Why Do I Need a Sustainability Policy? By David Humphreys, Managing Director & Founder of Green Circle Solutions
If you’ve been asked for a sustainability policy by a customer, spotted the question in a tender, or seen it pop up in a Request for Proposal (RFP), you’re not alone. More and more SMEs are realising that sustainability is no longer just a “buzzword” or something only big corporates have to worry about. It’s fast becoming an essential part of how businesses operate, compete, and grow.
But what exactly is a sustainability policy, and why does it matter for your business?
What is a sustainability policy?
A sustainability policy is a written commitment that sets out your organisation’s approach to managing its environmental and social responsibilities. It shows that you are aware of your impact, you’re taking action, and you’re willing to be held accountable.
For smaller businesses, this might take the form of a policy statement – a concise document (often a page or less) that sets out your key principles. You’ll often see these on company websites or included with tender submissions. It signals that you’ve thought about the issue and that you’re taking steps in the right direction.
As your business grows, or as customer expectations increase, you may need a full policy document. This is more detailed, including measurable goals, clear commitments, and evidence of how you will deliver. It’s not unusual for larger clients, public sector organisations, or supply chains to require this level of detail before awarding contracts.
A policy is only the starting point
Here’s the crucial thing: a policy on its own isn’t enough. Anyone can draft a few paragraphs of nice words. The difference comes from the work that sits behind the policy and the strategy that informs it.
The best sustainability policies are built on real engagement and action. That means:
- Involving your employees so they understand what sustainability means for the business and how they can play a part.
- Working with your suppliers to make sure your values extend beyond your own operations and into your supply chain.
- Listening to customers and communities so your commitments reflect what matters most to them.
In other words, a policy is simply the visible expression of your wider sustainability strategy. Without that foundation, a policy risks being little more than a tick-box exercise.
Why SMEs can’t afford to ignore this
Some SMEs hesitate, thinking sustainability is for bigger businesses with more resources. But the reality is different:
- Customers are asking. Even if sustainability isn’t your customer’s top concern today, it will be tomorrow. Brands, procurement teams, and consumers increasingly want to work with suppliers who share their values and can demonstrate responsible practices.
- Tender requirements are changing. More contracts now include mandatory sustainability questions. Without a policy, you may not even make it past the first stage of the process.
- Competitiveness matters. A strong, credible policy can differentiate you from competitors who aren’t prepared, giving you a commercial edge.
- Staff care too. Employees – especially younger generations – want to work for organisations that take sustainability seriously. A policy helps you attract and retain talent.
For SMEs, this is not about having the longest or most polished document. It’s about showing progress, being transparent, and aligning sustainability with your business growth.
How to get started
The good news? You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Start with three simple steps:
- Define what matters most – Look at your biggest impacts and opportunities. Is it energy use? Travel? Waste? Supply chain?
- Set some realistic goals – Don’t over-promise. Focus on clear, achievable milestones that show genuine progress.
- Write a statement that reflects your strategy – Keep it simple, honest, and practical. It doesn’t need to be perfect; it just needs to be credible and backed by action.
Over time, you can build on this foundation with a more detailed policy and more ambitious goals. The key is to start – and to keep moving forward.
Ready to take the first step?
At Green Circle Solutions, we specialise in helping SMEs like yours develop practical sustainability strategies and policies that make sense for your business. We’ll help you cut through the jargon, identify the actions that really matter, and create a policy that’s backed by real progress – not just words on a page.
📞 Contact us today to book your free 30-minute discovery call and start building a sustainability policy that works for your business, your customers, and your future