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 Insights Dashboard](https://tability-templates-v2.vercel.app/_next/static/media/tability-insights-board.e70f9466.png)
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.
![Tability Insights Dashboard](https://tability-templates-v2.vercel.app/_next/static/media/checkins-graph.b2aec458.png)
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 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.
![A strategy map in Tability](https://tability-templates-v2.vercel.app/_next/static/media/tability_strategy_map.2ad25843.png)
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 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.