Dan: Sustainability has indeed come a long way from being a buzzword. In the past, it might have been considered an afterthought or a “nice-to-have” for businesses. However, it’s now a cornerstone because of the undeniable urgency of environmental and social issues that our world faces. Customers, investors, and even governments are increasingly demanding that businesses act responsibly, and this has reshaped the business landscape.

Businesses now understand that sustainability is more than just being ‘green’ and not only about protecting the environment but also about ensuring long-term viability. Companies that ignore these sustainability imperatives risk losing competitiveness and opportunities in the long run. This evolution has made sustainability an integral part of business strategies rather than a mere marketing gimmick.

Dan: SMEs certainly face some unique challenges on the path to sustainability. The three major challenges I see are limited resources, a lack of expertise, and insufficient awareness and consumer demand.

1. Limited Resources: SMEs often operate with tighter budgets and smaller teams compared to larger corporations. This can make it difficult for them to invest in sustainable technologies, hire specialised personnel, or allocate sufficient time and funds for sustainability initiatives.
2. Lack of Expertise: Sustainability is a complex field with a wide range of regulations and technologies. SMEs often lack in-house experts to guide them on their sustainability journey.
3. Insufficient Awareness and Consumer Demand: Many SMEs may not fully understand the significance of sustainability in the current market. Additionally, they may struggle to communicate their sustainability efforts to consumers who are increasingly seeking eco-friendly and socially responsible products and services.

Dan: SMEs can address the expertise challenge by investing in education and training related to sustainability. There are plenty of online courses and resources available, Flame UK are part of the East Midlands Chamber and through this we have the opportunity to attend many interesting workshops, training sessions and webinars.

Additionally, they can consult with sustainability experts on a project-by-project basis to access specialized knowledge without a long-term financial commitment. Technology can also be a valuable tool for SMEs. Sustainability software and tools can help them measure their environmental impact, track their progress, and identify areas for improvement. This is something that is available to our customers. We’re also working on something very exciting that we believe will impact the value we can add to our customers. Lastly, forming partnerships with local universities or research institutions can provide access to academic expertise.

Dan: SMEs should begin by conducting market research to understand the sustainability landscape in their industry. This involves studying competitors to identify gaps and opportunities. Transparency is key. Consumers are increasingly interested in the environmental and social impact of products and services. SMEs should communicate their sustainability efforts transparently to build trust and attract conscious consumers.

Educating their team about the importance of sustainability and engaging with stakeholders, including suppliers and customers, can be instrumental. Depending on the industry, obtaining relevant sustainability certifications or labels can also serve as third-party validations of their commitment to sustainability. Finally, crafting a compelling sustainability narrative and telling their story can engage consumers on a deeper level.

Dan: Much research increasingly shows that consumers are making more conscious decisions with sustainability and the environment in mind. Businesses need to think not only about their product or service but also about the impact of the supply chain and service delivery.

Dan: It definitely seems like you’re walking on thin ice sometimes. A couple of years ago, Shell posted a poll on Twitter, asking their audience, “What are you willing to change to help reduce emissions?” This quickly went viral as fingers were pointed at Shell and their contributions to climate change.

This depends on each business and their unique circumstances, of course. However, I believe that we shouldn’t place sustainability pressures on our customers before we explore preventive methods to reduce our own (as businesses) impact in the first place.

For example, I recently attended a webinar on ‘Green-winning,’ where we discussed sustainability efforts in the healthcare sector. Operations have a significant impact on the environment. It was suggested that healthcare practitioners should inform their patients about the environmental impact of their operations. Choosing between a life and the environment – I don’t feel comfortable with that choice. However, another suggestion made was to focus on preventive measures that would reduce the need for operations altogether. Prevention, rather than reaction, seems like a much better approach.