Project number: 2022-2-PL01-KA210-VET-000095393

Implementation period: 01/07/2023 – 30/06/2024

Funding amount: EUR 60,000

About the project

Here at EDU SMART TRAINING CENTRE LIMITED Ireland, we have developed a new project together with KREA Poland (Stowarzyszenie Kreatywni dla Biznesu). The main objective of this project is to create guides and instructional training courses for organizations that want to implement pro-environmental actions and expand their digital presence in the media. In this article we aim to share our project outcomes to date, what we have coming up, and explore why sustainable business is important for stakeholders and how it creates value for all parties involved. See the end of the article for material links.

Green, sustainable, and responsible business is the key to success. Environmental protection has become a very important topic in recent years, not only in politics but also for the global economy. Companies are organizations that have a significant impact on the natural environment. Entrepreneurs are aware of this, which has resulted in the emergence of new concepts that influence the way we think about production. There is no doubt that the ecological aspect must be taken into account in the context of future business management. The attention of companies to the ecological dimension of their activities is justified not only in ethics but also in economics. A review of the literature indicates many benefits for businesses that implement appropriate environmental protection practices. 

A study of companies in the WIG-ESG index shows that 40% of index companies declare their concern for the environment in the context of future generations. Implementing pro-environmental actions in an organization carries significant costs that exceed the financial capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises.

MAIN PROJECT GOAL: 

Providing organizations with methodological, competency, and tool support in the area of ECSR (Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility) and digital competencies, including social media and brand building.

SPECIFIC GOALS: 

• Building the capacity of organizations in the field of international and cross-sectoral work.
• Promoting better access to ecology through new forms and educational materials for management staff.
• Building the potential of organizations through international cooperation in a new thematic area.
• Expanding the set of tools supporting professional development of organizations, including management staff, in the areas of ecology and digital technologies.
• Promoting sustainable development.
• Creating and developing international networks.
• Supporting synergy within international policy among partners.
• Supporting the inclusion of target groups with fewer opportunities.
• Building the capacity of organizations in international areas and the education and vocational training sector.

WHY IS SUSTAINABILITY IMPORTANT FOR ORGANISATIONS?

Sustainability has become a critical consideration for the population ever since the term ‘sustainable development’ was defined in the Brundtland Report in 1987. Over the years it has become a central aspect of our lives as well as businesses. Stakeholders, whether investors, employees, customers, or local community members, play a key role in the success and longevity of any business. 

Long-Term Financial Stability

Stakeholders, particularly individual investors, or banks, recognise that businesses focused on sustainability are better positioned for long-term financial stability as those businesses mitigate risks associated with climate change, resource scarcity, and regulatory compliance. This stability translates into increased value, making sustainable businesses more attractive to investors.

Enhanced Brand Reputation

Customers are increasingly conscious of the social and environmental impact of their purchasing decisions. A survey carried out by data company Civey in 2023 shows that sustainability is the most relevant lifestyle trend among all European consumers, regardless of age or gender. Positive brand reputation not only attracts new customers but also strengthens relationships with existing ones.

Employee Engagement and Retention

Employees are vital stakeholders who seek meaningful work and purpose-driven organisations. Sustainable businesses provide a sense of purpose, as employees know they are contributing to a greater cause, leading to increased productivity, job satisfaction and motivation, and employee retention. A survey from IBM in 2022 found that 67% of employees are more willing to apply and 68% more willing to accept positions from sustainable companies. 

Community Impact

Sustainable businesses have a positive impact on the communities in which they operate through support local economies, promoting social well-being, and improving the local environment through their initiatives. Stakeholders, including local residents and community organisations, appreciate businesses that prioritise sustainability and contribute to the betterment of their society. 

Regulatory Compliance 

Businesses operating with sustainable practices are better equipped to navigate regulatory requirements and mitigate risks associated with legal or environmental aspects. Governments and regulatory bodies are increasingly imposing stricter environmental and social standards: you must adhere to these to avoid penalties and legal issues. Currently EU law requires all large companies and all listed companies (except listed micro-enterprises) to disclose information on their ESG factors, risks and mitigation, as part of the corporate sustainability reporting directive.  

Conclusion

Sustainable business practices are no longer optional but essential for the success and well-being of stakeholders. From investors and employees to customers and communities, stakeholders benefit from sustainable businesses in numerous ways. Long-term financial stability, enhanced brand reputation, employee engagement, community impact, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation are just a few of the advantages that sustainable businesses provide. By prioritizing sustainability, businesses can create value for all stakeholders and contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future. 

What is your understanding of the topic? Leave a comment below or any questions you may have. Get in touch if you feel you would benefit from any of the materials.

Action II: DEVELOPMENT OF MATERIALS FOR SMEs MANAGEMENT STAFF IN THE FIELD OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT – EDU SMART

Start and end date of the activity: 01.11.2023 – 31.06.2024

• Guide for management staff "How to implement green activities in the organization" along with a competency test
• Podcasts for each Guide 
• Development of the "Building a Sustainable Brand" scenario (16-hour workshop) along with training materials
• A mini lecture introducing each scenario 
• Instructional videos for each scenario 

ACTION III: DISSEMINATION 

Start and end date of the activity: from 01.06.2024 to 31.07.2024

• 1 dissemination webinar for 10 people (planned date is June 2024) with educators, specialists in the fields of ecology, green and digital transformation, companies, and representatives of MSMEs
• The aim of the webinars is to stimulate the local community to act and share knowledge and results. In addition, the created materials will be analysed during the webinars.
• Dissemination seminar in Poland (planned date is June 2024)
• 2 articles on EPALE by the end of the project

Here are the links to our current good practice materials, which you can download and share with others for free, available in both Polish and English:

PL - DOBRE PRAKTYKI DLA MMŚP - https://kreatywnidlabiznesu.pl/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/DOBRE-PRAKTYKI-DLA-MMSP.pdf 

ENG - GOOD PRACTICE FOR SMEs https://kreatywnidlabiznesu.pl/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/GOOD-PRACTICES-FOR-SMEs.pdf 

Disclaimer: This project has been co-funded with support of European Union. This material reflects solely the views of authors. European Union is not responsible for any use of the information presented and publish therein.