A strategy for sustainability

This paper describes how an awareness of environmental issues, followed by a broader understanding of sustainability, has led to benefits for business, shareholders and society. It describes how the journey towards sustainability has facilitated greater innovation, enhanced individual and corporate responsibility and improved product delivery, in both construction and maintenance activities, for a large ‘construction-to-services’ company. The paper also identifies some of the business drivers for sustainability, together with the challenges and opportunities experienced in the implementation of a sustainability strategy. In addition, a strategy model is presented that shows how, by integrating sustainability with business strategy through the use of key performance indicators, benefits can be gained by businesses and communities. Examples are used to illustrate benefits gained by business, communities and clients, and advice is given on how to embed the principles of sustainable development in business strategy to the benefits of all stakeholders.