Sustainability clause: Copy, customize, and use instantly
Introduction
A sustainability clause outlines the expectations and commitments of the parties to minimize their environmental impact and promote sustainable practices throughout the term of the agreement. This clause ensures that the parties adhere to principles of sustainability in their operations, products, and services, aligning with recognized environmental standards and regulations.
Below are templates for sustainability clauses tailored to different scenarios. Copy, customize, and insert them into your agreement.
Standard sustainability clause
This version includes general sustainability provisions.
[Party B] agrees to implement sustainable practices in the production, delivery, and disposal of goods and services provided under this Agreement. These practices will include minimizing environmental impact, reducing waste, conserving energy, and complying with all applicable environmental regulations. [Party A] reserves the right to audit [Party B]’s sustainability efforts at any time.
Sustainability clause with provision for compliance with environmental regulations
This version applies to compliance with regulations.
[Party B] shall comply with all local, national, and international environmental regulations relevant to the goods or services provided under this Agreement. [Party A] reserves the right to request documentation proving compliance with these regulations upon request.
Sustainability clause with provision for reducing carbon emissions
This version applies to carbon emissions.
[Party B] agrees to take reasonable steps to reduce carbon emissions associated with the production and delivery of goods or services. [Party B] will implement carbon reduction strategies, including energy-efficient technologies and processes, and will report on progress toward these goals on an annual basis.
Sustainability clause with provision for waste reduction and recycling
This version focuses on waste reduction and recycling.
[Party B] will implement measures to reduce waste in its operations and ensure that all waste produced in the course of fulfilling this Agreement is disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. Where possible, [Party B] will recycle materials or use biodegradable alternatives.
Sustainability clause with provision for sourcing sustainable materials
This version applies to sustainable sourcing.
[Party B] agrees to source all materials used in the production of goods or services under this Agreement from sustainable, ethical, and certified sources. These materials will be free from harmful environmental impacts, and [Party B] will provide evidence of their sustainability upon request.
Sustainability clause with provision for energy efficiency
This version applies to energy efficiency.
[Party B] will ensure that all operations and processes used in the provision of goods and services under this Agreement are energy efficient. [Party B] will implement energy-saving measures, including the use of renewable energy sources, and will provide [Party A] with evidence of these efforts upon request.
Sustainability clause with provision for sustainable transportation practices
This version applies to transportation practices.
[Party B] agrees to minimize the environmental impact of transportation by using fuel-efficient or electric vehicles for the delivery of goods. [Party B] will also optimize delivery routes to reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption.
Sustainability clause with provision for environmental certifications
This version applies to environmental certifications.
[Party B] will maintain environmental certifications, such as ISO 14001, to demonstrate compliance with recognized sustainability standards. [Party A] may request copies of these certifications at any time to verify compliance with sustainability practices.
Sustainability clause with provision for reducing water usage
This version applies to water usage reduction.
[Party B] will adopt water conservation practices in its operations. This includes using water-efficient technologies, minimizing water waste, and recycling water where possible. [Party B] will report on its water usage reduction efforts annually.
Sustainability clause with provision for supporting local communities
This version applies to local community support.
[Party B] commits to supporting local communities by sourcing goods and services from local suppliers whenever possible. [Party B] will also implement initiatives that contribute positively to the community and promote local economic growth.
Sustainability clause with provision for sustainability training
This version includes sustainability training.
[Party B] agrees to provide regular sustainability training to its employees, ensuring that all staff are aware of the company’s environmental policies and practices. This training will cover topics such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable sourcing.
Sustainability clause with provision for environmental impact assessments
This version includes environmental assessments.
[Party B] agrees to conduct regular environmental impact assessments to evaluate the effects of its operations on the environment. These assessments will be made available to [Party A], and any necessary corrective actions will be implemented promptly.
Sustainability clause with provision for implementing circular economy principles
This version applies to circular economy practices.
[Party B] agrees to implement circular economy principles, including reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling products. [Party B] will strive to ensure that products are designed with their entire lifecycle in mind, minimizing environmental impact from production to disposal.
Sustainability clause with provision for packaging reduction
This version focuses on packaging reduction.
[Party B] will reduce the amount of packaging used in the delivery of goods under this Agreement. Packaging will be made from recyclable or biodegradable materials, and unnecessary packaging will be eliminated wherever possible.
Sustainability clause with provision for eco-friendly office practices
This version applies to office practices.
[Party B] will adopt eco-friendly office practices, such as reducing paper use, recycling waste, and using energy-efficient lighting and appliances. [Party B] will implement a sustainability policy to guide these practices and report on its progress annually.
Sustainability clause with provision for promoting biodiversity
This version promotes biodiversity.
[Party B] will take steps to protect and promote biodiversity in its operations. This includes maintaining or restoring natural habitats, minimizing habitat destruction, and using sustainable land management practices.
Sustainability clause with provision for compliance with global sustainability goals
This version applies to global sustainability goals.
[Party B] agrees to align its sustainability efforts with global sustainability goals, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). [Party B] will regularly report on its progress toward meeting these goals and make improvements as needed.
Sustainability clause with provision for sustainable waste disposal
This version applies to waste disposal.
[Party B] will ensure that all waste generated in the provision of goods or services is disposed of sustainably. This includes using certified waste disposal companies and ensuring that hazardous waste is handled according to legal and environmental standards.
Sustainability clause with provision for carbon footprint reduction
This version applies to carbon footprint reduction.
[Party B] will measure and take steps to reduce its carbon footprint throughout the duration of this Agreement. [Party B] will offset emissions where reduction is not possible and report on carbon reduction strategies annually.
Sustainability clause with provision for renewable energy usage
This version applies to renewable energy.
[Party B] will ensure that all energy used in its operations is derived from renewable sources wherever possible. This includes the use of solar, wind, and hydropower energy, and [Party B] will report its renewable energy usage annually.
Sustainability clause with provision for green building practices
This version applies to building practices.
[Party B] will adopt green building practices in the construction, renovation, or operation of any facilities used to fulfill this Agreement. This includes the use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient designs, and reducing the environmental impact of the buildings.
Sustainability clause with provision for reporting environmental performance
This version applies to environmental reporting.
[Party B] will provide [Party A] with an annual sustainability report outlining the company’s environmental performance. This report will include information on energy usage, waste management, water conservation, and other sustainability metrics.
Sustainability clause with provision for sustainable product design
This version focuses on product design.
[Party B] will design products with sustainability in mind, ensuring that they are durable, recyclable, and have minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. [Party B] will provide information on the sustainability of products upon request.
Sustainability clause with provision for reducing plastic usage
This version applies to plastic usage reduction.
[Party B] will reduce the use of plastic in its products, packaging, and operations. Where plastic use is unavoidable, [Party B] will ensure that the plastic used is recyclable or made from recycled materials.
Sustainability clause with provision for periodic review of sustainability goals
This version applies to periodic review.
Both parties will review the sustainability goals outlined in this Agreement annually to ensure that progress is being made and that the goals remain achievable. Adjustments to the goals will be made as necessary to reflect changes in regulations, industry standards, or environmental challenges.
Sustainability clause with provision for reducing environmental footprint in production
This version applies to reducing environmental footprint.
[Party B] agrees to reduce its environmental footprint in the production of goods or services by using energy-efficient processes, reducing waste, and selecting materials that have a lower environmental impact. [Party A] reserves the right to verify these efforts through audits.
Sustainability clause with provision for encouraging sustainable transportation methods
This version encourages sustainable transportation.
[Party B] will prioritize the use of environmentally friendly transportation methods, including electric vehicles and low-emission transportation, for the delivery of goods and services under this Agreement. [Party B] will provide [Party A] with records of transportation methods used upon request.
Sustainability clause with provision for responsible sourcing of materials
This version applies to responsible sourcing.
[Party B] agrees to source all materials used in its goods and services from suppliers that follow sustainable and ethical practices. This includes using renewable materials and ensuring that suppliers meet industry standards for environmental responsibility.
Sustainability clause with provision for the use of eco-friendly chemicals
This version applies to the use of eco-friendly chemicals.
[Party B] will ensure that only eco-friendly and non-toxic chemicals are used in the production of goods or services under this Agreement. [Party A] reserves the right to request documentation of the chemicals used to verify compliance.
Sustainability clause with provision for implementing sustainable packaging
This version applies to sustainable packaging.
[Party B] will use sustainable packaging for all goods delivered under this Agreement. Packaging must be recyclable, biodegradable, or reusable, and [Party B] will minimize the use of plastic and other non-environmentally friendly materials.
Sustainability clause with provision for ensuring fair labor practices
This version applies to labor practices.
[Party B] will ensure that all labor practices in the production and delivery of goods or services comply with fair labor standards. This includes providing safe working conditions, fair wages, and respecting workers' rights in compliance with local and international regulations.
Sustainability clause with provision for carbon offsetting initiatives
This version applies to carbon offsetting.
[Party B] agrees to implement carbon offsetting measures to balance any unavoidable carbon emissions resulting from its operations under this Agreement. This may include investments in renewable energy projects, tree planting, or other recognized offsetting programs.
Sustainability clause with provision for adherence to zero-waste principles
This version applies to zero-waste principles.
[Party B] commits to adopting zero-waste principles in its operations. This includes minimizing waste generation, reusing materials where possible, and recycling all materials that cannot be reused. [Party B] will provide reports on its waste reduction efforts upon request.
Sustainability clause with provision for regular sustainability reporting
This version includes regular sustainability reporting.
[Party B] will provide [Party A] with an annual sustainability report that includes key metrics such as energy consumption, waste reduction, carbon emissions, and other relevant sustainability goals. The report will be reviewed to ensure alignment with the sustainability goals of this Agreement.
Sustainability clause with provision for promoting social responsibility
This version focuses on social responsibility.
[Party B] will actively promote social responsibility by engaging in initiatives that benefit the communities in which it operates. This includes supporting local education programs, improving access to healthcare, and participating in charitable activities.
Sustainability clause with provision for water conservation
This version applies to water conservation.
[Party B] will implement water conservation measures in its operations, including reducing water usage, recycling water, and adopting efficient water management practices. [Party A] may request records of water usage to verify compliance.
Sustainability clause with provision for sustainable design and development
This version applies to sustainable design.
[Party B] will integrate sustainable design principles into the development of products and services provided under this Agreement. This includes considering the environmental impact of design choices and ensuring that products are long-lasting, recyclable, and energy-efficient.
Sustainability clause with provision for green certifications
This version applies to green certifications.
[Party B] agrees to obtain relevant green certifications for its goods or services, such as Green Seal or Energy Star, to demonstrate compliance with recognized sustainability standards. [Party A] will verify these certifications and require that they be kept up-to-date.
Sustainability clause with provision for environmental education programs
This version applies to environmental education.
[Party B] will provide environmental education programs to its employees, contractors, and partners to ensure that everyone involved in fulfilling this Agreement is aware of sustainable practices and environmental responsibilities.
Sustainability clause with provision for responsible disposal of hazardous materials
This version applies to hazardous materials disposal.
[Party B] will ensure that all hazardous materials used in the production of goods or services are disposed of responsibly, following all applicable environmental regulations. [Party B] will provide documentation of disposal practices upon request.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.