'Sustainability’ doesn’t simply relate to going green. It encompasses a whole new approach to the way we live, run our businesses and look after our communities. Carol Tinsley predicts that training and staff development could be key to profitability while the winds of change blow...
We’ve all seen and experienced how massive the Health and Safety agenda has been in recent years. There's barely an employee in Britain who hasn't been made aware of H&S issues. Not just for their own sake, but also for the benefit of their employers, who face stiff penalties if certain standards are not met.
Now, we're looking at the next key issue that's likely to affect us in much the same way.
It’s the ‘S’ word... and it’s coming to an in-tray near you soon.
Before we get down to business, lets’ start with a few home truths. Global warming, scientists now agree, really does exist (though they can’t, officially, decide on how). We’re using up too many of the planet’s resources, and too fast (our landfill capacity is like to be non-existent within 7 years). Child poverty remains a serious social issue; 17 per cent of adults aged 17-59 are without a job, or living with a partner who is unemployed. And adults with special needs are seeking work as keenly as everyone else (but finding it tougher).
In 1986, The Brundtland Report defined Sustainability as: “Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
In the 21st century, the European Commission states sustainability as an ‘integrated vision for a better Europe’. With attention focused on growth, the quality of the environment and jobs that work for our future quality of life, the need for ‘Sustainable Enterprise’ with responsible management, reduced consumption and changing production patterns takes on enormous significance if we want to make a positive impact on the future.
Yet for most of us, the immediate goals for so many of us are less altruistic. As much as we would all like to show off our social and environmental conscience, and feel that we are ‘doing the right thing’, our needs in the real world are: to increase turnover, improve profitability and, quite simply survive.
If you're a small or medium-sized business, you're probably wondering why you should be worrying about fuzzy issues like carbon footprints when you've got profits to make and wages to pay.
The bottom line is, looking at sustainability policies will make a difference to your bottom line! The fact is, many tender submissions fail because having a Sustainability or Environmental policy is a pre-requisite. With effective policies in place, you can begin to look to the bigger profits and better business opportunities that are out there - and out there NOW!
By managing your resources and being sustainable in all your operations, you'll find more doors open. With an environmental system in place, for example, you'll have a greater chance of... . winning more contracts . gaining higher quality clients . enjoying investor confidence and benefiting from all the potential profit that these entail.
Regulations already abound in Equal Opportunities, Diversity and Environmental Impact. Accreditation is a force for the good, and through standards such as ISO 14001, Investors in People and COSHH, many companies are aligning themselves with, and even overtaking, their main competitors.
However, training employees to be aware of the issues and carry out tasks in compliance with set rules is an absolute must. If they're not working to the standards required, your case is weakened, and the risk of penalties for non-compliance sets in. By offering training opportunities to employees at all levels - NVQs, Apprenticeships, Leadership and Management or other vocational courses in a vast range of functional areas - you are strengthening your own future as a business.
Training providers can provide businesses with a full organisational analysis that will bring up any sector-specific requirements and recommend training and accreditation to suit.
Meanwhile, creating opportunities where people can live and work without fear or risk or disadvantage, working in harmony with our communities, helping them to survive and thrive... these will all be seen as good ways to do business.
On a local scale. At your desk. In your community.
Realistically, for most people it will be a matter of prioritisation – not saying you need to do everything all at once, but knowing what you can do, and how you can put those measures in place.
Areas where many businesses can make most impact include:
Already, we’re seeing Merseyside employers ‘doing their bit’. Many are working with their employees, local colleges and training providers to create and maintain a sustainable environment. Importantly, they are finding the sustainable approach is benefiting their own business as well as the communities in which they work.
Elaine Stump of Liverpool environmental specialists Valley Field Environmental Services firmly believes that giving staff the chance to work towards qualifications in green subjects is crucial. Being involved in recycling and energy conservation benefits not just the planet, but also offers employees a valuable opportunity for personal and career development.
“These days, companies need to understand their duty of care towards the environment,” she says.
“There is more and more legislation coming into force – and that of course means there will also be penalties for non-compliance. However, different companies will have different regulations.
“As an employer, huge steps can be made by offering your employees a chance to learn and become involved. With the right knowledge, they will carry out good practice for you, helping you to comply with your industry regulations.
“On a business level, being as green as you can also means you are placing yourself in a better position for winning contracts, as companies are required to think about their supply chain as well, and how responsibly they dispose of their waste.
“Training for qualifications will be seen as a great advantage for employees of all backgrounds and ages. In fact, a lot of organisations don’t realise just how motivated their staff are.”
Find out about your responsibilities on www.netregs.gov.uk
