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The 7E model – a holistic new framework for organisational sustainability management.

3rd February 2025

Why business should take part

Taking part in an empirical science-based research study can support a business’s sustainability journey and enhance business strategy, whilst contributing positive environmental and social impact. The framework used in this research is novel in that it goes beyond the standard economic, environment and social measures providing more detail and a comparable benchmark of sustainability performance. With the recent developments in sustainability reporting such as new sustainability disclosure standards released by the ISSB, it would benefit businesses to be aware of the impact of their operations to prepare for future compliance and add to preparation towards a net zero transition. For SMEs, this is an opportunity to manage business sustainability towards better value chain partnerships, identify savings and access insights towards more responsible business. The 7E model used in this study allows for easy data collection and an adaptable approach, which still yields interesting and detailed insights from the sustainability indicators measured, making this particularly suitable for SMEs.

How your business can sign up for a free assessment

The first phase of the study is complete with case studies from one sector and has given participants a sustainability profile and useful insights with recommendations for improvements. The second stage of the project is now open to organisations of any size or industry sector to take part via an online survey. A Triple Bottom Line (TBL) score and a 7E score is calculated for each business, and a sustainability profile will be provided for comparison with others in the study. The 7E model measures a number of sustainability indicators drawn from established frameworks and performance indicators that measure ESG performance. These include decarbonisation and emissions strategy, sustainability reporting, staff wellbeing, technological investments and materials management.

What’s in it for your business?

Companies who took part in phase 1 of the study have already incorporated some of the learnings from the study and are actively furthering their sustainability goals through understanding how to incorporate sustainability successfully into their business strategy. These actions will help to make savings and improve social and environmental impact whilst also contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Comments from companies who have taken part in phase 1:

“This is great work – we would like to discuss further and work with this model for our sustainability going forward.” (Head of Sustainability)

“It was useful to find out about our performance and how we could improve our sustainability. We are keen to discuss learnings and recommendations from the study.” (CEO).

Several companies (SMEs and large) and public sector organisations have already signed up to take part in phase 2. We are grateful to the Surrey Chambers of Commerce, the Reading Economy and Destination Agency (REDA) and other regional groups for sharing information about this research. There is a still time to join the study which aims to complete the survey by the end of March. Data is anonymised in the results and organisations can compare their own confidential result to others in the group. Most importantly, the companies taking part will receive a free sustainability assessment based on a scientific study which they can use for their own purposes.

So take climate action today and move to more responsible business by emailing Nayanee Silva at d.silva@surrey.ac.uk (University of Surrey) or visit the website.