1. Compliance & Energy Efficiency

Start with the basics: is your business legally compliant and energy-aware?

• We have completed our ESOS Energy Audit (if required).
• We are actively implementing recommendations from our energy audits.
• We regularly track energy consumption across buildings, processes, and fleet.
• We have identified and prioritised key energy-saving opportunities.
• We have costed energy projects with estimated ROI and payback.

Why it matters:
Non-compliance with schemes like ESOS can lead to fines and missed cost-saving opportunities.  Audits are more than a legal requirement, they’re a chance to cut waste and improve efficiency.

Need help? Learn about ESOS Energy Audits and Action Plan Activation.

2. Carbon & Climate Impact

Do you understand your organisation’s carbon footprint, and are you managing it?

• We’ve calculated our carbon emissions (Scope 1 & 2 at minimum; Scope 3 if applicable).
• We use government-approved (e.g., DEFRA/BEIS) or GHG Protocol-aligned methods.
• Our emissions are reported as part of SECR, ESG disclosures, or sustainability reports.
• We have defined carbon reduction targets and a Net Zero pathway.
• We regularly monitor and update our emissions data.

Why it matters:
Carbon reporting is one of the most commonly missed steps in any sustainability checklist for businesses, especially when Scope 3 emissions are involved.

Need clarity? Our carbon footprint and GHG reporting services can help.

3. Renewable Energy & Clean Technology

Are you reducing reliance on fossil fuels and investing in low-carbon alternatives?

• We’ve explored renewable energy options like solar PV, heat pumps, or CHP.
• We’ve conducted a feasibility study to understand what’s viable for our sites.
• We have evaluated the business case (CapEx, OpEx, ROI) for renewables.
• We purchase green electricity or have PPAs in place.
• We’ve considered integrating storage (e.g., batteries) into our energy strategy.

Why it matters:
Switching to cleaner energy sources supports Net Zero goals, reduces long-term operating costs, and may unlock funding or planning advantages.

See what’s possible with a Renewable Energy Feasibility Study.

4. Sustainability Governance in Your Business Checklist

Is sustainability embedded in your policies, management systems, and culture?

• We have formal environmental or energy management policies.
• Our strategy aligns with ISO 14001 or ISO 50001 standards (or plans to).
• We’ve pursued or are preparing for B Corp, BREEAM, or similar certifications.
• We track KPIs and share sustainability performance internally and externally.
• Senior leadership is engaged and accountable for environmental goals.

Why it matters:
Strong governance ensures sustainability is not just a siloed function but a business-wide commitment backed by systems, data and leadership.

Explore how our B Corp Energy Audit and implementation services support certification and credibility.

5. Implementation & Impact

Are you taking meaningful and measurable action, not just setting goals?

• We have a sustainability action plan with clear timelines and assigned owners.
• We’ve completed or are actively managing energy and carbon projects.
• We track outcomes like energy saved, emissions reduced, or ROI achieved.
• Our staff are trained and engaged in energy and sustainability practices.
• We continuously improve based on audits, reviews, or stakeholder feedback.

Why it matters:
A strategy without action is just a presentation. Real sustainability comes from execution and from building sustainability into operations, procurement and culture.

After completing this sustainability checklist for businesses, score yourself using the ranges below to understand where your organisation sits on the sustainability maturity curve.