Transforming a company into a sustainable and circular organisation is not a simple task. It takes a clear vision and a structured approach, and a lot of support from all departments and management levels. In this article, we will introduce you to the Roadmap Canvas for Sustainability, and tell you how it can facilitate a sustainable transformation within any organisation.

Roadmap Canvas for Sustainability
The Roadmap Canvas for Sustainability is a practical framework that aids organisations in integrating sustainability into their core operations. It serves as a guide for both strategic planning and cultural transformation within a company. By breaking down the process into manageable steps, it enables organisations to navigate the complex world of sustainability with confidence.

This canvas is grounded in the understanding that sustainability is not just a buzzword but a strategic long-term goal for organisations. We just filled out the canvas for Awakenings in three sessions of 2 hours: “It was really helpful to sit together with the team and discuss the sustainability topics using this sheet. Starting with visions, current actions and stakeholders and moving towards more concrete actions. We now have an easy tool to discuss every 2-3 months with the team and adjust as we move further.” (Nikki - Awakenings). Here's a closer look at the three key steps within the Roadmap Canvas:

Step 1: Status quo:The first step in the roadmap involves taking a closer look at the organisation’s current status in terms of sustainability. This includes:

1. Reviewing past efforts: Assessing what the organisation has already done in the realm of sustainability.

2. Identifying strategic opportunities: Identifying opportunities within the organisation’s structure and operations where sustainability can be integrated.

3. Stakeholder analysis: Identifying key stakeholders who play a pivotal role in the organisation’s sustainability journey.

This first step is crucial as it helps establish a baseline of where the organisation stands regarding sustainability. It also provides insights into internal strengths and weaknesses, external opportunities and threats, potential roadblocks, and growth opportunities. Additionally, it highlights the knowledge and resources already available within the organisation and what might be needed to achieve sustainability goals.

The outcome of Step 1 is the initial draft of a shared vision, which outlines where the organisation wants to go in terms of sustainability and how it defines this concept.

Step 2: Sustainable ambitions
In Step 2, organisations are encouraged to choose specific sustainability themes that align with their vision and values, and their ability to reduce most CO2 impact. Rather than trying to tackle all sustainability issues at once, it's advisable to focus on a few key themes that are most relevant and impactful:

1. Theme selection: Organisations decide which sustainability themes are most important to them.

2. Ambition setting: For each chosen theme, organisations set clear and measurable sustainability ambitions.

3. Action planning: Organisations formulate a schedule and concrete actions to achieve these ambitions.

The focus here is on creating a sense of direction and prioritising actions. It's essential not to overwhelm the organisation by taking on too many goals simultaneously. Instead, organisations are advised to select a manageable number of themes and dive deep into them.

Step 3: Building your own RoadmapThe final step in the Roadmap Canvas for Sustainability involves building a comprehensive roadmap for the organisation’s sustainability journey. This step helps organisations answer crucial questions, such as:

1. Start with a plan: Creating a multi-year plan that outlines overarching sustainability goals, and defining specific goals and targets for each theme based on estimations.

2. What story do you want to tell? Defining the narrative and messaging around sustainability initiatives.

3. To what audience? Identifying the target audience for this narrative, whether it's internal stakeholders, customers, investors, or the wider community.

By analyzing the ambitions set for each theme and considering the organisation’s capabilities and resources, an estimate of what can be achieved over the next several years is established. This information is used to set overarching sustainability goals and targets. Translating these into tangible shorter term goals with specific targets, the Roadmap provides a clear path toward sustainability.

Start building your own Roadmap
The Roadmap Canvas for Sustainability developed by the Green Deal Circular Festivals and ESNS  provides a practical, step-by-step guide to help organisations in this transformation.

Together with model of the Green Deal Circular Festivals to help define your circularity and climate neutrality goals and the monitor  to assess your current status and progress, a roadmap of your own can help to navigate the complex landscape of sustainability with confidence. The canvas not only serves as a tool for strategic planning but also fosters a culture of sustainability within organisations.

Take a closer look at the Roadmap Canvas here, and start boosting the sustainable ambitions of your organisation: click here