A Sustainable Development Plan is a structured approach to managing an organisation’s impacts to the environment and society.
Why do it? It makes good business sense:

• Increased profitability through improved efficiency and reduced waste
• Improved reputation
• Appeal to discerning customers
• Better regulatory considerations, including improved compliance
• Access to more affordable finance through risk management
• Demonstrated leadership in local sustainable development
• Reduced risk of environmental accidents
• Future-proofing against legislation and non-regulatory developments.

It also leads to:

• Positive brand association.
• A reputation as a leader in sustainable business practices.
• Attracting environmentally conscientious customers and allowing them to comply with their own sustainability goals and plans.
• Ability to meet demands for eco-conscientious products and services.
• Helps mitigate conflict with stakeholders who share the same environmental and ecosystem services.
• Improvements to the environment and public health.

A short-list of the main environmental issues confronting society is:

•     Climate Change
•     Pollution
•     Biodiversity
•     Natural resource depletion
•     Waste disposal and management
•     Deforestation
•     Urbanisation.

Existing policies are not working. Despite some successes, the overall condition of all issues is worsening. As the environment continues to degrade governments will implement increasingly stringent policies to attempt to reverse the trend.

Consequently, implementing a sustainable development plan now is an effective way to prepare your organisation for the policies and any legislation that will come.