How to make sustainability a core part of company culture

Sustainability isn’t just a corporate initiative—it should be embedded into the very DNA of an organization. When companies successfully integrate sustainability into their culture, employees become active participants in driving meaningful environmental change. But how can businesses ensure that sustainability is more than a buzzword and instead a guiding principle in daily operations?

Here’s how to make employee engagement in sustainability a core part of company culture and create long-lasting impact.

1. Align Sustainability with Company Values and Leadership

A strong sustainability culture starts at the top. Leadership must actively champion sustainability efforts and ensure they are woven into company values, policies, and decision-making. When employees see executives leading by example—whether through reducing waste, supporting climate initiatives, or prioritizing sustainability in business strategy—they are more likely to follow suit.

Actionable Tip: Have leadership communicate sustainability commitments through regular updates, executive-led initiatives, and participation in green programs. Consider integrating sustainability into company mission statements to reinforce its importance.

2. Make Sustainability Training an Ongoing Priority

Educating employees about sustainability is key to fostering engagement. One-off training sessions are not enough—sustainability should be an ongoing learning experience.

Actionable Tip: Offer continuous learning opportunities such as:

• Sustainability onboarding sessions for new hires
• Monthly “Lunch & Learn” discussions on climate topics
• Digital training modules on corporate sustainability goals and individual impact
• Gamified learning experiences to keep employees engaged

Companies like Salesforce have successfully built employee sustainability training into their corporate structure, ensuring that every team member understands how their role contributes to broader environmental goals.

3. Empower Employees to Take Action

A company culture of sustainability thrives when employees feel they can actively contribute. Businesses should create opportunities for employees to participate in green initiatives within and beyond the workplace.

Actionable Tips:

• Encourage employees to join Green Teams that focus on sustainability projects.
• Offer volunteering days for environmental causes like tree planting or cleanup events.
• Provide incentives for eco-friendly commuting, such as biking, carpooling, or public transportation reimbursement.

Google, for example, empowers employees through its Sustainability Green Team Network, where employees propose and lead eco-friendly workplace initiatives.

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4. Integrate Sustainability into Everyday Workflows

To make sustainability second nature, it must be incorporated into employees’ daily tasks. This means ensuring that sustainable practices are built into operations, procurement, and workplace behaviors.

Actionable Tips:

• Switch to digital-first policies to reduce paper waste.
• Implement energy-efficient workspaces with smart lighting and automated power-saving settings.
• Set up waste reduction and recycling stations that are clearly labeled and easy to use.
• Encourage remote work policies to cut down on commuting emissions.

Companies like IKEA have made sustainability a workplace standard by redesigning office spaces with circular economy principles and training employees to follow eco-conscious procurement guidelines.

5. Recognize and Reward Sustainable Efforts

Employees are more likely to adopt sustainable habits when they see that their contributions are valued. Recognizing and rewarding sustainability initiatives reinforces their importance and motivates employees to take part.

Actionable Tips:

• Launch sustainability challenges with rewards for employees who meet waste reduction, energy conservation, or sustainable commuting goals.
• Highlight employee contributions through an internal Sustainability Spotlight newsletter or intranet.
• Provide financial incentives for employees who switch to electric vehicles, use reusable products, or implement green solutions in the workplace.

Clif Bar, for example, rewards employees with up to $6,500 for purchasing fuel-efficient vehicles, reinforcing the company’s sustainability values while directly benefiting employees.

Creating a culture of sustainability isn’t just about having a corporate policy—it’s about embedding sustainability into the fabric of daily work life. By aligning sustainability with company values, providing training, empowering employees, and integrating green practices into everyday workflows, businesses can cultivate an engaged workforce committed to long-term environmental impact.

Want to make sustainability a core part of your company culture? Learn how Mammoth Climate helps organizations engage employees to drive meaningful climate action.