How do you create and monitor SMART sustainability goals?

1 What is SMART?

SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. It is a widely used tool for setting and evaluating goals in various fields, including project management, performance management, and personal development. Applying the SMART criteria to your sustainability goals can help you make them clear, concrete, and actionable, as well as track your progress and results.

2 How to make your goals specific?

Specific means that your goals are well-defined and focused. They answer the questions of what, why, who, where, and how. For example, instead of saying "we want to reduce our carbon footprint", you can say "we want to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2025 by switching to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and offsetting unavoidable emissions". Specific goals help you identify the scope, resources, and steps needed to achieve them.

3 How to make your goals measurable?

Measurable means that your goals are quantifiable and verifiable. They have indicators, targets, and baselines that allow you to measure your performance and impact. For example, instead of saying "we want to improve our waste management", you can say "we want to divert 80% of our waste from landfill by 2023 by implementing the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) strategy and partnering with local waste management companies". Measurable goals help you monitor your progress and evaluate your outcomes.

4 How to make your goals achievable?

Achievable means that your goals are realistic and attainable. They are challenging but not impossible. They consider your current situation, capabilities, and constraints. For example, instead of saying "we want to become carbon neutral by next year", you can say "we want to reduce our carbon intensity by 10% by next year by optimizing our operations, processes, and products". Achievable goals help you motivate your team and avoid frustration and disappointment.

5 How to make your goals relevant?

Relevant means that your goals are aligned with your mission, vision, and strategy. They support your core values, purpose, and objectives. They are meaningful and beneficial for your stakeholders, including your customers, employees, investors, suppliers, and communities. For example, instead of saying "we want to donate to a random charity", you can say "we want to donate 1% of our profits to a local environmental organization that shares our sustainability vision and values". Relevant goals help you communicate your commitment and create value for your business and society.

6 How to make your goals time-bound?

Time-bound means that your goals have a specific deadline or timeframe. They have milestones, checkpoints, and reviews that help you stay on track and accountable. They create a sense of urgency and priority. For example, instead of saying "we want to implement a sustainability reporting system", you can say "we want to implement a sustainability reporting system by the end of this quarter and publish our first sustainability report by the end of this year". Time-bound goals help you plan your actions and resources and celebrate your achievements.

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?