Introduction

The essential meaning of the term ‘sustainable’ is something that can be used without being completely used up or destroyed. Sustainability is based on a simple principle: everything that we need for our survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.

This Fact File introduces how our federal government has a long history of addressing sustainability and how that concept can be applied to every business. For those looking to strengthen an existing sustainability program or those looking to start one from scratch, the steps presented here will prove helpful.

Background

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 committed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States to sustainability, declaring it a national policy “to create and maintain conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations.”

How does the EPA meet this commitment? By issuing a multi-year strategic plan that commits the agency to integrating sustainability into their day-to-day operations by routinely considering the following principles in decisions and actions, as appropriate:

1. Conserve, protect, restore, and improve the supply and quality of natural resources and environmental media (energy, water, materials, ecosystems, land, and air) over the long term;
2. Align and integrate programs, tools, incentives, and indicators to achieve as many positive outcomes as possible in environmental, economic, and social systems; and
3. Consider the full life cycles of multiple natural resources, processes, and pollutants to prevent pollution, reduce waste, and create a sustainable future.

Ways for businesses to commit to sustainability

Following the example set by EPA’s strategic plan, many private businesses have committed to sustainable operations. Those businesses are taking responsibility for ensuring the survival and well-being of our natural environment. This can be accomplished through sound business practices that continually evolve for the betterment of the future. For businesses working to establish a sustainability program, while not an inclusive list, the following are important steps in the sustainability process:

• Establishing a baseline:
  • Measure your energy efficiency
  • Calculate your carbon footprint
  • Determine occupational exposure to toxic chemicals
  • Research materials being consumed
• Developing a plan:
  • Agree upon concrete objectives and goals
  • Create a mission statement
  • Forecast a timeline to accomplish specific goals
• Working with like-minded companies:
  • Benchmark with companies that know what is expected
  • Seek advice to keep you on the right path
  • Adjust current processes based on their experiences
• Learning, evolving, and adjusting your process:
  • Pledge quantifiable results
  • Periodically revisit your process to assure objectives and goals remain aligned
• Encouraging your employees:
  • Solicit feedback on proposed objectives
  • Share in successes (and failures/learning opportunities)
  • Provide perks to encourage them to think more about sustainability (i.e., walk or cycle to work, carpool, recycle)
• Encouraging your customers:
  • Share in successes as it pertains to their bottom line
  • Offer perks for recycling initiatives
  • Share resources as it pertains to their sustainability success

Applicable Laws & Regulations

40 CFR Parts 1500 – 1508

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Related Defiintions

Sustainability: everything needed for human survival and well-being depends, either directly or indirectly, on our natural environment. To pursue sustainability is to create and maintain the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony to support present and future generations.

Keys to Remember

1. Sustainability program results may not come immediately.
2. The goal for sustainable businesses should factor in a wide array of environmental, economic, and social factors when making business decisions.

Real World Example

Patagonia is a sustainable clothing brand in the sports and outdoor sector. In 2021, 87% of their line used recycled materials. This allowed the company to avoid 4,300 metric tons of CO2 emissions, enough to power more than 500 homes for one year. They use organic cotton, which saves water and reduces their CO2 emissions compared to using conventional cotton. Patagonia also offer a ‘buy used, trade in and fix your gear’ program called Worn Wear. These are just a few of the sustainability targets this company has achieved for the betterment of the planet and those that inhabit it. Keep in mind that Patagonia’s success story was years in the making, but with one single step, anything is possible.