Sustainability: business, life, environment

As we have discussed in recent blog posts, one of the main challenges in implementing a business sustainability plan is linking sustainability concepts to business value.  While sustainability unto itself is a noble business effort, companies are primarily in business to deliver returns to their stakeholders.  Defining a specific value proposition for each business sustainability initiative is one of the keys to success.
 
As sustainability consultants, we often ask clients: “What is driving business sustainability in your organization?” Speaking with a client just recently, they identified their largest business driver was to reduce the business’s overall carbon footprint.
 
On the other hand, according to an Aberdeen Group study, The ROI of Sustainability: Making the Business Case, top performing organizations view sustainability as a "must have" strategy for long term business viability and success.  The top drivers for business sustainability implementation identified in the study include:
 
•    Desire for Social and Environmental Stewardship – 56%
•    Increase or Maintain Brand Reputation – 48%
•    Need for a Competitive Advantage – 46%
•    Stakeholder Pressure – 29%
•    Rising Energy Costs – 22%
•    Present or Expected Regulatory Compliance Mandates – 22%
 
The  post, How One Small Business Cut Energy Use and Costs, articulates in detail the cost savings and benefits derived from sustainable business practices.
 
While many organizations may have a strong corporate desire to demonstrate environment stewardship and corporate responsibility, companies most often have to make a strong business case to justify time and resources.  Stakeholders, regulation, supply chain risk, and other factors weigh heavily in the business case for sustainability.
 
Aside from the benefits of managing risk, stakeholder relations, and business growth, building a business case for sustainability provides a company with a clear understanding of the opportunities, risks and bottom line implications of their defined sustainability strategies.   Need help building a business case for sustainability for your organization?  Contact us!  We’re here to help!