Sustainability’s Role in Business Performance
But it can also be a path to increased profitability and competitiveness. Think of it as first-mover advantage: companies that act bigger and faster on sustainability are performing better. Meanwhile, time is running out on a fast-follower strategy.
Our survey respondents illuminate the way forward for companies looking to scale their sustainability efforts – and their performance. Learn more by reading our findings.
Sustainability's Role in Business Performance
Our survey shows that taking action toward greater sustainability isn’t just good for the planet: some businesses also see it as a path to increased profitability and competitiveness. Dive into the results.
Top categories of findings
Investment reasons
Regulation is driving sustainability. But so is the impression companies leave on the world.
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Motivators
Respondents see revenue and profit opportunities in sustainability, but the commitment of top leadership and the board matter more.
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Barriers
The fit between sustainability and the business's objectives and results is not as clear as businesses would like.
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Data quality
Respondents are frustrated with sustainability data.
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Data dissatisfaction drivers
When data is difficult to work with, insights wither.
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Financial materiality
The perception of sustainability’s financial effects plays an important role in the actions companies take.
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Investment reasons
Regulation is driving sustainability. But so is the impression companies leave on the world.
Click on image to view data
Motivators
Respondents see revenue and profit opportunities in sustainability, but the commitment of top leadership and the board matter more.
Click on image to view data
Barriers
The fit between sustainability and the business's objectives and results is not as clear as businesses would like.
Click on image to view data
Data quality
Respondents are frustrated with sustainability data.
Click on image to view data
Data dissatisfaction drivers
When data is difficult to work with, insights wither.
Click on image to view data
Financial materiality
The perception of sustainability’s financial effects plays an important role in the actions companies take.
Click on image to view data
Impact on profitability
Companies overwhelmingly recognize that sustainability is intertwined with their bottom line.
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Impact on competitiveness
Companies see a strong link between sustainability and their long-term competitive advantage.
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Investment priority areas
Investing to stop climate change matters most, but when grouped with the other top priorities, a holistic strategy emerges.
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Reporting standards
Respondents are struggling to find third-party sustainability reporting standards that are most relevant to how they do business.
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Measurement methods
Most companies rely on estimates and calculations rather than sensor data.
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External reporting methods
Nearly everyone is telling the world about their sustainability actions.
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Impact on strategic and operational decisions
If you aren’t thinking about sustainability in strategic and operational terms, you’re in the minority.
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Read the analysis of our survey results: "The Balance Sheet Blind Spot: How Sustainability Affects Competitiveness and Profits"
Making environmental sustainability central to your strategy isn’t just good for the planet – it’s good for business too.
Our survey results explain the major implications sustainability has for your business strategy.
Impact on profitability
Companies overwhelmingly recognize that sustainability is intertwined with their bottom line.
Click on image to view data
Impact on competitiveness
Companies see a strong link between sustainability and their long-term competitive advantage.
Click on image to view data
Investment priority areas
Investing to stop climate change matters most, but when grouped with the other top priorities, a holistic strategy emerges.
Click on image to view data
Reporting standards
Respondents are struggling to find third-party sustainability reporting standards that are most relevant to how they do business.
Click on image to view data
Measurement methods
Most companies rely on estimates and calculations rather than sensor data.
Click on image to view data
External reporting methods
Nearly everyone is telling the world about their sustainability actions.
Click on image to view data
Impact on strategic and operational decisions
If you aren’t thinking about sustainability in strategic and operational terms, you’re in the minority.
Click on image to view data
Read the analysis of our survey results: "The Balance Sheet Blind Spot: How Sustainability Affects Competitiveness and Profits"
Making environmental sustainability central to your strategy isn’t just good for the planet – it’s good for business too.
Our survey results explain the major implications sustainability has for your business strategy.
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