Sustainability Business Case Template
v1.5
Purpose. Used to present a sustainability improvement to decision makers with the problem, options, costs, benefits, risks and recommendation set out consistently.
1.When to use this template
Use this template for any sustainability, energy, water, waste or circular economy initiative that needs capital, a change to a contract or a change to a process that affects more than one department. The template applies to GreenLoop's own initiatives and to business cases prepared for clients.
2.Problem and opportunity
State the current situation with measured data: energy use, emissions, waste volumes, costs or compliance gaps. Describe the opportunity and the consequence of doing nothing. Link the opportunity to the organisation's targets and obligations.
3.Options
Present at least three options including the do nothing option. For each option describe what changes, the capital and operating costs, the savings in energy, emissions, water, waste and dollars, the payback and the non-financial benefits and risks. State the assumptions and the source of every figure.
4.Recommendation and plan
Recommend one option and explain why. Set out the implementation plan with steps, owners, dates and the measures that will verify the benefit. Identify the approvals needed and any regulatory or contractual requirements.
5.Review and approval
The business case must be reviewed by a second adviser for method and arithmetic and approved by the Head of Sustainability Advisory before it is presented. For GreenLoop initiatives, the General Manager approves cases above the delegation limit.