Business case for sustainability

Since the publication of the Stern Review by the Treasury (2006), which outlined the economic case for acting on Climate Change, the business case for sustainable development cannot have been more clear:

‘No-one can predict the consequences of climate change with complete certainty; but we now know enough to understand the risks. Mitigation - taking strong action to reduce emissions - must be viewed as an investment, a cost incurred now and in the coming few decades to avoid the risks of very severe consequences in the future. If these investments are made wisely, the costs will be manageable, and there will be a wide range of opportunities for growth and development along the way’.

For FE institutions as businesses, it does not only make sense to take a new direction to make the operations of buildings and estate more efficient, but also to invest in carbon reduction. With the expectation that carbon emissions will be heavily taxed and capped and that energy prices will continue to rise in the future, it is important to start to take action sooner than later.

For FE institutions as educators, it makes sense to introduce sustainable development into the curriculum to provide learners with the knowledge, skills and values that are needed to mitigate the effects of climate change. Additionally, colleges have an important role to play in supporting local businesses and the wider community in its journey towards a more sustainable way of living.

Help and advice

Forum for the Futures’ publication Leader Business Strategies (2008) covers the latest research on sustainable development and the business case. The report provides a comprehensive model of their business strategies and key approaches, and shows how your business can benefit too.

The Stern Review offers a good context to make a business case.

From Here to Sustainability (2005)
This document presents the Learning and Skills Council’s (LSC’s) strategy for sustainable development. It describes sustainable development and explains why it is important.

CarbonSense works with businesses that are seeking to develop a leading edge climate change strategy. Their website has some supporting videos and materials.

Case studies

City of London Academy: Post Occupancy Evaluation
This case study is a product of ‘Building for the Future’, an inter-regional collaboration programme, which aims to achieve balanced and sustainable economic growth.

New Education Centre is Sustainability Exemplar - Derbyshire Adult Community Education Service
An example of how a group of partners can come together to find funding and create a sustainable building and deliver a sustainable curriculum.

New system saves time and money at City College Plymouth
Employing modern technology and having the right service providers can help an organisation significantly reduce energy and water consumption, as well as saving money.

Continue the journey

More information and case studies about the business case for sustainable development can be found in the Community and Business and Buildings and Estates sections.