Why data is the foundation of a strong sustainability strategy
Data is the backbone of any effective sustainability strategy. Without it, businesses are left guessing about their environmental and social impacts. With it, they can track progress, set meaningful goals, and demonstrate achievements with confidence.
However, collecting sustainability data isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes—it’s about making informed decisions that drive real change. The key is to ensure data collection is systematic, consistent, and future-proofed. Here’s how to do it right.
What data to collect
The type of data you collect will depend on your business sector and sustainability goals, but common categories include:
- Carbon footprint data: Energy usage, fuel consumption, business travel emissions, and supply chain impacts.
- Waste and resource management: Volume of waste produced, recycling rates, and material efficiency.
- Water usage: Consumption levels, wastewater discharge, and conservation measures.
- Social impact metrics: Employee engagement, diversity and inclusion stats, and community investments.
- Governance data: Compliance records, ethical supply chain audits, and board-level sustainability commitments.
How to collect it
Sustainability data collection should be structured and repeatable. Consider the following approaches:
- Automated systems: Smart meters for energy and water use, carbon accounting software, and supplier tracking tools.
- Surveys and reporting frameworks: Employee and supplier questionnaires, customer feedback forms, and compliance reports.
- Integration with existing systems: Align sustainability data with financial and operational data for seamless tracking.
- Third-party audits: Independent verification of emissions, waste management, and social impact initiatives for credibility.
Why data collection is critical
Collecting accurate data is not just a compliance exercise; it enables businesses to:
- Set achievable targets: Without baseline data, it’s impossible to measure improvement.
- Make better decisions: Data-driven insights allow for smarter sustainability investments.
- Improve transparency: Customers, investors, and regulators are demanding more accountability.
- Unlock funding and partnerships: Many grants, certifications, and partnerships require sustainability metrics.
Key times to implement data collection
- Year One: Establish baseline measurements and data collection systems.
- Quarterly Reviews: Monitor trends and spot early signs of progress or setbacks.
- Annual Reporting: Consolidate data for sustainability reports, impact statements, and compliance disclosures.
- Long-Term Integration: Ensure data systems are built to store and compare figures year-on-year. If you start tracking carbon reductions today, you need a system that ensures next year’s data is easily accessible for comparison.
Future-proofing your data strategy
Data collection is an ongoing process, and it’s important to think ahead. When implementing sustainability metrics:
- Ensure data is centralised: Avoid fragmented spreadsheets—invest in platforms that store and track data over time.
- Standardise formats: Make sure data is recorded consistently to allow for year-on-year analysis.
- Train your team: Everyone collecting data should understand its importance and how to record it correctly.
- Adapt to new requirements: Sustainability expectations evolve, so be prepared to expand your data collection scope as needed.
Sustainability without data is like navigating without a map. By establishing robust data collection processes early, businesses can track progress, make informed decisions, and build a credible sustainability strategy that stands the test of time. Thinking long-term is crucial—what you collect today needs to be accessible and relevant for years to come.
Now is the time to harness the power of data to drive meaningful sustainability action.