person(s) can hold the leadership accountable with keeping sustainability as one of the top priorities when planning the year.
3. Allocate resources
With any goal an organization makes, be it attending competitions or fostering a strong team culture with bonding events, resources are needed to see these goals through. Resources often come in the form of time and money. This means that organizations will have to allocate time and money to these new sustainability goals if they want to see meaningful improvement. It is important that organizations elect sustainability leaders that are able and willing to work towards these goals. Make sure that their voices are taken seriously and time is allocated to these leaders during board meetings, general body meetings, and/or practices to pursue their planned activities. When seeking and applying for funding, consider submitting financial plans that reflect the priorities of the team. That is, if sustainability is one of your declared priorities, put in the effort to find funding to support that priority. |
4. Get ready for Improvements
There is no such thing as a perfect plan. This means that organizations have to constantly be reflecting on the progress they are (or are not) making and look for ways to improve. If you encounter a road block, instead of asking "if I do the same thing again will I succeed this time?" instead ask "was this first idea I came up with really the best solution?" Thinking this way will open up opportunities to think outside of the box and put an organization on a faster track towards achieving their sustainability goals. It's also important to reflect on current plans of action to better prepare for the next one once the most immediate goal is reached.
Set a system in place in your organization to measure progress towards a goal and identify inefficiencies. Maybe this could be a feedback form, or a consultation meeting with an expert in sustainability.
Set a system in place in your organization to measure progress towards a goal and identify inefficiencies. Maybe this could be a feedback form, or a consultation meeting with an expert in sustainability.