I took several "standard" business plan models from the SBA, Harvard B School, etc and synthesized them into one. Then I correlated all the elements with sustainability indicators from the Global Reporting Initiative, which gets specific enough to really drill down into reasonable metrics.
So you can prep a biz plan that directly integrates the GRI sustainability metrics.
It has several advantages:
Both the biz plan and the sustainability metrics are from recognized sources, i.e., it's not just me making this up
It's really obviously relevant because the metrics are in fact measurable and each one has a worksheet and backup info at the GRI website
It's short
And, I did the same thing with sustainable financial statements
I developed this as part of the Sustainable Local Investments Program of the city of Spokane, WA, they hope to use this tool to start outreach to bankers about promoting sustainable local investment.
Bankers only care about your financial statements, credible collateral and your biz plan. They could care less about sustainability. So, give them what they want first, then show how it links to sustainability.
Your feedback on the tool is welcome. Also, I have taught corporate environmental and sustainability management in two international business schools and I am a member of the Organizations and Natural Environment Listserv (ONE-L) operated by the Academy of Management, this is the leading listserv for b school professors interested in sustainability. All you Green Schoolers should check it out because your own b school faculty could be members already and you could join forces!
Same to you, b school toffs!
Burton Hamner
Cleaner Production International LLC
5534 30th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Fax 206-206-339-1686
Hello Green School friends,
Does anyone have a business plan for the Department or Office of Sustainability that they wouldn't mind sharing with our campus?
Thanks,
Kristin Hansen
Sustainability Program Analyst
UC San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive #0908
La Jolla, California 92093-0908
Office: (858)534-5563
Cell: (858)964-8272