15 customisable OKR examples for Sustainability
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.
Building your own Sustainability OKRs with AI
While we have some examples available, it's likely that you'll have specific scenarios that aren't covered here. You can use our free AI generator below or our more complete goal-setting system to generate your own OKRs.
Our customisable 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!
1. OKRs to develop a sustainability-centered facility management plan
Develop a sustainability-centered facility management plan
Identify 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
- Create 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
- Implement 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
2. OKRs to enhance our company's overall sustainability management practices
- Enhance our company's overall sustainability management practices
- Reduce 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
- Achieve 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
- Implement 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
3. OKRs to increase foot and public transit commutes
- Increase foot and public transit commutes
- Reduce 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
- Implement 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
- Develop 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
4. OKRs to optimize PATTERNS's water resource sustainability and quality
- Optimize PATTERNS's water resource sustainability and quality
- Increase 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
- Reduce 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
- Improve 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
5. OKRs to achieve sustainable reduction in operational cost
- Achieve sustainable reduction in operational cost
- Reduce 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
- Implement 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
- Cut 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
6. OKRs to increase financial sustainability of our non-profit organisation
- Increase financial sustainability of our non-profit organisation
- Secure 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
- Raise $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
- Decrease 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
7. OKRs to implement a sustainable system for organizational growth
- Implement a sustainable system for organizational growth
- Decrease 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
- Save 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
- Train 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
8. OKRs to secure BUMA's competitive sustainability and future-readiness
- Secure BUMA's competitive sustainability and future-readiness
- Reduce operational costs by 10% through process improvements
- Implement automation to reduce manual tasks
- Identify inefficient processes for optimization
- Train employees on new streamlined procedures
- Increase 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
- Develop 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
9. OKRs to boost our company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) involvement and visibility
- Boost our company's corporate social responsibility (CSR) involvement and visibility
- Increase 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
- Involve 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
- Decrease 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
10. OKRs to develop a sustainable design concept for the company's operations
- Develop a sustainable design concept for the company's operations
- Reduce 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
- Incorporate 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
- Train 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
11. OKRs to establish robust financial structure for sustainability and growth
- Establish robust financial structure for sustainability and growth
- Increase organizational revenue by 20% through new client acquisition
- Implement effective marketing strategies to attract potential clients
- Train sales team on techniques for successful client acquisition
- Enhance product or service offerings to broaden appeal
- Implement a new budgeting system accounting for all departments
- Create a standardized budgeting template
- Identify necessary expenses for each department
- Distribute and train departments on the new system
- Reduce operational cost by 15% through streamlining processes
- Implement lean strategies to optimize efficiency
- Automate routine procedures to save manpower
- Identify redundant tasks and merge them effectively
12. OKRs to increase unrestricted funding to bolster organization sustainability
- Increase unrestricted funding to bolster organization sustainability
- Raise 25% more unrestricted funds compared to previous quarter
- Identify potential new donors for unrestricted funds
- Enhance engagement with current donors
- Implement more effective fundraising strategies
- Secure three new unrestricted funding sources to diversify revenue by Q2
- Develop proposals for each target funder
- Identify potential new funders in untapped areas
- Submit proposals and follow up
- Conduct 5 fundraising events focused on unrestricted funding with 100+ attendees each
- Develop and implement a robust marketing strategy to attract attendees
- Identify and secure venues which can accommodate 100+ attendees
- Determine potential themes for 5 distinctive fundraising events
13. OKRs to enhance environmental responsibility in our daily operations
- Enhance environmental responsibility in our daily operations
- Reduce company-wide paper consumption by 15%
- Promote a company-wide paper recycling program
- Implement double-sided printing as the default setting
- Transition to digital documents for meetings
- Lower carbon emissions from transportation by achieving a 25% remote work rate
- Provide technology supports for employees working remotely
- Implement a flexible remote work policy for 25% of the workforce
- Communicate the benefits and expectations of remote work
- Increase employee participation in recycling programs by 20%
- Regularly update and simplify recycling bins labeling
- Introduce attractive incentives for active recycling participants
- Implement mandatory environmental awareness and recycling training sessions
14. OKRs to boost sales volume and ensure long-term company sustainability
- Boost sales volume and ensure long-term company sustainability
- Develop two new client relationships for potential future sales agreements
- Identify potential clients aligning with our product/service offerings
- Develop and present tailored proposals to identified clients
- Reach out to potential clients, initiate discussions
- Implement cost-saving measures to improve net profit margin by 10%
- Evaluate and optimize supplier contracts for lower costs
- Optimize workforce management to reduce overtime payments
- Implement energy-saving procedures in company operations
- Achieve a 15% increase in sales by expanding our customer base
- Enhance customer service to improve retention rates
- Develop and implement an aggressive marketing strategy
- Identify and target new customer demographics
15. OKRs to expand business operations while ensuring economic sustainability and profitability
- Expand business operations while ensuring economic sustainability and profitability
- Increase net profit margin by 15% through cost management and optimization strategies
- Negotiate with suppliers for lower purchasing prices
- Eliminate unnecessary expenses and wasteful processes
- Implement energy efficiency measures to reduce utility costs
- Improve operational efficiency by 20% with technology-based process enhancements
- Upgrade existing technology to newer, more efficient models
- Implement automated workflow software for routine processes
- Train employees on utilizing technology for increased productivity
- Gain 10 new high value contracts to diversify company revenue streams
- Directive focused negotiation and closing of 10 high-value contracts
- Develop personalized pitch proposals for each targeted client
- Identify and target 15 potential high-value clients in diverse industries
Sustainability OKR best practices to boost success
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.
Tability's audit dashboard will highlight opportunities to improve OKRsTip #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.
Tability's check-ins will save you hours and increase transparencyTip #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 turn your Sustainability OKRs in a strategy map
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.
Tability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRsIf 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 minimize employee turnover in the organization
- OKRs to reduce app loading time by 20%
- OKRs to enhance communication with general contractors for increased project awards
- OKRs to enhance accuracy of general ledger amounts to 90%
- OKRs to implement service management for new work stream
- OKRs to establish a strong sales culture within the company
OKRs resources
Here are a list of resources to help you adopt the Objectives and Key Results framework.
- To learn: What is the meaning of OKRs
- Blog posts: ODT Blog
- Success metrics: KPIs examples
What's next? Try Tability's goal-setting AI
You can create an iterate on your OKRs using Tability's unique goal-setting AI.
Watch the demo below, then hop on the platform for a free trial.