Frequently Asked Questions

Contract Questions

• Who has created Sustainable Businesses and the Certo services?
  My name is Ken Graham, I am the business owner and the principal consultant. Sustainable Businesses and Certo services are run under the company: Sway Marketing Management Ltd NZCN 1212722.
  
  I am a qualified energy efficiency engineer, management consultant and sustainability advisor, with over 25 years senior management experience in industries directly related to sustainable business management. I have worked and studied in three countries so I have a good feel for sustainable business issues across varying cultures and operating environments (the Certo program and the sustainable businesses resources have all been developed based on this).
  
  My qualifications are as follows:
  
  Master of Business Degree (Massey, NZ)
  Master of Marketing Degree (Melbourne, Aus)
  Master of Science Degree (Plymouth, UK)
  
  Higher National Certificate Electrical Engineering (Blackpool College, UK)
  Diploma Energy Technology (North Trafford College, UK)
  Certificate EcoSystem Services Design (Geneva University)
  Certificate Global Environmental Management (Technical University of Denmark)
  Certificate Circular Economy - Sustainable Materials Management (Lund University, Sweden)
  Certificate Corporate Sustainability Management (Stern Business School, New York University)
  
  Certified Sustainability Practitioner (CSR, Dubai)
  Certified ISO 14001 EMS (EFG, UK)
  Certified Construction LCA (OneClick, USA)
  Certified Corporate Director (Inst Dir, NZ)
  
  
  
  
  As an experienced manager, researcher, analyst and presenter, I can provide comprehensive sustainable management services. I can combine business analysis, strategy planning, operations, marketing and communications with the technical aspects of manufacturing, product design and distribution.
  
  My relevant work experiences are as follows:
  United Kingdom - energy consultant, sustainability manager.
  Australia - energy and water efficiency advisor.
  New Zealand - energy efficiency advisor, senior official and NZ delegate in central government energy agency, water efficiency advisor, waste management and recycling advisory services, material sourcing and packaging design services, freight distribution analysis, sustainability management and training.
  France - creation of new sustainable businesses online consultancy venture, including an online best practice program.
• What are your sustainable practice service fees?
  The cost of achieving sustainable practice depends on the size and complexity of your business, in particular how many products and services you provide:
  
  Contracting charges vary between e60 euro/hr and e100 euro/hr (excluding taxes and travel/accommodation costs).
  
  Workshop fees are e600 (half-day), e1000 (full-day), e1800 (2 days) and e2400 (3 days) (excluding taxes and travel/accommodation costs).
  Online workshops are 80% of the above fees (a 20% discount).
  
  The Certo Online Program set up fee is e1,800 euro (excluding taxes) and the ongoing monthly fee is e60 euros/month (excluding taxes).
  This fee structure is for a single site business. If multiple sites are included the fee reduces by 10% per site to a maximum discount of 40% across all sites. Example: A company with 5+ sites would receive a 40% discount and would be charged a e1080 set up fee (excluding taxes) per site and each site would pay an ongoing monthly fee of e36 euros/month.
  
  Sustainability is not about loading extra costs into your business, it is about using the same budgets more efficiently and sustainably. This leads to lower operating costs, lower risks, lower stock redundancies and increased future-proofed revenues.
  
  However, you may (and most likely) incur other business costs in achieving your sustainability goals, such as: changes to technology used - relating to energy and water use, like transport, lighting, heating and motors, and changes to materials used and products purchased. These additional costs can be determined during the advisory process using third party suppliers.

Common Questions

• Where are your offices located?
  In France, we are in Argentonnay - 1.5 hours away from Nantes airport and 1 hour south of Angers and Saumur, with all major attractions in the Loire Region.
  In New Zealand, we are in Putaruru - 1.5 hours away from Hamilton airport and 1 hour north of Taupo, with all major attractions in the Thermal Region.
  
  
  
• What is your Privacy Policy?
  Your privacy will be protected in complete confidence. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us. Any personal information, business data and email addresses that we collect through our website and associated online forms is used only for the purposes of our services outlined in our website. We do not share email addresses with any third parties. You can modify your personal information, cancel our services and be removed from our mailing list at any time. We will notify you of any change to the privacy policy, or other relevant information about our services and solutions via email updates. If we recommend help from a third party service provider (such as an energy, water, waste or carbon consultant) we will ask you to make contact with the third party (not them to contact you). Their privacy policy then comes into use.
• What is the Certo Online Sustainable Program?
  Our main service is the Certo Online Program, this is designed to take businesses along a sustainable pathway so they can best manage changes within their business. Once registered, a unique Certo reference number is supplied for each business and these are used for confidential reporting purposes. Your business is supplied with a work program (guides and templates) and is responsible for competing all information (guided by us). An initial online presentation and training session is completed, with follow up sessions if needed. Our online Tracker form is completed at the start of the program, then again after 3 months (to achieve Starter progress – the minimum status expected to be achieved) and again after 9 months (to achieve Operating status).
  
  Every year the form must be completed in order to record progress made by companies. Energy, water and waste is recorded along with benchmarking data: business type, floor area, employee numbers. This allows companies to be compared, using their sustainability profile with the profiles of like businesses (confidential reports are supplied by Certo as part of the monthly fee, no company names are supplied in these reports).
  
  Your business must achieve the Starter and Operating levels as these form the foundation of a sustainable business. Advanced is the preferred base level of achievement for your business to be regarded as a significant sustainable business performer. The Optimum level is optional.
• What do we need to do to achieve Certo Starter status?
  The Starter Level denotes that you are committing to change, your business is undertaking the Certo online program. The business is at the exploratory stage, fact finding, prioritising and learning, it is preparing to go down the Sustainable Business path. The business is committed to undertaking our work program, an Internal Champion (IC) has been assigned (to liaise with Certo and business team members). The key management team has attended the online Certo presentation, the IC has completed the Certo Tracker form, and received and reviewed the Certo work program (documentation templates). All team members have viewed the Certo “Why be Sustainable?” summary and the “How is Market Research highlighting the growing acceptance and need Sustainable Actions?” article in our FAQ section. All team members have completed two Certo online surveys: Team Member Individual Survey and Business Practice Survey. All team members have attended online training. The business has understood and responding to the survey findings, reported and presented by Certo to the IC. All energy, water and waste inputs and outputs are identified. A Corporate Sustainability Statement and Draft Plan is now ready to be produced. The business is ready to move onto the Certo Operating stage.
• What do we need to do to achieve Certo Operating status?
  The Operating Level denotes that priority changes are underway, your business is considered active in sustainable management. The work program is underway, all stakeholders are identified. All energy, water and waste inputs and outputs are recorded with reduction steps in place. Carbon footprint and mitigation planning underway. All suppliers have completed the online “Supplier Credentials Survey“. Survey results have been analysed and suppliers have been ranked. Suppliers have been informed and they start to close any gaps identified. The ecosystem mapping, relative to the business, is now complete. Management metrics and accountability standards are identified. The materiality map is complete for products sold and purchased. Competitor gap analysis has been completed. Marketing and communications of sustainable practice gap analysis complete. The draft Corporate Sustainability Plan is now complete. Alignment with GRI reporting standards and UN SDGs, and GRI and UN underway. The business has completed all 3 months action steps, the business focus and the processes are aligned. The business has achieved up to 40% of the program requirements. The business is ready to move onto the Certo Advanced stage.
• What do we need to do to achieve Certo Advanced status?
  The Advanced Level status denotes that the majority of changes are underway, you are considered a sustainable business. The approved Corporate Sustainability Plan is in operation. Energy Management and Eco-efficiency Programs are underway. Business is operating with responsible supply chains. Management metrics and accountability standards in place. All key stakeholders are engaged. Carbon footprint adapted and mitigation plans in place. Marketing and communications of sustainable practice underway. Suppliers have started to close any credentials gaps. All energy, water and waste inputs and outputs have been reduced. All reports are aligned with GRI reporting standards and UN SDGs, and GRI and UN. The business has achieved between 41% to 75% of the program requirements, and is operating as a sustainable business. The business is ready to move onto the Certo Optimum stage.
• What do we need to do to achieve Certo Optimum status?
  The Optimum Level denotes that all changes have been made, your business is considered a leader in sustainable business management. The Corporate Sustainability Plan is now ingrained in the value chain. All stakeholders are fully engaged in sustainable business practice. Suppliers are performing as sustainable businesses. Customers are now also becoming sustainable businesses. The business has achieved over 75% of program requirements, the business is now driven by sustainability. Best practice energy, water and waste inputs and outputs in operation. UN SDGs, GRI and UN SDGs reports are regularly produced. Best practice models established by the business, it is a sustainable business leader.
• What happens if we leave the Certo Online program?
  We hope you decide to stay on the program as you are able to report each year and receive confidential comparisons of your annual sustainability performance against like companies. However, if you do decide to leave then we simply need one month’s notice. The initial starter fee and all monthly program fees are non-refundable. You will no longer receive annual comparison reports and no longer be able to use the Certo logos and any publications (online, pdfs and printed documents) featuring our logos should be edited to exclude our logos within 3 months of you leaving the program.

Need to Know

• How is the EU aiming to be climate neutral in 2050?
  The EU is proposing a European Climate Law to turn this political commitment into a legal obligation. Reaching this target will require action by all sectors of the economy, including: investing in environmentally-friendly technologies, supporting industry to innovate, rolling out cleaner, cheaper and healthier forms of private and public transport, decarbonising the energy sector, ensuring buildings are more energy efficient, and working with international partners to improve global environmental standards
  
  The EU will also be providing financial support and technical assistance to help those that are most affected by the move towards the green economy. This is called the Just Transition Mechanism. It will help mobilise at least €100 billion over the period 2021-2027 in the most affected regions.
• What is the European Green Deal?
  The European Green Deal provides an action plan to boost the efficient use of resources by moving to a clean, circular economy, restore biodiversity and cut pollution. The plan outlines investments needed and financing tools available. It explains how to ensure a just and inclusive transition.
  
  
• What is the GRI reporting tool?
  GRI stands for Global Reporting Initiative, this is an independent international organization that has pioneered sustainability reporting since 1997. GRI helps businesses and governments worldwide understand and communicate their impact on critical sustainability issues such as climate change, human rights, governance and social well-being. This enables real action to create social, environmental and economic benefits for everyone. The GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards fall under Universal, Economic, Environmental and Social topics, they are developed with true multi-stakeholder contributions and rooted in the public interest. Find out more here.
• What is Social Responsibility ISO 26000?
  ISO 26000:2010 provides guidance rather than requirements, so it cannot be certified to unlike some other well-known ISO standards. Instead, it helps clarify what social responsibility is, helps businesses and organizations translate principles into effective actions and shares best practices relating to social responsibility, globally. It is aimed at all types of organizations regardless of their activity, size or location.
  
  The standard was launched in 2010 following five years of negotiations between many different stakeholders across the world. Representatives from government, NGOs, industry, consumer groups and labour organizations around the world were involved in its development, which means it represents an international consensus.
• What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals?
  Created by the UN, the Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. The 17 Goals address the global challenges we face, including those related to poverty, inequality, climate, environmental degradation, prosperity, and peace and justice. The 17 Goals interconnect and in order to leave no one behind, it is important that businesses acknowledge and achieve pertinent and relevant Goals and targets by 2030. Find out more here.

Global Concerns

• What market research and industry reporting is highlighting the need for Global Sustainable Action?
  There is an amazing amount of credible search available through independent researchers. A summary of the latest findings are here for reference (links to creators and owners of the data):
  
  United Nations: The Future is now - Science for achieving Sustainable Development.
  Nielsen: Identifying Sustainability Opportunities with Consumers.
  Nielsen: Increasing Brand Trust through Sustainability.
  Nielsen: Sustainability Continues to Drive Change.
  Nielsen: Finding success through Sustainability.
  Nielsen: The Influential Customer.
  Forbes: Why Sustainable Branding Matters.
  Forbes: Trends Shaping Food Products.
  Edie: 60 percent of plastic packagers have no Environmental Policies.
  Odgers: Trending Ethical Consumption.
• What are the Global Environmental Concerns driving the need for change?
  The media is now reporting on environmental concerns on a regular basis. Your central and local governments are also now implementing policies and guides on what is happening relevant to your business, in your country and in the world. Below are some interesting facts with sources supplied, you can of course also google and discover for yourself.
  
  Science Magazine: In 2018 the amount of CO2 in the Earth’s atmosphere reached the highest level in 800,000 years.
  CO2 Earth: 2016 was the warmest year since 1909, the 5 warmest years on record have been in the last 20 years.
  WXShift: Last 100 years (to 2018) the temperature of Earth increased by 1.7 oC and the sea by 0.9 oC.
  The Economist: Sea temp increases resulted in level increases of 22 cms, forecasted to be further 65 cms by 2100.
  Tree Hugger: 50% of Earth’s food supply comes from just Wheat, Rice and Maize (65% for livestock).
  Tree Hugger: 90% of global livestock production comes from just 15 species of mammals and birds.
  World Resources Institute: Global tree cover loss reached a record 73.4 million acres in 2016, 50% higher than 2015.
  Tree Hugger: 20% of the Amazon rainforest has disappeared in just 50 years.
  Tree Hugger: 50% of all shallow water corals have been lost in the last 30 years.
  Tree Hugger: 75% of the major marine fish stocks are being fished at or beyond their biological limits.
  Tree Hugger: All mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish have experienced a decline of 60% since 1970.
  World Resources Institute: We lost a football pitch worth of the Earth’s natural forests every second in 2019.
  World Resources Institute: Plastic production was 311 M Tonnes in 2014, 20 times the amount produced 50 years earlier.
  CNN Edition: Great Pacific Garbage Patch is about 1.6 M km2 in size. This is about 16 x bigger than estimated.
  WorldMeter: By 2037 it estimated the world’s population will reach 9Billion, that is a 3 x increase since 1960.