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Starting down a sustainability path can appear daunting for public sector organizations, however this journey is crucial for the longer term success of their operations in addition to the well-being of our planet. By adopting a well-rounded technique in direction of financial, social, and environmental challenges, we may help obtain public sector wants with out jeopardizing the power of future generations to do the identical. This can enable us to assist the longer term well being of our financial system, our individuals, and our planet. Fortunately, there are public funding alternatives within the U.S. which may help state and native governments, instructional establishments, healthcare suppliers, and Tribal nations with their sustainability journey.
Leveraging public funding for sustainability
At Cisco, we assist our public sector clients as they plan and execute their sustainability methods, and one of many methods we assist them is by exploring funding for these plans via our Cisco Public Funding Office. Every day, Cisco leaders in authorities and schooling discover grant packages within the U.S. that collectively award greater than $500 billion yearly.
In 2015, the United Nations (U.N.) set 17 targets for sustainable improvement around the globe. These targets deal with human, enterprise, and environmental issues and are a part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which gives a blueprint for peace and prosperity for individuals and the planet. A constitution member of the U.N., the U.S. gives assist for U.S. organizations which are contributing to the efforts to attain international sustainability targets.
Best practices for sustainability within the public sector
At Cisco, our goal is to energy an inclusive future for all. We wish to assist our public sector clients discover assets that may assist them contribute to a extra inclusive and sustainable future. To try this, we regularly share our intensive expertise with public funding in addition to finest practices we have now found alongside the way in which. When our public sector clients come to us with questions on the place to start out with their sustainability efforts, we’re glad to supply them the next recommendation.
- Establish a baseline. You can’t get anyplace with out realizing the place you’re ranging from, so it’s necessary to ascertain a transparent baseline earlier than embarking on this journey. It could take some effort, however it is very important start by reviewing and documenting your group’s present environmental influence. That baseline can assist you to observe your progress and establish areas that want enchancment.
- Set lifelike targets. Set processes in place for measuring and reporting progress to maintain your group accountable. Follow the S.M.A.R.T. aim methodology, which requires targets to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. You must also set a platform for speaking progress to stakeholders. This ought to embody workers, residents, different customers, and personal entities that will accomplice with the general public sector. This could be so simple as periodic postings to your web site or as intensive as a extra subtle on-line platform that may be accessed at any time.
- Make sustainability a part of your tradition. Addressing sustainability ought to begin on the high with management guiding initiatives that infuse your tradition with a sustainability mindset, setting you up for better success. You must also contemplate workers as a serious stakeholder. It’s necessary to get their buy-in early to make sustainability an integral a part of your group’s DNA. You can infuse sustainability into your tradition by offering coaching and schooling, encouraging participation in sustainability initiatives, recognizing and rewarding sustainability behaviors, and extra.
- Consider provide chains and bills. An group’s sustainability journey ought to focus by itself operations and worth chain — suppliers, distributors, and clients. Sustainability necessities ought to be embedded within the provide chain course of and assist steady enchancment.
- Be conscious. Making updates or modifications to your total environmental influence could be pricey initially, however cost-effective in the long term. Incorporating public funding alternatives could make a major distinction. There are greater than 1,000 packages within the U.S. that award cash to organizations which are implementing sustainability packages. Funding alternatives embody grants, bonds, and different monetary autos.
- Continuously enhance. Sustainability just isn’t a one-and-done venture that has a begin and a end. It’s an ongoing journey and a cultural mindset for public sector organizations that pursue it. As targets are reached, it’s necessary to set new ones and never lose floor on earlier achievements. When seeking to the longer term, discover new applied sciences, interact with stakeholders, and keep updated with sustainability finest practices.
Next steps
As you begin your journey, keep in mind it’s not nearly individuals and the atmosphere — sustainability may profit your group’s long-term success. By adopting a transparent course of and setting lifelike targets early, you may set up accountability past the preliminary rollout to attain higher outcomes for all stakeholders.
Our Cisco public funding specialists are right here that can assist you attain your sustainability targets in an economical approach. We encourage you to achieve out to us or go to Cisco’s Public Funding Office to learn the way we will assist your group in figuring out grants, bonds, and different funding sources that align to your packages and know-how wants. Together, we will make a distinction for individuals and our planet.
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