What to include in the Business Case for a Sustainability Initiative

Developing a business case for a sustainability initiative can have many tangible benefits for the environment and the organization.

A business case for a sustainability initiative outlines how it delivers economic, social and environmental benefits and aligns with the organization's sustainability goals.

The business case should clearly define and outline the organization's return on investment (ROI). It should also identify the potential risks associated with the initiative and the benefits that can be expected from its implementation.

The Business Value of Sustainability

It is becoming increasingly clear that sustainability makes good business sense. Businesses that prioritize sustainability are discovering they can lower costs, boost productivity, and strengthen their profits. In addition, businesses that prioritize sustainability can attract and retain customers who value their environmental commitment.

By investing in sustainability initiatives, companies can reduce their energy consumption, waste production and water usage.

What's Good for the Environment Is Good for Business

Despite the large body of research on the business benefits of integrating sustainability over the past decade, many businesses are only beginning to take action.

Many businesses fail to understand the importance of integrating sustainability initiatives and ways to monetize them into their business strategies, which can help create a positive brand image among customers, employees, and other key stakeholders.

Businesses can gain a competitive advantage by engaging in sustainability initiatives.

The Sustainability Business Case

A sustainability business case outlines a proposed project or investment's potential economic, social and environmental benefits and how it aligns with an organization's sustainability goals.

Developing a business case for a sustainability initiative can have many tangible benefits for the environment and the organization.

A business case for a sustainability initiative should identify potential risks and expected benefits and provide evidence of how it can affect a company's bottom line.

When devising the business case for a sustainability effort, it is essential to include a concise explanation of the initiative, its forecasted costs and advantages, and its implementation timeline.

Furthermore, the business case should be evaluated for the risks and benefits associated with the initiative.


This article discusses what to include in a sustainability initiative's business case and how to present it to decision-makers effectively.

1. Financial cost and benefits

When constructing a business case for a sustainability initiative, it is important to consider the financial costs and benefits.

When calculating the costs of an initiative, it's important to look beyond initial funding and consider potential long-term costs, such as maintenance and repair costs, along with possible risks. In addition, benefits such as cost savings from energy efficiency or new product/service revenue should also be considered.

Further, social responsibility and public relations are important non-financial aspects to consider.

By considering all of these elements, you can gain a broad understanding of the financial implications of the initiative.

2. Environmental impact

To build a business case for a sustainability initiative, it is necessary to evaluate the environmental impacts it will have.

This process involves assessing the organization's current environmental impact, evaluating potential risks associated with sustainability efforts, and determining the potential reduction in carbon dioxide output and waste production.

It is essential to consider the proposed initiative's long-term effects and environmental implications.

3. Social Impact

When assessing the merits of a sustainability project, it's important to evaluate its social outcomes.

It is essential to assess the positive impact that the initiative will have on local communities, employees, customers, and other stakeholders. The social impact should be an evaluation of how this endeavor will change the public's outlook on the organization, its positive environmental impacts, the advantages to the local economy, and the well-being of those participating in the initiative.

Furthermore, the potential risks of this initiative should be assessed, and mitigation strategies should be identified as part of its social impact.

4. Benefits to the company's reputation

Implementing sustainability measures can help to improve your company's reputation. With the implementation of such a program, your organization can show its commitment to making positive changes and demonstrate that it takes sustainability seriously.

Consequently, customers may be more likely to select your business over others not undertaking similar measures. 

5. Return on investment opportunities

To calculate the ROI, it is important to calculate the associated costs and outline potential benefits accurately.

In addition, it is important to identify potential risks associated with the project, including missing timetables, exceeding budgets, and not achieving goals. Finally, the project's ROI should be clearly defined when it is finished.

6. Stakeholder support

Gaining the support of stakeholders is essential for the initiative's success.

Ensuring that high-level stakeholders, including the executive and board members, agree with the decision sends a clear message to the entire organization.

What are the sustainability metrics?

Sustainability metrics are quantitative measures to assess the business case's environmental, social, and financial performance. These metrics can track progress towards sustainability goals, compare performance with industry peers, and identify improvement areas.

Some standard sustainability metrics to include in the business case are:

Carbon footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide) emitted by an organization or project.

Energy consumption and efficiency: The amount of energy used by an organization or project and the efficiency with which it is used.

Water usage: The amount of water used by an organization or project and the efficiency with which it is used.

Waste and recycling: The amount of waste produced by an organization or project and the percentage that is recycled or composted.

Biodiversity: The impact of an organization or project on biodiversity, including the conservation of natural habitats and protected species.

Social metrics: The social impact of an organization or project, including employee well-being, community engagement, and human rights.

Financial metrics: The financial performance of an organization or project, including revenue, profitability, and return on investment.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): A comprehensive analysis that assesses the environmental impact of a product, process or service through its entire life cycle, from raw materials extraction to end-of-life management.

These metrics can be used in the business case with sustainability reporting frameworks to view the sustainability impacts comprehensively.


In conclusion, when creating a business case for a sustainability initiative, it is essential to consider all the relevant factors to ensure success. This includes a clear business need, a realistic budget, proposed goals and objectives, sustainability metrics and a plan to measure progress and success. Doing so will help ensure that the initiative is well-received and will have a lasting impact on the business and environment.

Finally, sustainable practices can help organizations attract and retain top talent. Employees increasingly want to work for organizations that prioritize environmental stewardship and social responsibility.


If you want help putting together your Business Case, Chase Consulting can help; reach out to our team to get started today.

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