1. DEFINING: The first stage is the process of, first, defining the contours of your sustainability domain by reflecting on the purpose of your business and its specific role in the world, as well as your employees' sustainability goals.
2. RESEARCH: Generating a research-based list of material issues across your entire value chain. Such a list identifies areas of overlap in companies’ and stakeholders’ sustainability priorities.
3. LAUNCH: Launching your sustainability plan, enthusiastically (This is my domain, trust me!) introducing it to stakeholders and setting the idea of ownership in motion.