What does it mean to be a responsible business in today’s world? The challenge is to operate within the limits of our planet while ensuring that people’s basic needs are met – all while maintaining profitability. Business owners and employees alike play a crucial role in shaping ethical and sustainable business practices.

Recently, I attended a screening of the documentary ‘Responsible’ by Julian Demond and Tristan Lochmond. The film explores corporate responsibility through one of the most well-regarded certifications, B Corp certification, highlighting companies like Patagonia and Tony’s Chocolonely, which set an example of ethical business conduct. It underscores the on-going effort required to balance profit with environmental and social responsibility.

Building trust

Greenwashing – when companies falsely claim to be environmentally friendly – has become easier to spot, and consumers now demand genuine action rather than vague slogans. To ensure credibility, businesses can seek certifications from independent third-party organisations like non-profits, governments or industry associations. These should have clear, expert-developed guidelines and be free from financial conflicts of interest. Industry-specific certifications also help businesses prove their commitment. For example:
• Construction: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
• Clothing: Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade.

Consumers have an essential role, too. By increasing awareness of certifications and asking businesses tough questions about their sustainability efforts, we can drive meaningful change.

Beyond certifications, business structures like Community Interest Companies (CICs) and Community Benefit Societies (CBS) provide alternative models. These organisations prioritise community welfare over profit, fostering ethical and sustainable practices.

Small changes that make a big impact

Businesses don’t have to undertake massive overhauls to be more responsible. There are simple ways to start making a difference. At my work, we regularly evaluate areas and have implemented initiatives such as:
• Energy consumption: we installed solar panels to lower electricity use and are exploring a rainwater harvesting system to flush toilets using collected rainwater.
• Waste management: regular bin audits to analyse waste and improve recycling.
• Biodiversity and green spaces: we transformed an outdoor area by planting wildflowers and trees, creating a community garden and hosting therapeutic horticulture sessions.
• Sustainable travel and community involvement: we participate in Cycle September, collaborate with our local refill shop, and work with schools to educate on sustainability.
• Digital sustainability: we conducted a deep clean of our digital data, reducing unnecessary storage and energy use in cloud systems.
• Climate education: our staff complete climate education training, which is now being extended to our volunteers

Each of these changes, big or small, helps us move towards a more sustainable and resilient organisation. You don’t have to do everything at once.

A responsible business acknowledges its limitations while striving for continuous improvement. Even small steps today will help create a business that thrives in the future.