In today’s world, overlooking sustainability in your business is a major misstep. More companies in 2025 are prioritising sustainability initiatives, focusing on areas like environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, setting net-zero emissions targets, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). While each of these are important, they’re often addressed in isolation, leading to a fragmented and less effective approach to sustainability. To make an impact, it needs to be put all together into a strategy.

When developing a new business, implementing a sustainable business model will create long-term benefits for both the environment and your business. A business that actively supports the environment is likely to be more profitable and earn greater trust from its customers. For those in the contracting business, a sustainable business model can also help you win tenders since sustainability is a huge focus and requirement of the tendering process.

Let’s say you’ve already started up your business and you’re not sure how to build a sustainable business model or you need some clarity on what’s included. Don’t worry we will share a step-by-step guide on how to make it happen. Let’s dive into it.

How to integrate a sustainable strategy framework into your business

Step 1: Start with a clear vision

How can you know where you’re headed without a clear vision? Take time to reflect on why your business is needed, who you are helping, and the impact you want to create. Think about your current vision and consider if there are ways it can be altered to be more sustainable. It’s important you set a vision with clear measurable goals and align them with your brand’s values.

Step 2: Understand your purpose

Understanding your business’s purpose is the essential foundation that must be set before implementing any strategy. Find ways you can strategically align ESG, net-zero, and DEI initiatives into your purpose, so business decisions can be centred around them. To have a compelling company purpose, think about how you can solve industry-related issues and make people the centre of all you do. Do you aim to donate a portion of your profits to others in need? Reduce emissions and energy costs with how you source your product? Defining these quantifiable initiatives will guide you. From there, you can set a clear direction and iron out your sustainability strategy. When it’s in place, the next step is to implement it.

Step 3: Take action with your people

Start with your people. If you’re just beginning your business, build a team with diverse skills, gather contacts for potential partnerships, and brainstorm ways to work together on your sustainability strategy. Train your employees on sustainability practices so they are actively involved as well. If your business is already established, assess your current leadership and find areas where you can improve your sustainability goals. Accountability structures should be in place for tracking progress.

Step 4: Ensure your supply chain and sourcing is sustainable

Then move to the production-side. How can your business reduce its environmental footprint? Evaluate where you’re currently sourcing your materials and whether it supports a healthy circular economy that promotes resource efficiency, reduces waste, and drives long-term benefits for both your business and the planet. If ready, collaborate with stakeholders such as suppliers, customers, or industry groups that can share knowledge and streamline your supply chain and production to be more sustainably-driven.

Step 5: Hire environmental experts

If you’re looking for extra guidance and support for your action plan, hiring a sustainability expert can be a great move. They have in-depth knowledge of the industry and can see what other companies are doing well. An external expert can provide fresh insights and help you improve your practices as well as keep you on track with your sustainability goals.

Step 6: Avoid greenwashing in your marketing

It’s important you communicate your sustainability efforts transparently to customers, stakeholders, and the wider community. This helps build trust and can be a competitive advantage to competitors in the same industry. As you advertise your efforts, it’s critical they are not exaggerated or far-fetched from the truth. Some businesses make misleading claims about their products or services being environmentally friendly, in order to gain a better reputation or increased revenue. This is known as greenwashing. Unfortunately, greenwashing is where heaps of businesses can get in trouble and break brand trust with consumers.

Step 7: Track your progress

Is your business focused on environmental protection? Social sustainability? Economic sustainability? When you know where you are headed, you can set up systems to track and measure progress towards your particular goals. Choose relevant KPI metrics that can be monitored through data collection tools. Use the SMART goals framework to ensure each goal you have is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Regular reporting keeps your business accountable and helps you to refine your strategy as needed.

Step 8: Assess financial and legal impact of sustainability initiatives

When incorporating sustainability business strategies, it’s helpful to assess the financial impact and identify areas for investment. This can include costs for energy-efficient systems, sustainable products, or green certifications. Since this industry is always evolving, stay informed about sustainability-related regulations and ensure your business complies with local, national, and international standards.