When we speak to new clients, we often hear “But we don’t really do anything on sustainability”.

(In fact, we hear that often enough to write a whole blog post proving otherwise.)

Most SMEs are already making positive changes, but they’re often not termed “sustainability initiatives”. From choosing a renewable energy supplier to offering flexible working, these are commonplace business decisions that can form the foundation of a credible, meaningful Sustainability Report.

Below, you’ll find 56 practical sustainability ideas, grouped into seven key categories commonly used in sustainability reporting: Climate, Circularity, Nature, Water, Biodiversity, Employees and Community. We hope you can use it to both reassure you that you’ve got a Sustainability story worth telling, and to inspire action in the future.

Climate

Actions in this section focus on cutting carbon emissions from energy, travel, operations and technology.

• Using a renewable energy supplier (e.g. 100% green electricity)
• Installation of solar panels either on owned or rented premises
• Energy efficiency upgrades (LED lighting, insulation, smart meters)
• A travel policy that discourages reliance on high-carbon travel such as flights
• Remote or hybrid working to cut commuting emissions
• A Carbon Reduction Plan aligned with net zero targets
• Better logistics planning to reduce transport emissions
• Procurement of cloud software from providers with carbon-neutral commitments
• Choosing leased offices with a strong environmental policy
• Responsible use of AI tools to reduce energy and water consumption

Circularity

Circularity is all about reducing waste, keeping materials in use and designing with longevity in mind.

• In-house recycling schemes for paper, packaging, tech and office supplies
• A repair, return or take-back scheme to extend the life of products
• Choosing materials that are recycled, reused or easy to recycle
• Designing products or packaging so they can be easily reused or disassembled
• Using local suppliers to cut waste and reduce over-ordering
• Finding ways to reuse or repurpose leftover materials
• Digital-first policies to reduce paper and physical resource use
• Sharing unwanted items or surplus stock with other businesses or local groups
• Offering refurbished or reconditioned products as an alternative to new

Nature

This covers how you source materials, manage land and work with suppliers to reduce harm to the natural environment.

• Sourcing materials that are certified sustainable (e.g. FSC-certified, organic)
• Avoiding suppliers linked to deforestation or habitat destruction
• Creating low-impact outdoor spaces like container gardens or wildlife planting
• Reducing use of synthetic chemicals in cleaning or production
• Speaking to suppliers about the environmental impact of how and where raw materials are sourced

Water

These sustainability ideas focus on reducing water usage, improving efficiency and supporting wider water stewardship.

• Switching to low-flow taps, toilets or appliances to reduce water use
• Tracking your water usage and looking for reduction opportunities
• Moving to digital tools and away from printed materials
• Supporting water-focused community projects or charities
• Choosing shared workspaces or suppliers with a water-saving strategy
• Training staff in how to use water more efficiently in the workplace

Biodiversity

This section relates to how your business supports ecosystems and avoids contributing to biodiversity loss.

• Supporting local rewilding or habitat protection projects
• Choosing suppliers who manage their land or operations to protect biodiversity
• Avoiding materials or products that harm ecosystems or promote monoculture
• Planting for pollinators in outdoor spaces or windowsills
• Reducing outdoor lighting or noise pollution from your premises

Employees

Your team plays a huge role in your sustainability journey. This section looks at policies that support wellbeing, fairness and engagement.

• Flexible working options like remote work, part-time or compressed hours
• Paid training and development opportunities
• Raising awareness of sustainability with regular updates or workshops
• Support for staff wellbeing, including mental health and physical safety
• Encouraging employee feedback on sustainability actions
• Living Wage accreditation or similar fair pay commitments
• A clear approach to improving diversity and inclusion
• Involving employees in green initiatives, such as forming a sustainability team

Community

These ideas reflect your business’s role in the wider community—locally and beyond.

• Paid time off or schemes for staff volunteering
• Regular donations to local causes or a clear giving policy
• Hosting local groups or events in your business premises
• Work experience or mentoring for underrepresented groups
• Prioritising local suppliers, freelancers and businesses
• Sponsoring or collaborating with local initiatives or festivals
• Sharing what you’ve learned about sustainability with other SMEs

What Next?

There’s a maxim we wholeheartedly believe in: Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. If you’re already doing even a handful of the things on this list, you’ve got a strong foundation for your first Sustainability Report.

Need help turning this into something credible, compelling and compliant? That’s what we do. Get in touch to find out how we can help your business tell its sustainability story or book an appointment.