Incorporate sustainability from the outset

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If you are considering starting a business, you should also consider how to do this in a sustainable way.

A sustainable business is one that strives for profitability, while taking into account environmental and social aspects. The early stages in the development of a business offer the greatest potential for doing things differently and smarter. It’s also most cost-effective to commence sustainability efforts from the outset, rather than trying to make changes once procedures and agreements are already in place. 

The information on sustainable entrepreneurship is divided into four sections in our sustainability guide. Which sections that are relevant to you and your business will depend on whether you are selling goods or services, what industry you operate in, and how far you have come in the work of integrating sustainability into your business. Each section also includes questions to consider for developing your sustainability work. 

All the questions from all four sections are collected together here

You can start with any of the areas, but the important thing is to make a start!

Earning money sustainably

Earning money sustainably

Profitability is a requirement when running a business. Contributing to a sustainable transition and earning money are not conflicting aims – quite often the opposite is true. Sustainability for a business is basically a matter of understanding how to make money long term.

Making sustainable choices

Making sustainable choices

By understanding the impact your company has, you can make active choices in product development, production, distribution and purchasing. It is also easier to explain to customers why they should choose your products or services over those of others when you have made conscious choices and considerations.

Becoming a sustainable business

Becoming a sustainable business

To make your business sustainable, you need to ascertain its impact on sustainability. You also need to organise your business so that all functions incorporate sustainability as a driving force, set clear goals for sustainability work and measure and follow up on progress regularly.

Communicating your sustainability work

Communicating your sustainability work

To ensure your stakeholders understand what your business is doing to improve its sustainability, you need to communicate this. This can result in increased engagement among employees and more satisfied customers and partners.

Film: Seven smart tips for sustainable business

Want to be more sustainable? Here are seven specific tips for how to reduce the impact of your business on the environment and society, but also how you can ensure your business concept is long-term, relevant and competitive.

 

Film: Inspiration from two business owners who are incorporating sustainability into their operations

How does sustainable business work in practice? Discover how the company Essem Design incorporates a life cycle perspective, and how the firm RSCUED focuses on circularity with regard to food waste. 

This film are in Swedish but you can choose English subtitles. Click on the gear for settings and select Undertexter and then Engelska.

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Responsible: Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth

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