What do I need?

A policy is a predetermined course of action. Policies identify key activities and guide decision-makers on how to handle issues as they arise.

No matter the industry, every business needs policies and procedures to operate effectively and successfully.

Together, they guide your business and reduce the risk of liability. In addition, they promote consistency across the business for both employees and customers.

A sustainability policy can be as short or elaborate as you wish. Its purpose is to outline your commitment to practices and standards designed to promote environmentally and socially responsible operations. 

It can serve as an overarching organisational guide, and/or be specific to individual events.  For example, the policy may include turning off the air conditioner in the office on nights and weekends, and it can also include asking suppliers and sponsors to use minimal packaging for their deliveries.

There is no right or wrong way to write a sustainability policy. It will be a document outlining your course of action, and/ or it can be an overview of the actions that you have undertaken and what you have in place.

Try to make your sustainability policy reasonable and achievable to ensure that you are able to reach your goals and build on your successes in a positive way.

There are several questions a business should ask itself when creating a sustainability policy. The policy is going to outline a clear commitment to practices that will promote sustainability across all operations, so engaging people in key positions throughout the company will provide a rounded view of both the business and what is important to its stakeholders.

Then ask:

• Where do our operations potentially affect the environment?
• What are the measures and activities we can implement that will reduce our environmental impact?
  • List business commitments. Examples: Increase composting amounts each year, invest in EV vehicles in 20XX or develop and implement a soft-plastics recycling scheme.
  • A list of requirements. For example: Only work with businesses that have a sustainability policy.
• Determine who the policy applies to (staff, vendors, temporary staff, etc)
• How will our business measure its sustainability performance? For example, compare energy usage, cost for landfill, petrol usage. Include realistic time frames and practical steps and strategies as to how these can be achieved.
• Identify the person in your organisation that will ensure compliance with the policy.
• How will our business monitor and review the policy (For example: Review and update the sustainability policy annually)

Starting your climate action journey is easy with the Climate Action Toolbox. Complete a simple self-assessment. Explore action ideas and create a plan. Use the emissions calculator to understand where your emissions come from.

The Climate Action Toolbox has been designed to help businesses start taking action to reduce their carbon emissions. It is especially suitable for small and medium-sized businesses. It may also be helpful to larger businesses starting out.

The Toolbox focuses on five key areas – transport (moving people and goods), office operations, site operations and equipment, and the design and making of products. Be motivated by the many inspirational stories of local businesses taking climate action today.

Already on your climate action journey? Check out the Toolbox for ideas that can help you take things to the next level.

Funded and designed by business.govt.nz and the Sustainable Business Network. A tool which makes it simple to create a plan and understand your emission hotspots.

You'll find stories, tools, and a whole range of actions you can take that will cut down energy-related greenhouse gas emissions - and benefit our climate, your wellbeing, and your pocket. Just choose where you want to take action. 
 
Running a more profitable, climate-friendly business starts with a plan

“We are the guardians of professional standards, by promoting learning, innovation, the principles of good development, and shared practice. CID connects and strengthens a dynamic network of international NGOs and their partners by creating opportunities for organisations to come together for training, debates, analysis, and events”.

The CID Code of Conduct sets out standards of accountability and good practice in three areas: Programme Principles, Public Engagement, and Organisation. On their website they provide links to resources that can help strengthen your business’ knowledge, policies and practises. 

Here is a link to their Policy template Environmental sustainability (WORD document)

Tourism Sustainability Commitment - The vision of the Tourism Sustainability Commitment is to lead the world in sustainable tourism. Toitū te taiao, toitū te tāpoi. E kōkiri ana e Aotearoa.

Launched in 2017 and refreshed in August 2020, the New Zealand Tourism Sustainability Commitment aims to see every New Zealand tourism business committed to sustainability by 2025. Sustainability covers not only environmental, but also community, visitor and economic benefits. The TSC’s focus is not just on minimising harm, but making a positive contribution so that tourism gives back more than it takes. For more information go to Tourism Sustainability Commitment - TIA. 

Additionally, TIA have loaded a Word template designed to help you make a prioritised Action Plan for your sustainability activities: Sustainability Action Plan | Sustainable Tourism.

As part of its ‘Sustainability Business Program’, the Council has published an easy-to-use Environmental Sustainability Template. Download here

“We are focused on sustainable ways for events, businesses, and organisations to do their part towards climate action and doing good in the world.”

With our sustainability policy template, we help you answer these questions: 

• How do I get started developing a policy?
• What should be included?
• How much detail is necessary?
• How can we also encompass other sustainability guidelines or certifications?

To gain access to the template, follow the link, fill out your details and you will be sent a link with a downloadable pdf document. Sustainability Policy Template – MeetGreen

“The Sustainable Wedding Alliance is a collective of businesses with the joint purpose of creating a more sustainable, environmentally conscious wedding industry. We work with businesses to help them create long-term sustainable strategies that they can implement themselves.”

They have a good template that is easy to use. To gain access, follow the link, fill out your details and the template will open for you. It’s set up like a workbook with questions for you to answer. Sign Up Form - Sustainable Wedding Alliance