The Key Resources (or assets) are the people, technology, products, facilities, equipment and raw materials required to deliver value to our constituents (staff, donors, clients). While we often focus on human and technological resources in the traditional for-profit business model, a nonprofit that is seeking sustainability, should also consider the financial and environmental resources that contribute to the functions of an organization.
In assessing the sustainability of Key Resources within the framework of the business model, we should reflect on the following questions & considerations:
In assessing the sustainability of Key Resources within the framework of the business model, we should reflect on the following questions & considerations:
People & Resources
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- According to The Journal of Sustainable Behavior the “transition to sustainability requires programs to encourage a diverse array of behaviors" -- encourage your human resources to apply the information and experiences gained through Earth Access to their daily lifestyle.
- Provide incentive programs for employees to uphold the mission of the organization outside of their work for Earth Access.
- Build and strengthen the capacity of staff, volunteers, and clientele to develop innovative solutions to social problems.
- Employ a diverse base of knowledgeable staff ... and less knowledgeable staff who are eager to learn! Have systems in place that can identify staff & volunteers based on their skills, knowledge, and abilities (for example, know who to call to change a tire, put out a fire, or bake a loaf of bread.)
Planet & Resources
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- Identify the major sources of energy used and waste produced on-site. Regularly monitor and maintain the efficiency of each scare resource consumed at Earth Access, with active endeavors to reduce energy consumption and improve upon mass and disposal methods of waste generated by each activity.
- Do we consume & dispose of the right key resources in terms of quality and quantity?
- How much energy generated at Earth Access is renewable? Prioritize viable sources of renewable energy such as wind power, biomass, and solar ... avoid burning fossil fuels whenever possible and limit natural gas consumption.
Profit & Resources
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- Conduct "cradle-to-grave" life-cycle analysis of all resources that are brought in from outside Earth Access; do you know the producers of the product & the resources that went into its processing?
- What methods of energy generation and waste disposal are the most cost effective for an organization of our size? In some cases it may be more cost effective to acquire these services from external sources. There will be costs associated with the transfer of service, so to assure sustainability and price equilibrium, consider an exchange of services instead of funds.
- What scarce resources are gradually (or rapidly) becoming more scarce and thus more expensive? How can we limit our use of these products. Consider the resources available at Earth Access and determine if we have the capacity to replicate the functions of these resources in a more efficient way.