Making the case for environmental improvements

There are a number of non-financial factors that you may need to make clear to persuade senior management that you should be allowed to proceed with your project or initiative.

Resources and implementation

Senior management will be particularly interested in how much time and human effort is required for your project to be successful. You should be able to demonstrate how the outcomes of your project will add value to the business.

You should also be able to provide information on how easy it will be to implement your improvements, and how much ongoing time and effort will be required.

Legal and other requirements

If your environmental improvement is based on a legal requirement, you should get the go-ahead. However, you may need to assess the pros and cons of a number of options - for example different types of monitoring equipment or how to recycle packaging most effectively.

You may also find that there are other industry standards or requirements that are recommended as good practice by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency or your trade association. If you can demonstrate that respected organisations suggest you make the changes, and your competitors have also acted, this can be a powerful motivator.

Policy and strategy

If your business has an environmental policy or environmental management system (EMS), you should demonstrate how your project can help to meet the aims and objectives of that policy or system.

If your business doesn't have an environmental policy or EMS, you could demonstrate how your project will help to meet the objectives of the core business strategy.

Marketing and business opportunities

You may be able to sell the idea of your project as a marketing opportunity for the business - see how to market your environmental credentials.

You may be able to demonstrate how your business can grow by becoming more sustainable.