How can you ensure sustainability governance and accountability?

1 Define your sustainability vision and goals

The first step is to clearly articulate your sustainability vision and goals, and how they relate to your core purpose, mission, and values. Your sustainability vision and goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), and reflect the expectations and interests of your stakeholders. You should also communicate your sustainability vision and goals to your employees, customers, suppliers, investors, and other relevant parties, and solicit their feedback and input.

2 Establish your sustainability governance structure

The next step is to establish your sustainability governance structure, which defines the roles, responsibilities, and authorities of different people and groups within your organization regarding sustainability issues. Your sustainability governance structure should include a senior-level sustainability committee or board that oversees and guides the development and implementation of your sustainability strategy, policies, and initiatives. You should also assign sustainability champions or coordinators in different departments or functions, who can facilitate and monitor the integration of sustainability into their respective areas. Additionally, you should involve your employees at all levels in your sustainability governance structure, by providing them with training, incentives, and opportunities to participate and contribute.

3 Implement your sustainability policies and practices

The third step is to implement your sustainability policies and practices, which translate your sustainability vision and goals into concrete actions and outcomes. Your sustainability policies and practices should cover all aspects of your operations, products, and services, and address the environmental, social, and economic impacts and risks of your activities. You should also align your sustainability policies and practices with the relevant standards, frameworks, and regulations in your industry and region, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), or the ISO 26000 guidance on social responsibility.

4 Monitor and measure your sustainability performance

The fourth step is to monitor and measure your sustainability performance, which enables you to track and evaluate the progress and results of your sustainability policies and practices. You should establish and use a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) that reflect your sustainability vision and goals, and capture the quantitative and qualitative data and information related to your sustainability performance. You should also use tools and methods such as audits, surveys, interviews, or focus groups to collect and analyze the feedback and opinions of your stakeholders on your sustainability performance.

5 Report and disclose your sustainability performance

The fifth step is to report and disclose your sustainability performance, which demonstrates your transparency and accountability to your stakeholders and the public. You should prepare and publish a regular sustainability report that follows the principles and guidelines of a recognized reporting standard or framework, such as the GRI or the Integrated Reporting <IR> Framework. Your sustainability report should provide a balanced and comprehensive account of your sustainability vision, goals, policies, practices, performance, impacts, challenges, and opportunities. You should also disclose your sustainability performance on other platforms and channels, such as your website, social media, or annual report.

6 Review and improve your sustainability performance

The sixth and final step is to review and improve your sustainability performance, which ensures your continuous learning and improvement in your sustainability journey. You should conduct a periodic and systematic review of your sustainability vision, goals, policies, practices, performance, and governance structure, and identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of your sustainability approach. You should also engage your stakeholders in your review process, and solicit their feedback and suggestions for improvement. Based on your review findings, you should implement the necessary changes and actions to enhance your sustainability performance and impact.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?