What is the Sustainability Advantage Project?
The Sustainability Advantage project is a comprehensive initiative designed to empower organizations, especially nonprofits, to embed sustainability deeply into their operations. Spearheaded by Bob Willard, a recognized speaker, author, and sustainability expert based in Canada, this project offers a treasure trove of resources—from assessment tools to master slide decks—that help businesses and nonprofits alike measure, report, and improve their environmental and social impacts. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about driving real organizational and culture change that sticks.
Main Benefits of the Sustainability Advantage
At its core, the project delivers practical, actionable tools and insights that make sustainability accessible and profitable. Here are some key figures and facts that highlight its value:
- A B Corp score of 132.6, reflecting strong commitment to social and environmental performance.
- Over 900 master slide deck slides updated quarterly to keep users current and credible.
- Free, open-source tools like the Basic Sustainability Assessment Tool (BSAT), Net-Zero Ambition Assessment Tool (NZAAT), and Advanced Sustainability Assessment Tool (ASAT).
- Financial tools such as the Financial Impacts of Climate Calculator (FICC) to assess outside-in climate risks on financial statements.
- Specialized business case workbooks that help estimate profitability gains from sustainability initiatives.
- Extensive sustainable procurement toolkits, including bid appraisal templates and supplier assessment checklists.
Assessment Tools That Make a Difference
The project offers a suite of sustainability assessment and reporting tools that are designed to be user-friendly yet powerful. These include the BSAT, NZAAT, and ASAT, which focus on an organization’s “inside-out” impacts on people and the planet. Meanwhile, the Financial Impacts of Climate Form (FICF) and Calculator (FICC) help organizations understand the “outside-in” financial risks posed by climate change. These tools are open-source and free, making them accessible to sustainability champions everywhere who want to make informed decisions without the guesswork.
Building Strong Business Cases for Sustainability
One of the standout features of the Sustainability Advantage project is its focus on the business case for sustainability. The New Sustainability Advantage Workbook helps companies estimate how much more profitable they could be by adopting best environmental and social practices already proven by others. Meanwhile, the Sustainability ROI Workbook (SRW) frames cost-benefit analyses for specific sustainability projects, helping organizations prioritize high-impact initiatives. This approach bridges the gap between sustainability ideals and business realities, making it easier to get buy-in from leadership and stakeholders.
Master Slide Decks and Talks: Sharing Knowledge Widely
Bob Willard’s master slide decks are a goldmine for anyone looking to stay sharp on sustainability topics. With over 900 slides covering a wide range of issues, these decks are updated quarterly to reflect the latest trends and data. They’re designed to be shared and even plagiarized—yes, seriously!—to spread knowledge far and wide. Alongside these decks, Bob offers talks and workshops that draw on his extensive experience as a certified B Corp, Certified Sustainability Professional, and PhD holder in sustainability. His presentations have reached thousands, helping organizations understand the business value of sustainability strategies in a clear, engaging way.
Project Impact: Aligning with Global Goals
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – promoting sustainable economic growth through responsible business practices.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – fostering innovation in sustainability assessment and reporting tools.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – encouraging sustainable procurement and supply chain management.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – helping organizations assess and mitigate climate-related financial risks.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – facilitating collaboration across sectors through open-source tools and shared knowledge.
Connecting and Learning More
For those eager to dive deeper, the Sustainability Advantage project offers a variety of ways to connect and learn. From downloadable PDFs like “21st Century Sustainable Enterprise Force Field” and “7 Bold Strokes to Save Our World” to online resources including blogs, interviews, and fee schedules for talks, there’s something for every sustainability champion. Plus, Bob Willard is just a LinkedIn connection away, ready to engage with the community and share insights. Whether you’re in Whitby, Toronto, or anywhere in Ontario, this project is a dynamic hub for anyone serious about making sustainability a core part of their organizational DNA.
