Does My Business Need a Sustainability Manager?

If you've recently been asked about sustainability by a customer, supplier, tender document or accreditation scheme, you may have wondered whether your business needs a sustainability manager.

For most SMEs, the answer is probably no.

However, that doesn't mean sustainability can be ignored.

Across many industries, businesses are increasingly being asked questions about carbon reduction, environmental management, social value, responsible sourcing and wider sustainability commitments. In some cases, these questions form part of supplier questionnaires or tender evaluations. In others, they are simply becoming part of normal business conversations.

The challenge for many SMEs is that sustainability responsibilities often fall to somebody who already has a full-time role. It may be the business owner, operations manager, office manager or health, safety and environmental lead who suddenly finds themselves trying to respond to requests for sustainability information.

Why Are Businesses Being Asked More Questions?

Customer expectations are changing.

Larger organisations are increasingly looking at their supply chains and asking suppliers to demonstrate how they manage environmental and social issues.

Public sector buyers are also placing greater emphasis on sustainability and social value within procurement processes.

As a result, businesses that have never previously considered sustainability may find themselves being asked questions such as:

• Do you have a sustainability policy?

• Do you measure your carbon emissions?

• Do you hold ISO 14001 certification?

• What social value activities do you undertake?

• How do you manage environmental impacts?

For some businesses, these questions arrive unexpectedly and create uncertainty about what is required.

What Does a Sustainability Manager Actually Do?

A sustainability manager may be responsible for a wide range of activities, including:

• Developing sustainability strategies

• Managing environmental programmes

• Supporting carbon reduction initiatives

• Responding to customer requests

• Managing certifications and accreditations

• Coordinating sustainability reporting

• Supporting tender submissions

• Delivering staff awareness and engagement activities

For large organisations, these responsibilities can justify a dedicated role.

For many SMEs, however, the workload is often too small or too inconsistent to support a full-time position.

What Are the Alternatives?

Many businesses simply need access to the right expertise when required.

For example:

• Reviewing customer sustainability questionnaires

• Supporting tender responses

• Developing policies and procedures

• Understanding environmental requirements

• Preparing for ISO 14001 certification

• Creating carbon reports

• Identifying practical improvement opportunities

Rather than recruiting a full-time sustainability manager, some businesses choose to access support on a flexible basis as and when required.

This can provide access to specialist knowledge without the cost and commitment of employing an additional member of staff.

How Can Businesses Understand Their Current Position?

One of the biggest challenges is knowing where to start.

Many businesses are already doing positive things but have never formally reviewed their sustainability arrangements. Others may have gaps they are unaware of until a customer asks a question.

Understanding your current position can help identify strengths, opportunities and priority actions.

How ESSVA Can Help

ESSVA supports businesses that need sustainability expertise but do not require a full-time sustainability manager.

Whether you're responding to customer requirements, preparing for a tender opportunity, reviewing environmental responsibilities or looking to develop a more structured approach, we can help.

Not sure where your business currently stands?

Start with our free Sustainability Risk Score to gain an initial understanding of your current position and identify potential next steps.