You will surely get varied answers if you ask business executives, academics, and environmental activists what a sustainable business is. One entity’s meaning for “sustainable” may differ entirely from another’s. Add to that the change to existing business practices is expensive, and it is easy to see the problem facing businesses worldwide in light of the climate crisis.
More people are becoming eco-conscious, and countries like Singapore are looking to enforce pro-environment policies. It’s fast becoming inevitable for companies to adopt energy sustainability. Sustainability frontliners want businesses to be more mindful of their practices. They prefer eco-friendly alternatives to their various pain points. However, not all businesses who already made the sustainable switch became successful.
The following are why companies fail to adapt their energy sustainability promise.
Resisting Change
While many businesses embrace energy sustainability, some don’t fully consider their employees. Telling them the benefits of adopting sustainable efforts is not enough. You must incorporate the new vision, execute the necessary changes to make business practices more sustainable, and ensure that leaders and their staff comprehend how to get things done the new way.
Both leaders and employees can be resistant to change. Company owners and executives are usually willing to make radical company changes. However, it concerns how well the leaders interpret the new policies and how the employees can adapt to them.
The transition is often never flawless when businesses go through drastic changes. Management coaching comes into play in these instances. Proper coaching will allow company leaders and employees to get appropriate support to adopt such energy sustainability efforts successfully.
Greenwashing
Saying yes to sustainability does not always translate to commitment to fulfill the energy sustainability promise. Some companies are not as sustainable as their claim. Others join the bandwagon to tap into the eco-conscious market.
Such a practice is called greenwashing. Some companies would resort to misleading information on how their offers and practices are sustainable. They show a false impression to make consumers believe they are more environment-friendly than what’s true.
Improper Sustainability Application
Embracing energy sustainability efforts to return to your old practices won’t fly with consumers and the government. Consistency is vital to making major and lasting changes within the company. Failure to do this can make your staff and your customers frustrated.
If you make your product’s packaging eco-friendly but don’t follow through and fail to consider how the product is made, your efforts will be futile. Ensure that your customers discern that you are truly committed to your new goal.
Transparency Issues
Many companies can make their business more sustainable but fail to be transparent to their customers. Telling your consumers about your energy sustainability wishes is never enough.
Consumers require proof that they are doing their part. Mere words and basic data are not good enough as these can be manipulated. Transparency will breed accountability and better results. Being transparent leads to a more authentic look on your offers and makes your business look more reputable.
Simply wanting to do your business and offering more sustainability won’t instantly turn it into a sustainable brand. You need the correct thinking, planning, and partner to apply and invest in energy sustainability properly. It pays due diligence to ensure that all your efforts will pay off.
