Most small businesses cringe at the thought of a sustainability report. But, if you can pull a bank statement, you can build a sustainability report. The first report isn’t about fancy language or perfect data, it’s about showing proof of progress: what your business uses, what it impacts, and what you’re improving. Here’s how:
Step 1: Set your boundary (what’s included) – Start with your direct operations:
- office/studio/warehouse utilities
- transport and logistics
- materials and waste
- *Keep it tight. Expand later.
Step 2: Gather what you already have – Collect 3–6 months of:
- electricity bills (kWh + cost)
- fuel/transport receipts (or mileage estimates)
- waste records (bags/skip volume or disposal receipts)
- *Optional: water bills, generator usage, paper/printing totals.
Step 3: Turn data into simple metrics – Choose a few indicators you can track monthly:
- kWh used
- litres of fuel (or transport spend)
- waste volume
- *Optional: staff count, # of projects/events.
If needed, add a basic carbon estimate. Moore TT can help apply simple conversion factors.
Step 4: Explain what it means (in plain English) – State your biggest impact areas, why you’re measuring, and what risks/opportunities you see (e.g., energy costs, waste disposal).
Step 5: Commit to 2–3 actions for the next quarter – Examples: LEDs + A/C servicing; reduce printing; reusable supplies; route planning to cut trips.
Step 6: Disclose on one page – Include:
- About your business
- What you measured
- Monthly metrics (simple table)
- Actions + targets
- Who reviews/approves the data
Moore TT supports businesses doing first-time reporting with guidance that fits SME reality.
Ready to build your first sustainability report? Book a consult with Moore TT.
