Welcome to the Sustainability Framework Masterclass resource page, brought to you by the PPPC and Heidi Reimer-Epp of Botanical PaperWorks. Here, you’ll discover a guide to a variety of sustainability initiatives, along with a range of valuable resources to support and enhance your sustainability journey.

Sustainability Initiatives

1. Environmental Responsibility

Environmental responsibility initiatives refer to actions, policies, and programs that businesses undertake to minimize their negative impact on the environment.

Carbon management:

1. Measuring and reporting carbon footprint.
2. Setting and achieving carbon reduction targets.
3. Offsetting unavoidable emissions through verified projects, ie. carbon offsets.
4. Reducing transportation emissions: Purchasing shipments in large quantities.

Energy Efficiency:

5. Conducting regular energy audits.
6. Upgrading energy-efficient lighting and appliances. ie. switch to LED lighting.’
7. Implementing smart building technologies to optimize energy use.
8. Promoting the use of electric or hybrid vehicles.
9. Encouraging carpooling and public transportation.
10. Providing bike-sharing programs.

Renewable Energy:

11. Installing solar panels or purchasing renewable energy ie. wind, biomass.
12. Partnering with renewable energy providers. ie. Bullfrong.

Waste Reduction:

13. Implementing a comprehensive recycling program.
14. Reducing supplier packaging.
15. Reducing product packaging or using biodegradable or recyclable packaging.
16. Extending product lifecycle -encouraging reuse and upcycling.
17. Reducing single-use plastics.
18. Composting organic waste.
19. Implementing digital solutions to reduce paper use.

Water Conservation:

20. Installing low-flow fixtures.
21. Implementing a water management plan to monitor water use.
22. Implementing rainwater harvesting systems. ie. rain barrels.
23. Using water-efficient landscaping. ie. rain gardens.

Green Building Practices:

24. Pursuing LEED certification for buildings.
25. Using sustainable construction materials.
26. Designing buildings to maximize natural light and ventilation.

2. Social Equity

Social equity initiatives are considered as programs, policies, and actions designed to promote fairness, justice, and to ensure equality within society.

Sustainable Sourcing:

27. Sourcing materials from ethical and sustainable suppliers.
28. Promoting ethical labor practices, ensuring fair wages and humane working conditions.
29. Implementing fair trade practices.

Community Engagement:

30. Partnering with local organizations for community projects.
31. Offering volunteer days for employees.
32. Supporting local businesses and suppliers.

Employee Well-being:

33. Providing health and wellness programs.
34. Offering flexible working arrangements.
35. Ensuring fair wages and benefits.

Diversity and Inclusion:

36. Implementing diversity training programs.
37. Promoting inclusive hiring practices.

3. Product Lifecycle Considerations

This includes strategies and actions that businesses implement to address the environmental, social, and economic impacts of a product throughout its entire lifecycle.

38. Investing in research and development to create products designed around a circular lifecycle
model.
39. Designing products for longevity and recyclability.
40. Implementing take-back programs for used products.
41. Promoting sharing and leasing models.

4. Transparency & Accountability

This includes programs and actions that businesses integrate to ensure openness, honesty, and responsibility in their operations, decision-making, and communications.

42. Implementing anti-corruption policies.
43. Promoting ethical marketing practices.
44. Publishing annual sustainability reports.
44. Setting and publicly sharing sustainability goals.
45. Engaging stakeholders in sustainability discussions and decision-making processes.

5. Governance

This includes actions, programs, policies, and regulations implemented by governing bodies at various levels involved in sustainability related decision-making processes and practices.

46. Establishing a sustainability committee.
47. Integrating sustainability into corporate strategy.
48. Ensuring board-level oversight of sustainability efforts.
49. Adhering to environmental regulations and standards.
50. Obtaining certifications such as ISO 14001 EMS, or B Corp status.

Articles and Videos

Promo Association Resources:

Articles about the Business Case for Sustainability:

Sustainability Terms:

Organizations & Frameworks:

Videos & Webinars: