Small Business Sustainability Assessment
By completing a sustainability assessment, you can do a simple kind of audit through every aspect of your business, and identify opportunities for making small changes that you can do now, and perhaps bigger changes that you can work towards.
Consider the saying, a penny saved is a penny earned. A budget minded person goes through every category of their spending, and finds a small change they can make here and there. The overall lifestyle doesn’t change much at all, but the collective impact has a big difference on the money you can save.
In this sustainability assessment, you go through each category, and it’s as simple as just making observations and recording what you see, what you observe, what you have experienced, what you know. Consider the impact of each element using the same kind of matrix that you would when doing a risk assessment.
Connect with us online for a 2 hour session to help you work through this assessment, and explore the observations and opportunities that may present themselves. Includes follow up contact to check off the action steps as you work towards sustainability.
- Each assessment will result in a list of action steps to complete. You choose if those action steps are big or small, easy or difficult. You are in control of your business’s journey towards sustainability.
- Your sustainability assessment is a process that should be carried out quarterly, to build on the steps taken each time, and work towards tipping the scales in the right direction.
- Once the actions steps are completed, report your progress and track the path of your journey towards sustainability.
The Sustainability Assessments form a key element of the Elevate Your Enterprise Program.
Get in touch NOW to begin your journey!
3 Examples of what your Sustainability Assessment could look like: click on each title to expand:
Date | 11/7/2023 |
Business Name | Australian Manufacturing Company |
Completed By | Owner – Gary |
Congratulations on taking a step towards sustainability. As a small business, it’s often difficult to see how your little operation could really have that much of an impact, but with the small business sector accounting for 97% of the number of businesses operating in Australia, the collective impact is profound. By making the decision to be part of the new solution, instead of the existing problem, your contribution counts. It’s when we all work together that every little action and change can combine to make a big impact on the sustainability of the earth for future generations.
This document has been prepared as an introduction to carrying out an assessment on the impact that your small business has on the environment and the earth’s sustainability. It covers the four broad areas of Management, Marketing, Operations and Finances, and is to be used as a starting point. For more information, contact us at: https://evertrue.com.au.
Instructions:
Take a moment to consider each area, break it down into individual elements, actions, systems, processes or policies. Consider and record your observations, impressions, and the feedback you have received. Consider the possibility of the resources and utilities that you rely on if they were no longer available due to the breakdown of the environment. Identify any possible opportunities that may present themselves as you carry out this assessment.
Impact Matrix
Use the following matrix, similar to those commonly used in risk assessments, to measure the impact and the frequency of the observations you discover. Record the matrix reference in your observations.
IMPACT MATRIX | FREQUENCY | |||
RARE | REGULAR | FREQUENT | ||
IMPACT | MINOR | 1 | 2 | 3 |
MODERATE | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
SEVERE | 3 | 4 | 5 |
SECTION 1 – MANAGEMENT | |||
AREA | Observations | Opportunities | Matrix Ref |
Mission Statement | Doesn’t mention sustainability | Revise Mission Statement to show commitment to the environment | 2 |
Vision Statement | Doesn’t mention sustainability | Revise Vision statement to show commitment to the environment | 2 |
Company Policies | Focused on profit | Revise to introduce focus on sustainability | 3 |
Owner/Director | At home is environmentally conscious | Bring focus into work | 1 |
General Manager | Wife and children are environmentally conscious | Bring focus into work | 1 |
Company Culture | Staff are increasingly discerning, mentioning saving the environment | Consult staff on how we can improve our impact on sustainability | 1 |
SECTION 2 – MARKETING | |||
AREA | Observations | Opportunities | Matrix Ref |
Marketing Manager | (Owner) | 1 | |
Media | – Physical: Business Cards, Branded Pens – Digital: No message about sustainability | Media release on commitment to protect the environment, display on website and company branding | 1 3 |
Geographical Area | Mostly Local, about 20% Interstate to Perth customers that have other locations interstate | Encourage more local trade | 3 |
Resources | – Freight – Packaging | Look into more sustainable transport options. Look into biodegradable packaging | 4 4 |
Feedback | None received | 1 | |
Target Market | Most larger companies mention sustainability in their media. | 1 | |
SECTION 3 – OPERATIONS | |||
AREA | Observations | Opportunities | Matrix Ref |
Operations Manager | (Gen Man) | 1 | |
Human Resources | 6 full time staff, all live locally | 1 | |
Supply Chain & Transportation | – Materials received from Perth, produced locally. – Frequent small deliveries | Consider deliveries being collated in Perth and have 1 delivery to workshop (impact on production times) | 1 4 |
Waste | – Steel recycling bin onsite – 3m bin collected once per month | 1 2 | |
Water | Avg 30kL per month | 1 | |
Plastic | Most deliveries received covered in shrinkwrap | Ask suppliers about using biodegradable packaging | 3 |
Power | Avg 1200 units per month | Look into solar | 3 |
Storage & Inventory | Small stock on hand, mostly manufactured to order. | 1 | |
Production and Processing | Workshop layout mostly effective | 1 | |
Defects | Small occurrence of mistakes by apprentices, items discarded | Keep a register of defects and track causes and outcomes | 2 |
Skills | Trades held tickets for 10+ years | Due for refresher courses | 2 |
SECTION 4 – FINANCE | |||
AREA | Observations | Opportunities | Matrix Ref |
Finance Manager | (Owner) | 1 | |
Profitability | 15% | Room there to put sustainability budget in place | 1 |
Budget & Targets | Not really active | Set budgets and track | 1 |
Assets | Equipment – life span of another 5-10 years | 1 | |
Liabilities | Good position, almost paid off biggest loans | 1 | |
Growth | 30% growth over past 3 years | 1 | |
ASSESSMENT | |||
AREA | Number of Observations | Number of Opportunities | Combined Matrix Ref |
MANAGEMENT | 6 | 6 | 10 (1.66) |
MARKETING | 8 | 3 | 18 (2.25) |
OPERATIONS | 13 | 5 | 23 (1.77) |
FINANCE | 6 | 2 | 6 (1.0) |
TOTAL | 33 | 16 | 58 (1.75) |
ACTIONS AND NEXT STEPS | |||
AREA | ACTION | DEADLINE | FOLLOW UP |
MANAGEMENT | Revise Mission Statement. | 18/7/23 | 18/8/23 |
Revise Vision Statement. | 18/7/23 | 18/8/23 | |
Revise Company Policies. | 25/7/23 | 25/8/23 | |
Staff Meeting – Owner and General Manager to express personal commitment to the environment, discuss with staff to raise awareness and brainstorm opportunities. | 18/7/23 | 25/7/23 | |
MARKETING | Media Release of staff meeting and commitment to sustainability. Display on website and into branding. | 25/7/23 | 25/8/23 |
Research potential customers in local area. | 31/7/23 | 31/8/23 | |
Contact freight providers to ask about their efforts to provide sustainable transport (Electric or hydrogen trucks?) | 31/7/23 | 31/8/23 | |
Contact supplier to ask about biodegradable packaging, get quotes. | 31/7/23 | 31/8/23 | |
OPERATIONS | Discuss with freight co, the possibility of collating deliveries in Perth with 1 delivery to site. | 31/7/23 | 31/8/23 |
Ask suppliers if they are using biodegradable packaging. | 18/7/23 | 18/8/23 | |
Ask the landlord for permission to install solar power. | 18/7/23 | 18/8/23 | |
Develop Defects Register, include in company policies, give instructions to supervisor of apprentices. | 31/7/23 | 31/8/23 | |
Research refresher courses for trades – with focus on sustainable methods and processes. | 31/7/23 | 31/8/23 | |
FINANCE | Determine % of net profit that can be dedicated to improving sustainability | 18/7/23 | 25/7/23 |
Set up budgets across all activities, and include budget review in monthly management meeting agenda. | 25/7/23 | 25/8/23 |
NOTES:
Several small tasks to start the ball rolling, will need further actions at next review. |
Follow up reports to be logged with this review, report to include date actioned, by whom, and feedback/answer about the task/impact/effectiveness. |
Next Review Date | 11/10/23 |
Signed | Gary |
Date | 11/7/2023 |
Business Name | Australian Retail Company |
Completed By | Owner – Heather |
Congratulations on taking a step towards sustainability. As a small business, it’s often difficult to see how your little operation could really have that much of an impact, but with the small business sector accounting for 97% of the number of businesses operating in Australia, the collective impact is profound. By making the decision to be part of the new solution, instead of the existing problem, your contribution counts. It’s when we all work together that every little action and change can combine to make a big impact on the sustainability of the earth for future generations.
This document has been prepared as an introduction to carrying out an assessment on the impact that your small business has on the environment and the earth’s sustainability. It covers the four broad areas of Management, Marketing, Operations and Finances, and is to be used as a starting point. For more information, contact us at: https://evertrue.com.au.
Instructions:
Take a moment to consider each area, break it down into individual elements, actions, systems, processes or policies. Consider and record your observations, impressions, and the feedback you have received. Consider the possibility of the resources and utilities that you rely on if they were no longer available due to the breakdown of the environment. Identify any possible opportunities that may present themselves as you carry out this assessment.
Impact Matrix
Use the following matrix, similar to those commonly used in risk assessments, to measure the impact and the frequency of the observations you discover. Record the matrix reference in your observations.
IMPACT MATRIX | FREQUENCY | |||
RARE | REGULAR | FREQUENT | ||
IMPACT | MINOR | 1 | 2 | 3 |
MODERATE | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
SEVERE | 3 | 4 | 5 |
SECTION 1 – MANAGEMENT | |||
AREA | Observations | Opportunities | Matrix Ref |
Mission Statement | Makes mention of sustainability | 1 | |
Vision Statement | Mentions offering sustainable products | 1 | |
Company Policies | Focus on customer experience | Revise to introduce focus on sustainability | 2 |
Owner/Director | Personally committed to sustainability | 1 | |
General Manager | (owner) | ||
Company Culture | Choose green whenever possible | 1 | |
SECTION 2 – MARKETING | |||
AREA | Observations | Opportunities | Matrix Ref |
Marketing Manager | (owner) | 1 | |
Media | Physical: printed paper carry bags. Ad in local newspaper Digital: facebook posts in local groups | Consider more digital advertising | 2 1 |
Geographical Area | Local trade + tourist trade about 50/50 | Encourage more local trade | 3 |
Resources | Facebook, local newspaper, good walk in traffic, good reputation | 1 | |
Feedback | Positive about being sustainable | 1 | |
Target Market | Appreciate sustainable options | 1 | |
SECTION 3 – OPERATIONS | |||
AREA | Observations | Opportunities | Matrix Ref |
Operations Manager | (owner) | 1 | |
Human Resources | 2 Staff (part time) both live locally | 1 | |
Supply Chain & Transportation | Suppliers are mostly in Eastern states, produced in Australia Deliveries received 2-3 times a week | Research local suppliers Look into collating deliveries into 1 weekly. | 4 3 |
Waste | 1 full regular bin once a week. | 2 | |
Water | Personal use only (ablutions, staff kitchen) | 1 | |
Plastic | Some suppliers still using excessive plastic | Ask suppliers to use more sustainable packaging | 3 |
Power | In Shopping Centre 900 units per month for lights and computers | Ask Centre management about renewable power options | 2 |
Storage & Inventory | Storage well organised, space efficient | 2 | |
Production and Processing | Re-stocking done each evening, packaging stacked and recycled | 3 | |
Defects | Rare, minor | 1 | |
Skills | Focused on retail and customer experience | Research new methods and sustainable ideas | 1 |
SECTION 4 – FINANCE | |||
AREA | Observations | Opportunities | Matrix Ref |
Finance Manager | (owner) | 1 | |
Profitability | 20% | Room to dedicate budget to sustainability | 1 |
Budget & Targets | Regularly using and keeping within budget | Revise budgets to include sustainable choices | 1 |
Assets | Mostly in stock on hand | 1 | |
Liabilities | Minor | 1 | |
Growth | Stable 5% each year – 5 years | 1 | |
ASSESSMENT | |||
AREA | Number of Observations | Number of Opportunities | Combined Matrix Ref |
MANAGEMENT | 5 | 1 | 6 (1.2) |
MARKETING | 7 | 2 | 10 (1.42) |
OPERATIONS | 12 | 5 | 24 (2.0) |
FINANCE | 6 | 2 | 6 (1.0) |
TOTAL | 30 | 10 | 46 (1.53) |
ACTIONS AND NEXT STEPS | |||
AREA | ACTION | DEADLINE | FOLLOW UP |
MANAGEMENT | Revise Company Policies to include focus on sustainability | 18/7/23 | 18/8/23 |
MARKETING | Research digital marketing options | 25/7/23 | 25/8/23 |
Talk to local repeat customers about a possible “support local” campaign | 25/7/23 | 25/8/23 | |
OPERATIONS | Research local suppliers | 31/7/23 | 31/8/23 |
Talk to freight company about collating deliveries at their depot and receiving once per week. Consider impact on stock levels and increasing stock on hand | 18/7/23 | 18/8/23 | |
Ask suppliers about sustainable packaging | 18/7/23 | 18/8/23 | |
Ask Centre Management about renewal power options | 18/7/23 | 18/8/23 | |
Research new ideas in retail and sustainability | 31/7/23 | 31/8/23 | |
FINANCE | Meet with accountant to discuss affordability and budget for sustainability | 31/7/23 | 31/8/23 |
Revise budgets to include sustainability | 31/7/23 | 31/8/23 |
NOTES:
Already doing a lot of good sustainable choices, still room to improve, promote to public. |
Can make suppliers and service providers more aware, create consumer demand. |
Follow up reports to be logged with this review, report to include date actioned, by whom, and feedback/answer about the task/impact/effectiveness. |
Next Review Date | 11/10/23 |
Signed | Heather |
Date | 11/7/2023 |
Business Name | Australian Service Company |
Completed By | Owner – Elizabeth |
Congratulations on taking a step towards sustainability. As a small business, it’s often difficult to see how your little operation could really have that much of an impact, but with the small business sector accounting for 97% of the number of businesses operating in Australia, the collective impact is profound. By making the decision to be part of the new solution, instead of the existing problem, your contribution counts. It’s when we all work together that every little action and change can combine to make a big impact on the sustainability of the earth for future generations.
This document has been prepared as an introduction to carrying out an assessment on the impact that your small business has on the environment and the earth’s sustainability. It covers the four broad areas of Management, Marketing, Operations and Finances, and is to be used as a starting point. For more information, contact us at: https://evertrue.com.au.
Instructions:
Take a moment to consider each area, break it down into individual elements, actions, systems, processes or policies. Consider and record your observations, impressions, and the feedback you have received. Consider the possibility of the resources and utilities that you rely on if they were no longer available due to the breakdown of the environment. Identify any possible opportunities that may present themselves as you carry out this assessment.
Impact Matrix
Use the following matrix, similar to those commonly used in risk assessments, to measure the impact and the frequency of the observations you discover. Record the matrix reference in your observations.
IMPACT MATRIX | FREQUENCY | |||
RARE | REGULAR | FREQUENT | ||
IMPACT | MINOR | 1 | 2 | 3 |
MODERATE | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
SEVERE | 3 | 4 | 5 |
SECTION 1 – MANAGEMENT | |||
AREA | Observations | Opportunities | Matrix Ref |
Mission Statement | Doesn’t mention sustainability | Revise Mission Statement | 1 |
Vision Statement | Doesn’t mention sustainability | Revise Vision Statement | 1 |
Company Policies / Business Plan | Doesn’t mention sustainability | Revise Business Plan | 3 |
Owner/Director | Personally tries to make sustainable choices when possible | 1 | |
General Manager | (owner) | 1 | |
Company Culture | (solo operator) | 1 | |
SECTION 2 – MARKETING | |||
AREA | Observations | Opportunities | Matrix Ref |
Marketing Manager | (owner) | 1 | |
Media | Mostly digital presence Business Cards, Pens | 1 | |
Geographical Area | Local or Online only | 1 | |
Resources | Internet, telephone, power | 1 | |
Feedback | Good reputation | 1 | |
Target Market | Don’t know? | Talk to customers about sustainability | 3 |
SECTION 3 – OPERATIONS | |||
AREA | Observations | Opportunities | Matrix Ref |
Operations Manager | (owner) | 1 | |
Human Resources | (solo operator) | 1 | |
Supply Chain & Transportation | – Computer etc – major brands from local retailer. – Approx 500km business travel per month | Find out about sustainability of companies making equipment needed. | 2 2 |
Waste | Minimal – paper is shredded and put in chicken nesting boxes | 1 | |
Water | Minimal – personal use only | 1 | |
Plastic | Minimal – recycled when possible | 1 | |
Power | Solar panels installed | 1 | |
Storage & Inventory | Archives in shed | Digitise archives and shred hard copies | 1 |
Production and Processing | Messy desk, busy calendar | 1 | |
Defects | Minimal – not an issue | 1 | |
Skills | Current and up to date | 1 | |
SECTION 4 – FINANCE | |||
AREA | Observations | Opportunities | Matrix Ref |
Finance Manager | (owner) | 1 | |
Profitability | 5% | Campaign to increase clients, generate more profit. | 1 |
Budget & Targets | Set, but not reaching sales targets | 2 | |
Assets | Small asset base | 1 | |
Liabilities | Just under value of assets | 1 | |
Growth | 5% each year – 3 years | 1 | |
ASSESSMENT | |||
AREA | Number of Observations | Number of Opportunities | Combined Matrix Ref |
MANAGEMENT | 6 | 3 | 8 (1.33) |
MARKETING | 6 | 8 (1.33) | |
OPERATIONS | 12 | 14 (1.16) | |
FINANCE | 6 | 7 (1.16) | |
TOTAL | 30 | 37 (1.23) |
ACTIONS AND NEXT STEPS | |||
AREA | ACTION | DEADLINE | FOLLOW UP |
MANAGEMENT | Revise Mission Statement | 18/7/23 | 18/8/23 |
Revise Vision Statement | 18/7/23 | 18/8/23 | |
Revise Business Plan | 25/7/23 | 25/7/23 | |
MARKETING | Talk to customers about sustainability – Prepare list of all clients and schedule conversations | 31/7/23 | 31/8/23 |
OPERATIONS | Find out about sustainability of companies making equipment needed. | 31/7/23 | 31/8/23 |
Digitise archives and shred hard copies | 31/12/23 | 31/1/24 | |
FINANCE | Campaign to increase clients, generate more profit. | 18/7/23 | 18/8/23 |
NOTES:
Very small operation, but still opportunities to promote sustainability to clients and create consumer demand from suppliers. |
Need to improve profitability to be able to keep operating. |
Follow up reports to be logged with this review, report to include date actioned, by whom, and feedback/answer about the task/impact/effectiveness. |
Next Review Date | 11/10/23 |
Signed | Elizabeth |
Complete these details to receive your instant free download template
The Sustainability Assessment Template is also available as a free download for you to complete on your own. We offer this service to assist you in completing the assessment, to guide you through the process and offer suggestions and insights.
Completing the assessment with us also provides the accountability to follow up on the commitements you make, and to chart your progress towards sustainability.
Watch the tutorial below to complete yours: