Sustainability is a key area of focus for many organizations as the world continues to move toward a more environmentally friendly future.
Developing SMART goals can help companies stay on track to reaching their objectives. While discussing sustainability is easy, making it happen without well-defined goals is much harder.
Here are some examples of SMART goals geared toward sustainability. By understanding the SMART method, you can be sure your green ambitions have an actual direction.
What is a SMART Goal?
The SMART system will enable you to establish practical goals for sustainability. For those unaware, SMART is an acronym for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based.
Are you still confused? Here is what each SMART criterion means:
Specific
To guide your efforts in a meaningful way, you need specific goals. For example, instead of saying, “we want to reduce our carbon footprint,” set a goal such as “reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 50%.”
This gives your team something concrete to work toward and allows for accountability. Of course, setting specific goals is only half the battle. It would be best if you also take action to achieve them.
Measurable
Sustainability goals must go beyond mere intentions—they must be measurable to have a real impact. This criterion ensures your goal doesn’t quickly become a feel-good exercise lacking tangible results.
It provides a clear framework for tracking progress over time. The organization will be able to allocate resources and decide which initiatives should receive more attention.
Attainable
Sustainability has become a buzzword in recent years, with businesses of all sizes vowing to reduce their environmental impact. But the challenge lies in setting realistic goals that can be achieved without compromising business growth or profitability.
Instead of creating unrealistic targets that will eventually lead to disappointment and frustration, set incremental goals that move you closer to environmental sustainability.
Relevant
You can reach your desired outcomes when you establish purposeful goals that align with your beliefs; this will drive you to success. With your core values as a lighthouse, you can remain steadfast in even the most difficult times.
Time-Based
A clear timeline will help keep you on the right path and focused on realizing your goals. Accomplishment is never a one-time deal; it’s a gradual process of commitment and labor that needs to be cultivated through the years.
13 SMART Goals Examples for Environmental Sustainability
Here are 13 examples of SMART goals for environmental sustainability:
1. Reduce Carbon Footprint
“I will reduce the company’s carbon footprint by 20% over the next two years. I’ll implement a sustainability plan that includes energy efficiency measures, green infrastructure projects, and other initiatives.”
Specific: The goal includes a 20% reduction in carbon footprint and the initiatives to help achieve it.
Measurable: Use data to measure how much the company’s carbon footprint has dropped.
Attainable: This is an ambitious goal but can be achieved with the right plan and initiatives.
Relevant: Lowering the company’s carbon footprint is essential to sustainability.
Time-based: Two years is a reasonable timeline to reach success.
2. Increase Renewable Energy Use
“By the end of one year, I will have installed solar panels in half of all our business locations. This will reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and be a significant step towards our goal of using renewable energy sources.”
Specific: The statement is well-defined, detailing the objective and how it will be accomplished.
Measurable: The number of solar panels that have been installed can be tracked.
Attainable: With enough resources and personnel to install the panels, this goal is possible.
Relevant: This is relevant to sustainability because it will reduce reliance on fossil fuels and increase renewable energy use.
Time-based: There is a one-year timeline for accomplishing this particular goal.
3. Optimize Manufacturing Processes
“I will optimize our manufacturing processes to reduce energy use by 10% within 6 months. I want to retrofit equipment, introduce new technologies, and train employees on best practices.”
Specific: The SMART goal is clear. You plan to reduce energy use by 10% in manufacturing.
Measurable: You can track the energy use before and after implementation.
Attainable: Reducing energy use by 10% is feasible with the right tools and resources.
Relevant: This goal is relevant to improving sustainability in the manufacturing processes.
Time-based: Goal completion will be met after 6 months.
4. Improve Recycling Efforts
“I want to reduce our overall waste by introducing a comprehensive recycling program. By the end of 7 months, I will research viable recycling solutions, implement a recycling policy, and ensure all staff understands their roles in making our organization more sustainable.”
Specific: You should research solutions, implement a policy, and ensure staff understanding.
Measurable: Determine the waste generated before and after implementing your recycling program.
Attainable: A comprehensive recycling program is possible in 7 months.
Relevant: This statement helps make your organization more sustainable.
Time-based: Success will be achieved after 7 whole months.
5. Promote Sustainable Agriculture
“Within 12 months, I’ll create a sustainable agriculture program encouraging local farmers to use more renewable resources in their production practices. The program will incentivize more businesses and farmers to adopt sustainable practices.”
Specific: The program will aim to promote renewable resources in local farming.
Measurable: Track the number of businesses and farmers participating in the program.
Attainable: The goal is absolutely doable within the given deadline.
Relevant: This directly focuses on sustainability and promoting eco-friendly practices.
Time-based: You must complete this goal within 12 months.
6. Lower Water Consumption
“To reduce water consumption in our workplace, I will implement initiatives to decrease water usage by 10% within three months. These initiatives may include installing low-flow fixtures, educating staff on water-saving habits, and consistently monitoring water usage.”
Specific: This goal outlines what needs to be done (implement initiatives, install fixtures, and educate staff) and the desired result (reduce water usage by 10%).
Measurable: You can count the number of initiatives implemented, fixtures installed, and staff educated and measure the decrease in water consumption.
Attainable: This goal is achievable, depending on the resources available.
Relevant: Lowering water consumption is a good goal for sustainability.
Time-based: Goal completion should happen within three months.
7. Enhance Eco-Friendly Transportation
“I will introduce eco-friendly transportation policies to the office by the end of 8 months. That includes incentivizing alternative forms of transportation like carpooling and public transit and providing subsidies for electric vehicles.”
Specific: The aim is to introduce policies related to eco-friendly transportation.
Measurable: Determine whether policies have been successfully implemented after 8 months.
Attainable: This is definitely possible with the right resources and planning.
Relevant: Implementing policies to support eco-friendly transportation is a great way to promote sustainability.
Time-based: There is an end date of 8 months to accomplish this goal.
8. Expand Green Building Practices
“I will research and implement green building practices in our new projects within 10 months. I’ll strive to reduce energy usage and create healthier, more sustainable living and working environments.”
Specific: This is specific because the individual plans to research and implement green building practices.
Measurable: Check the number of green building practices implemented and energy usage reduced.
Attainable: This is doable since 10 months should be sufficient to reach this goal.
Relevant: Green building practices can positively impact the environment and people’s health.
Time-based: The goal should be completed within 10 months.
9. Reduce Pollution in Oceans
“Within the next year, I will reduce pollution in rivers and oceans by 40%. To achieve this, our company will implement a zero waste policy and work with local government to establish sustainable waste handling practices.”
Specific: The SMART goal specifies the target population, how it will be achieved, and the timeline.
Measurable: You could measure the pollution in rivers and oceans before and after implementing the zero waste policy.
Attainable: This is achievable with strategic planning and implementing sustainable waste-handling practices.
Relevant: This is relevant to the environment and promotes sustainability.
Time-based: The goal has a one-year timeline for completion.
10. Minimize Waste Output
“I aim to reduce our waste output by 20% over the following 9 months. I’ll monitor our waste output and implement new strategies to ensure we use energy, materials, and resources more efficiently.”
Specific: The goal is to reduce waste output by a precise amount (20%).
Measurable: Monitor the company’s waste output over 9 months to evaluate your progress.
Attainable: This is attainable if the company implements new strategies for efficient resource use.
Relevant: Minimizing waste output is vital to creating a sustainable organization.
Time-based: Nine months are required to accomplish this certain goal.
11. Educate Others on Sustainability
“I will educate 30 other people on the importance and benefits of sustainability in 8 months. I want to create a ripple effect across our organization and the community, so we can continue progressing on sustainability initiatives.”
Specific: The goal states the exact number (30) of people to be educated in a particular time (8 months).
Measurable: You can check the number of people educated on sustainability.
Attainable: Educating a few people on sustainability is possible within 8 months.
Relevant: This applies to creating a ripple effect of sustainability initiatives.
Time-based: The statement has a specific timeline of 8 months to be completed.
12. Increase Resource Efficiency
“I’ll create and implement an action plan to reduce our resource consumption by 10% in the next 12 months. This will include measures such as recycling and transitioning to more efficient energy sources, among other sustainability initiatives.”
Specific: The individual aims to reduce resource consumption by 10% within 12 months.
Measurable: You will track the resources used and compare the results to past consumption levels.
Attainable: This is reachable because you are actively reducing resource consumption.
Relevant: The goal is appropriate because it addresses a key sustainability issue.
Time-based: The goal is time-bound because it has an end date of 12 months.
13. Protect Wildlife and Biodiversity
“I’ll create a plan to protect wildlife and biodiversity over the 7 months ahead. This plan will include actions to reduce the impact of human activities on animal and plant life, as well as measures to protect their habitats.”
Specific: This is explicit since it outlines a plan to protect wildlife and biodiversity.
Measurable: Measure the impact of human activities on wildlife, biodiversity, and habitat changes.
Attainable: This goal is feasible as it identifies the action steps to reduce human impacts.
Relevant: Protecting wildlife and biodiversity is essential for environmental sustainability, making it a worthwhile goal.
Time-based: The SMART statement should be met within 7 months.
Final Thoughts
Setting SMART sustainability goals can help create a clear pathway to desired outcomes. With this framework in mind, companies can make meaningful progress toward their objectives.
Ultimately, by developing SMART goals properly, businesses can ensure that all stakeholders benefit from the long-term development of a sustainable future. So why wait?
