To help you get on the right track, the following are some best practices to follow when setting your sustainability goals:

• Setting a goal or target provides little value if progress cannot be measured; take the time to ensure the appropriate data structures are in place to capture and report on the status of your goals and targets.
• Reach for goals that will both benefit the business and expand opportunities for the company. New markets are being created for lower carbon and more sustainable goods and services, and the agilest companies will anticipate these changes and take action. 
• Each goal should have a meaningful impact on the company’s environmental footprint. For example, setting a goal to reduce GHG emissions by 10% would have a direct impact on the company’s environmental footprint if achieved.
• Senior management must be committed to the organization's sustainability goals. This is crucial because it demonstrates to business partners, external stakeholders and employees that company leadership views sustainability as an important factor for growing and improving the business.  
• When setting goals, there needs to be an established balance between what can realistically be achieved and setting the bar at a high enough level to drive innovation and change. Setting a goal to reduce water usage by 2% won’t require as much effort as reducing water usage by 15%, which is still realistic but will require innovation and change to achieve the goal.
• Prioritize sustainability goals towards areas where you can make the most meaningful impact and generate significant results. Although important, participating in community programs may be lower on the priority list as reducing your overall energy consumption by 12%.
• No goal should be included without a clear roadmap on how it can be achieved. Senior management should provide details to employees to ensure they understand the intended direction of the organization.
• Company employees can be the richest sources of ideas for creating realistic and achievable sustainability goals. Some of the best opportunities for improving the environmental performance of an entire organization can come from those involved in the day-to-day operations, who may recognize shortcomings and recognize viable opportunities. 
• Establish goals that have real traction with consumers and customers. A company’s drive for sustainability must neither be seen purely as an internal management tool nor as an external public relations opportunity.
• Collaboration with external organizations, NGOs and partners can help to advance your sustainability agenda.

These best practices are something to consider when setting sustainability goals for your organization. The right goals should help everyone understand the intended direction of the organization and inspire employees to focus on helping the organization succeed; they are critical to your sustainability programs success. Effective goal-setting will help you drive program adoption throughout your organization, minimize distractions and provide you with a clear roadmap towards a sustainable future.