What does a carbon footprint really mean?
September 21, 2026
What your small business needs to know before reporting on greenhouse gas emissions If your business is starting to track your greenhouse gas emissions, you may have come across two terms: carbon footprint and greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory. Are they the same thing? Not exactly. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably. But there is an
Does your small business need a sustainability policy?
August 28, 2026
When businesses begin collecting sustainability data, they often focus on numbers first, such as amount of energy consumption or greenhouse gas emissions. However, by first crafting a simple sustainability policy, you can save time and frustration down the road. A sustainability policy can provide a solid foundation for your reporting. It can help make sure
Win more contracts by tracking sustainability
August 26, 2026
Small businesses may soon face sustainability questionnaires from larger customers, requiring them to provide details on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. As large companies must disclose their supply chain emissions, transparency and commitment to sustainability are key. Responding with ongoing efforts can strengthen supplier relationships amid rising sustainability demands.
Energy and emissions solutions for small businesses
June 29, 2026
Notes from the Maryland Energy & Environment for Manufacturers Conference Small businesses, especially manufacturers, are having challenges with managing energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. How can they be more efficient? How can they lower costs? How can they make the best use of technology? Which improvements will give them the most bang for
What to know about sustainability reporting by industry sector
May 12, 2026
Small businesses can optimize sustainability reporting by understanding their industry sector's specific impacts. While sector type influences material topics, objectives and stakeholder expectations are more crucial for small enterprises. Following established standards like the GRI can streamline processes, focusing on a few relevant topics, especially regarding greenhouse gas emissions.
What’s new in sustainability reporting for 2026
February 3, 2026
What’s new in sustainability reporting for 2026 The past few years have been a roller coaster of new regulations and expectations around sustainability. It can be a lot for small organizations to navigate. Knowing these top sustainability reporting trends can help your business prepare for what’s coming this year and in the future: 1. Deeper
The first step in sustainability reporting
January 5, 2026
It’s the new year and maybe, at your company, leadership or team members have decided that it’s important to begin the process of sustainability reporting. That’s great! Now, what? Many times businesses jump into sustainability reporting because a customer or other stakeholder asked for data. Or because of upcoming regulations. So, they may hastily put
How small businesses can avoid greenwashing
December 31, 2025
How to avoid greenwashing I went to a farmer’s market a couple of weeks ago and stopped at a stand for a locally owned coffee roasting company. The word “SUSTAINABLE” was printed in bold green letters on some of their bags of coffee. I asked the woman working there what that meant and she
Sustainability reporting differences for small vs. large companies
November 11, 2025
How is sustainability reporting different for small vs. large companies? No matter the size of your business, sustainability reporting should be a key business strategy. It’s critical if you are part of a larger supply chain. Customers, lenders, and business partners want to know about your organization’s environmental impact, energy use, and social responsibility. In
Do you need a financial AND a sustainability report?
March 14, 2025
Do you need a financial and a sustainability report? Do you want to see a complete picture of your business? Financial reporting and sustainability reporting are both crucial for businesses because they show a comprehensive view. They serve different purposes and cater to different stakeholders. While financial reporting standards and principles, such as Generally Accepted