What are Sustainability OKRs?
The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.
Creating impactful OKRs can be a daunting task, especially for newcomers. Shifting your focus from projects to outcomes is key to successful planning.
We have curated a selection of OKR examples specifically for Sustainability to assist you. Feel free to explore the templates below for inspiration in setting your own goals.
If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.
How to write your own Sustainability OKRs
Option 1. Turn ideas into OKRs with Tability AI
While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here.
You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Click on the "Generate goals using AI" button
- 3. Use natural language to describe your goals
Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.
Watch the video below to see it in action 👇
Option 2. Optimise existing OKRs with Tability Feedback tool
If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Add your existing OKRs (you can import them from a spreadsheet)
- 3. Click on "Generate analysis"
Tability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRsTability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.
You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.
Option 3. Use the free OKR generator
If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.
Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.
Sustainability OKRs examples
You'll find below a list of Objectives and Key Results templates for Sustainability. We also included strategic projects for each template to make it easier to understand the difference between key results and projects.
Hope you'll find this helpful!
OKRs to develop a sustainability-centered facility management plan
ObjectiveDevelop a sustainability-centered facility management plan
KRIdentify 3 potential areas of improvement for energy efficiency within the facility
Inspect HVAC systems for potential energy losses- Conduct an energy audit to detect high-energy consuming systems
- Investigate lighting fixtures for energy efficiency possibilities
- KRCreate a plan incorporating sustainability measures, covering waste management and water conservation
- Develop plan integrating discovered sustainability measures
- Identify water conservation methods applicable to your setting
- Research waste management techniques that prioritize recycling and composting
- KRImplement one major sustainability initiative from the plan and measure the impact
- Measure and record the initiative's impact
- Select a major sustainability initiative from the plan to implement
- Implement the chosen sustainability initiative
OKRs to enhance our company's overall sustainability management practices
- ObjectiveEnhance our company's overall sustainability management practices
- KRReduce company's carbon footprint by 15% through incorporating green energy solutions
- Implement a company-wide recycling program to decrease waste
- Set up telecommuting options to reduce employee commuting
- Install renewable energy systems like solar panels or wind turbines
- KRAchieve a 25% reduction in overall energy consumption through energy efficient modifications
- Implement a company-wide energy conservation policy
- Enhance insulation in walls, ceilings, and floors
- Install energy-efficient appliances and light fixtures
- KRImplement a recycling program resulting in 20% fewer office waste
- Introduce recycling bins and clear signage displaying what can be recycled
- Conduct staff training to ensure understanding and compliance with recycling practices
- Determine current waste volume to calculate the 20% reduction target
OKRs to increase foot and public transit commutes
- ObjectiveIncrease foot and public transit commutes
- KRReduce private vehicle use for work commutes by 25%
- Subsidize public transit costs for employees
- Promote carpooling and ride-share programs among employees
- Implement telecommuting opportunities for suitable roles
- KRImplement 10 walking routes in high-traffic areas by end of quarter
- Install markers and/or signage for each walking route
- Design walking routes ensuring safety and accessibility
- Identify 10 high-traffic areas suitable for walking routes
- KRDevelop 5 partnerships with local businesses for transit subsidy programs
- Arrange meetings to present proposal
- Identify potential local businesses for partnership
- Draft proposal outlining benefits of the subsidy program
OKRs to optimize PATTERNS's water resource sustainability and quality
- ObjectiveOptimize PATTERNS's water resource sustainability and quality
- KRIncrease water recycling rates by 20% using new technologies
- Research and invest in innovative water recycling technology
- Implement new tech into current water recycling system
- Train staff on new water recycling procedures
- KRReduce water waste by 15% with efficient operational procedures
- Regularly check and repair any plumbing leaks
- Use water-saving appliances and devices
- Implement automatic shut-off faucets in all sinks
- KRImprove water quality index by 25% by implementing effective filtration techniques
- Initiate community education about proper water usage and conservation
- Purchase advanced water filtration systems for all water sources
- Employ professionals for routine maintenance of filtration systems
OKRs to achieve sustainable reduction in operational cost
- ObjectiveAchieve sustainable reduction in operational cost
- KRReduce supplier expenses by negotiating contracts for a 10% cost decrease
- Implement negotiation meetings with respective suppliers
- Develop a negotiation strategy for cost reduction
- Identify key suppliers and analyze current contract terms
- KRImplement automation processes in at least 2 departments to increase efficiency by 15%
- Research and procure suitable automation tools
- Implement and monitor the automation processes
- Identify processes in two departments that can be automated
- KRCut energy consumption by adopting sustainable practices resulting in 20% savings
- Install energy-efficient appliances replacing outdated ones
- Implement automated controls for heating, cooling, and lighting
- Conduct regular energy audits to identify wastage areas
OKRs to increase financial sustainability of our non-profit organisation
- ObjectiveIncrease financial sustainability of our non-profit organisation
- KRSecure funds for 2 years of operation by applying to at least 10 grants
- Prepare and finalize grant applications
- Research potential grants suitable for business operations
- Submit applications to a minimum of 10 grant bodies
- KRRaise $50,000 in fundraising campaigns by targeting corporate sponsorship and public donations
- Launch campaign to solicit public donations
- Develop compelling sponsorship packages to attract sponsors
- Identify potential corporate sponsors for targeted outreach
- KRDecrease operational expenses by 10% through cost-effective resource utilization
- Renegotiate supplier contracts for favorable terms
- Implement energy-saving practices across operations
- Identify underutilized resources and reassign for maximum efficiency
OKRs to implement a sustainable system for organizational growth
- ObjectiveImplement a sustainable system for organizational growth
- KRDecrease operational inefficiencies by 20% through sustainable strategies
- Train staff on environmentally-friendly waste disposal practices
- Establish paperless document management system for streamlined operations
- Implement energy-efficient equipment across all operational lines
- KRSave 15% of business expenses by adopting sustainable practices and policies
- Promote recycling or composting to lower waste management costs
- Decrease paper usage by promoting digital solutions
- Implement energy-efficient equipment to reduce power bills
- KRTrain 80% of the team on sustainability best practices by end of quarter
- Schedule and conduct training sessions for the team
- Identify relevant sustainability best practices for training
- Develop a comprehensive sustainability training program
OKRs to secure BUMA's competitive sustainability and future-readiness
- ObjectiveSecure BUMA's competitive sustainability and future-readiness
- KRReduce operational costs by 10% through process improvements
- Implement automation to reduce manual tasks
- Identify inefficient processes for optimization
- Train employees on new streamlined procedures
- KRIncrease employee productivity by 15% via implementing advanced training programs
- Develop and implement the chosen advanced training programs
- Monitor and measure the impact of training on productivity
- Identify the necessary training programs for employee skills enhancement
- KRDevelop three innovative product features to enhance customer value proposition
- Brainstorm unique features improving existing product functionality
- Conduct market research to identify customer needs and interests
- Prototype, test, and refine chosen features
OKRs to boost our company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) involvement and visibility
- ObjectiveBoost our company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) involvement and visibility
- KRIncrease the number of CSR projects by 20%
- Get executive approval for CSR expansion
- Allocate resources to support an increased CSR project
- Identify potential partners and causes for new CSR projects
- KRInvolve 70% of staff in volunteering activities related to CSR
- Set up regular volunteer opportunities with local charities
- Publicize volunteering events through internal communication channels
- Identify interests of staff for suitable CSR activities
- KRDecrease carbon footprint by 15% through energy-efficient initiatives
- Install energy-efficient appliances and lighting
- Establish company-wide recycling program
- Implement solar panels to generate renewable power
OKRs to develop a sustainable design concept for the company's operations
- ObjectiveDevelop a sustainable design concept for the company's operations
- KRReduce overall design-related waste by 25% by optimizing resources and production processes
- Monitor and revise production procedures regularly
- Review current design processes for inefficiencies
- Implement resource optimization strategies
- KRIncorporate 3 new sustainable elements into existing product design by the quarter end
- Test and adjust new product design
- Identify 3 potential sustainable elements for inclusion
- Redesign product incorporating selected elements
- KRTrain the entire design team on sustainability practices and their importance by quarter-end
- Set up training sessions for the design team
- Identify relevant sustainability practices and training resources
- Evaluate and discuss post-training sustainability implementation
Sustainability OKR best practices
Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.
Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇
Tip #1: Limit the number of key results
Focus can only be achieve by limiting the number of competing priorities. It is crucial that you take the time to identify where you need to move the needle, and avoid adding business-as-usual activities to your OKRs.
We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.
Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins
Having good goals is only half the effort. You'll get significant more value from your OKRs if you commit to a weekly check-in process.
Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.
Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row
Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.
As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.
Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.
How to track your Sustainability OKRs
Your quarterly OKRs should be tracked weekly in order to get all the benefits of the OKRs framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:
- It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
- It will highlight poorly set OKRs
- It will surface execution risks
- It improves transparency and accountability
Most teams should start with a spreadsheet if they're using OKRs for the first time. Then, once you get comfortable you can graduate to a proper OKRs-tracking tool.
If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.
More Sustainability OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to enhance intuitive feature navigation and findability
- OKRs to improve team responsiveness
- OKRs to enhance content quality to align with updated guidelines
- OKRs to boost productivity across all team operations
- OKRs to attain high-quality, timely data migration during Sprint delivery
- OKRs to excel in team building and professional development services