Setting up a sustainable business

The page was last modified: 2022-07-05

When setting up a new business, there are many choices and decisions to be made.

This is when it is easiest to start the sustainability work.

A sustainable business is one that strives for profitability, while taking into account environmental and social aspects as an integral element of its overall operations.

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 are operating 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.

THE SUSTAINABILITY GUIDE

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.

Earning money sustainably

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.

Making sustainable choices

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.

Becoming a sustainable business

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.

Communicating your sustainability work

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.