Here's how you can launch a sustainable business as an entrepreneur. (2024)

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, steering companies towards sustainability is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity. I emphasize aligning business goals with the United Nations' 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This involves a meticulous evaluation of your company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) dimensions, taking into account your capabilities, limitations, and accessible resources over a 2-5 year horizon.A practical tool to facilitate this transition is the Business Model Canvas. This strategic management template allows companies to map out their existing resources and identify quick wins for immediate action.

Understanding your sustainability goals is crucial. Define what sustainability means for your business—reducing waste, sourcing materials ethically, or minimizing carbon footprint. Clear goals guide decisions and communicate your mission to customers and stakeholders. It's about creating a resilient, thriving business that respects ecological and social limits.

Figure out what environmental or social issue your business will tackle. If you’re passionate about reducing waste, you could start a company that makes products from recycled materials.Learn about the sustainability challenges and opportunities in your chosen industry.Use materials that are renewable, recycled, or that have a low environmental impact. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that makes a great alternative to wood.Try to source materials and labor locally. This reduces your carbon footprint and supports the local economy.Look into sustainability certifications relevant to your business. For example, getting a certification like LEED (for buildings) or USDA Organic (for food products) can make a big difference.

Thorough market research is vital to understand your target audience's sustainability preferences. Tailor your products or services to meet the demands of environmentally conscious consumers. Knowing your market ensures your sustainable business model addresses real needs and competes effectively.

Launching a sustainable business today requires strategic steps:Align with SDGs: Integrate your business goals with the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, evaluating your ESG dimensions over a 2-5 year horizon.Use Tools: Utilize the Business Model Canvas to map resources and identify quick wins.Set Goals: Establish clear, measurable sustainability goals to guide operations and track progress.Market Research: Conduct detailed market research to understand consumer demands and opportunities in the sustainable sector, ensuring your product or service meets real needs.

Realize uma pesquisa de mercado detalhada para entender as demandas dos consumidores e as oportunidades no setor sustentável. Conhecer o mercado garante que seu produto ou serviço atenda às necessidades reais.

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Setting Goals Towards Sustainability with a Transversal Strategic Project and MVP Approach.In my experience, the sustainable transition began with leveraging company strengths and opportunities in the short term. For instance, at Drivania, we introduced an eco-friendly chauffeur service with a new fleet of electric vehicles supplied externally.With clear purpose and understanding of business limitations, short-term plans can be progressively improved and expanded. However, don't cease action: every small change towards sustainability counts.

Desenvolva um plano de negócios sólido que inclua estratégias de sustentabilidade. Um plano abrangente ajuda a atrair investidores e a orientar o crescimento do seu negócio de maneira sustentável.

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In my current role at Studiobricks, my experience showcase their commitment to sustainability through operational excellence. By controlling the entire production process and implementing measures like biomass heating, solar panels, and using recycled materials the company is now sustainably certified with an Ecovadis Bagde. As a marketer experienced in driving companies towards sustainability Studiobricks not only minimize environmental impact but also stand out in a market where toxic materials like foam and rockwool are common. This commitment to sustainability adds significant value, setting a new standard for the industry.

Implemente práticas operacionais sustentáveis, como a utilização de materiais recicláveis e a redução de desperdício. Operações verdes reduzem o impacto ambiental e podem gerar economia a longo prazo.

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In my last professional experinece at La Farga, the community engagement was the key. La Farga revolutionized its sales strategy by repositioning its 100% recycled copper wire in the industry. By highlighting its eco-friendly credentials with an EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) and its plans for decarbonization, La Farga differentiated itself in a high-saturated market with commodity products. This strategic pivot not only strenghtened their customer base but also positioned them as trailblazers in sustainable innovation within their industry. Collaborating with other industry leaders throughout their value chain, La Farga set a new benchmark for environmentally conscious practices in their sector.

Envolva a comunidade local em suas iniciativas sustentáveis, criando parcerias e colaborando em projetos ambientais. O engajamento comunitário fortalece a reputação e apoia o desenvolvimento sustentável.

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Adote uma abordagem de melhoria contínua, revisando e aprimorando regularmente suas práticas de sustentabilidade. Manter-se atualizado com inovações garante a relevância e a eficiência do seu negócio.

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Sustainabilty is an evolving process. I always say we should strive to Do Everything Greener.That does not mean that the perfect solution exists, but it means we can choose a better one.For example, electric cars are far better for the climate than petrol cars, even taking into account the issues caused by mining minerals for the batteries.It's not a perfect solution, but it is greener. And now the situation is evolving - some batteries now do not require these minerals. And where they do, the recycling of minerals has evolved so much, that soon we might not have to mine any more.In clothing, recycled plastic was seen as an eco-friendly solution. Far better are organic cotton, hemp, vegan leathers made from fruits... it's all evolving.

Attitude and leadership play pivotal roles in fostering a sustainable transition. While some may wait to governments and industry leaders to set standards and regulations, me and others initiate change begins with a personal commitment to sustainable living, which then permeates into professional spheres. By embodying sustainable practices in our own lives, we inspire others and pave the way for broader industry and societal change. To me, it's about personal purpose and the ripple effect our actions have on other users, companies, partners, associations, etc. No matter the role you have in your life or at work, just trying to make a good impact as great as you think you can do way more than waiting for the big ones make the move.