Actions for sustainability in small businesses

What is sustainability?

Sustainability refers to the ability to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. 

Simply put, it is about finding a balance between economic development, environmental protection and long-term social well-being.

There are three main types of sustainability:

1. Environmental sustainability focuses on environmental protection and conservation, including natural resource management, emissions reduction and ecosystem preservation. 
2. Social sustainability refers to ensuring equity, social justice and quality of life for communities, employees and other stakeholders. 
3. Economic sustainability involves maintaining long-term financial equilibrium, ensuring that current decisions do not compromise future economic success. 

These three types of sustainability are interconnected and are fundamental to achieving comprehensive sustainable development.

Sustainability awareness

Sustainability awareness has increased greatly in recent decades due to several factors. 

First, increased information and education about the negative impacts of climate change, biodiversity loss and other environmental problems has led to greater public awareness.

In addition, technological advances have enabled greater visibility of these issues through the media and social networks, which has helped to raise awareness.

On the other hand, companies and governments have begun to recognise the importance of sustainability due to pressure from consumers and society in general, as well as evidence that sustainable practices can be profitable in the long term. 

This has led to a cultural shift towards sustainability, with more and more people and organizations recognising the need to act in an environmentally and socially responsible manner.

Sustainability in business

Sustainability in business involves adopting practices and policies that consider the social, environmental and economic impact of their operations. 

This may include reducing carbon emissions, using natural resources efficiently, promoting fair labour conditions, among other actions.

More and more companies are recognising the importance of sustainability not only from an ethical perspective, but also as a strategy for long-term profitability.

The road to sustainability

Even small companies with limited resources can take meaningful steps towards sustainability. 

Some actions they might consider include reducing energy consumption by using energy-efficient lighting, implementing recycling policies, promoting telecommuting to reduce commuting and carbon emissions, purchasing local and sustainable products, and participating in community recycling or environmental conservation programmes. 

In addition, leveraging social media and other digital platforms to raise customer awareness of your commitment to sustainability can also be an effective and cost-efficient strategy.

OSF's commitment to sustainability 

Generating Clean Energy with Solar Panels 

In 2022, OSF installed 252 high-efficiency solar panels on a 2,000 m2 roof area at its facilities in Arazuri (Navarra). These panels, strategically oriented to the South and South West, generate clean and renewable energy annually. 

Additional Energy Efficiency Measures

OSF's commitment to sustainability does not stop with the installation of solar panels. For years, OSF has been adopting a number of additional measures that promote energy efficiency and responsible use of resources:

• Internal Water Circuit Cooling: OSF has implemented an internal cooling system that uses a water circuit to recirculate the same water over and over again.
• Capacitor Bank: The company has installed a capacitor bank that optimizes the use of electrical energy and reduces peak consumption. This system improves the efficiency of the facilities by minimizing energy losses and improving the power factor.
• Machine Insulation: OSF has invested in the thermal insulation of its industrial machines and equipment. This measure helps to conserve energy and reduce the amount of heat dissipated and noise, leading to lower energy consumption and a safer working environment.
• Recycling systems: The company has implemented recycling programmes at its facilities, promoting the responsible reuse and recycling of materials. This contributes to reducing the amount of waste and decreases the demand for natural resources.

Remote Working and Continuous Working hours

By working from home, the need for daily commuting is reduced, which reduces the emission of polluting gases produced by vehicles. In addition, a continuous schedule allows for an earlier end to the working day, which improves work-life balance, reduces stress and increases job satisfaction.

InnovaRSE Seal

This InnovaRSE seal aims to implement and develop social responsibility (SR) in the strategy and management of organizations and entities, in the three dimensions of sustainability: environmental, social and economic.

Blue Seal

Since 2018, OSFplastic has been carrying out a series of initiatives designed to promote health and well-being in the workplace. 

The Blue Seal is awarded for continued dedication and commitment to a culture of health, promoting healthy living and contributing to improving the health of the community. 

In other words, improving the conditions of health and wellbeing for all the people who make up OSF. 

Ecovadis Seal - Silver

The EcoVadis medals and badges recognise companies that have fulfilled the requirements and completed the assessment process and have demonstrated the existence of a sound management system that addresses sustainability criteria, in accordance with the EcoVadis methodology.