Approaching Environmental Sustainability: A View from Midsize Companies
Explore detailed survey findings on sustainability-related business effects and actions of midsize companies.
Read on to explore full survey results from the SAP Insights report, Business Reimagined: Sustainability as Strategy for Growth.
A recent global study by SAP Insights 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.
But how are midsize companies creating strategies for sustainability, and how are they incorporating it into their operations? To find out, we surveyed companies with annual revenues of US$1 billion or less, then divided them into three distinct groups. The smallest companies, with revenues of $50 million to $249 million, account for 40% of all midsize respondents. Those in the middle, with revenues of $250 million to $749 million, are another 40%. The largest, with revenues of $750 million to $999 million, are the remaining 20%.
Overview of respondents
Top Categories of Findings
Motivators
Respondents see revenue and profit opportunities in sustainability, but regulations and the commitment of top leadership and the board are bigger motivators.
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Barriers
Integrating sustainability into current operations is a big concern for midsize companies.
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Data quality
Midsize respondents are frustrated with their 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 how soon sustainability will financially impact midsize companies varies.
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Impact on profitability
Companies overwhelmingly recognize that sustainability is intertwined with their bottom lines.
Click on image to view data
Explore detailed survey findings on sustainability-related business effects and actions of midsize companies.
Read on to explore full survey results from the SAP Insights report, Business Reimagined: Sustainability as Strategy for Growth.
A recent global study by SAP Insights 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.
But how are midsize companies creating strategies for sustainability, and how are they incorporating it into their operations? To find out, we surveyed companies with annual revenues of US$1 billion or less, then divided them into three distinct groups. The smallest companies, with revenues of $50 million to $249 million, account for 40% of all midsize respondents. Those in the middle, with revenues of $250 million to $749 million, are another 40%. The largest, with revenues of $750 million to $999 million, are the remaining 20%.
Overview of respondents
Top Categories of Findings
Motivators
Respondents see revenue and profit opportunities in sustainability, but regulations and the commitment of top leadership and the board are bigger motivators.
Click on image to view data
Barriers
Integrating sustainability into current operations is a big concern for midsize companies.
Click on image to view data
Data quality
Midsize respondents are frustrated with their 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 how soon sustainability will financially impact midsize companies varies.
Click on image to view data
Impact on profitability
Companies overwhelmingly recognize that sustainability is intertwined with their bottom lines.
Click on image to view data
Impact on competitiveness
Companies see a strong link between sustainability and their long-term competitive advantage, no matter their revenue size.
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
Investment priorities
Businesses prioritize investing in mitigating air and water pollution and the impacts of solid waste.
Click on image to view data
Business Reimagined: Sustainability as Strategy for Growth
Our survey of midmarket executives reveals that most companies are taking at least some steps toward greater environmental sustainability – and that the more effort they put toward that goal, the more competitive and profitable they expect to be. More than a third of midsize companies believe that environmental issues are already financially material to their business results or will be within five years.
Read our full report to learn about the link between sustainability and business performance for midsize companies.
Impact on competitiveness
Companies see a strong link between sustainability and their long-term competitive advantage, no matter their revenue size.
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
Investment priorities
Businesses prioritize investing in mitigating air and water pollution and the impacts of solid waste.
Click on image to view data
Business Reimagined: Sustainability as Strategy for Growth
Our survey of midmarket executives reveals that most companies are taking at least some steps toward greater environmental sustainability – and that the more effort they put toward that goal, the more competitive and profitable they expect to be. More than a third of midsize companies believe that environmental issues are already financially material to their business results or will be within five years.
Read our full report to learn about the link between sustainability and business performance for midsize companies.