Sustainability Trends for 2012

“Opportunities, both small and big, are plentiful in today’s business environment: growing consumer eco awareness, innovative ways of doing things, a crisis or a threatening trend. Proactive businesses who recognize and adapt will gain share and influence.

No doubt, when faced with the realities of increased business risk, increased cost or the lost revenue, the business world inevitably responds. Such has been the case with water, carbon, and energy management becoming critical issues to address. As 2011 has unfolded, our sustainability consulting firm has witnessed new business sustainability trends emerging. What have they been and what trends can we expect to see in 2012?

• Big and small firms continue to join forces. ContinuedB2B collaboration.

• Continuation of private/ public NGO forces uniting for greater good

• Continued focus on biodiversity from a business perspective (see, Dow Asks, What's the Business Case for Protecting Nature?)

• Water: access to water, water management, water in the supply chain

• Transparency and reporting - especially integrated reporting of financial and sustainability reports. A growth in the number of organizations reporting as noted by the Carbon Disclosure Project.

• Green Supply Chain - elevating sustainable supply chain management as a strategic business sustainability function

• Local and organic food gains more momentum

• Emerging markets and their impact

• Wider adaptation of social media for stakeholder engagement

• The role of boards: oversight and inclusion of business sustainability mandates

Business sustainability is often reduced to environmental or social action. While certainly two very important areas of focus, business sustainability is really about taking action to maintain the on-going health and profitability of the company as a business strategy. This includes valuing the relationship with the environment and social stakeholders.