Sustainability management 101

Optimizes focus, time and implementation

Having a dedicated resource for managing sustainability is paramount to getting the most out of your sustainability strategy and initiatives. With this in place, your company’s ESG program will receive the proper attention and support to maximize its likelihood of success the first time—minimizing wasted resources, capital and time. Also, having assigned sustainability roles and responsibilities can increase the number of initiatives implemented at your company and help ensure they’re integrated across the business.

Improves your workplace culture

A workplace guided by strong sustainability management can help you inspire and retain employees, while making your business more attractive to job seekers. Evidence shows that younger generations choose jobs because of a company’s good sustainability performance.

Meets evolving stakeholder expectations

Sustainability has become a licence to operate in many sectors. Customers, suppliers, investors and regulators are increasingly interested in a company’s sustainability program, and expect businesses to make socially- and environmentally-responsible decisions. A company with a good sustainability strategy and management will be better at meeting these expectations.

Reduces risks and costs

By dedicating time to understand and search for new ESG risks and opportunities, you can better evaluate impact and make business decisions accordingly. For example, you may find ways to reduce operating costs associated with energy and resource consumption—a huge benefit especially in these economic times.

Boosts your competitive advantage

Effective sustainability management can positively differentiate your company in both local and global markets—and give you a competitive edge going forward. A growing body of research shows that companies with sustainability practices outperform competitors. Today’s consumers are increasingly driven to buy from companies with a strong commitment to sustainability. And more partners and suppliers want to do business with sustainability-focused companies. As such, sustainability shouldn’t be viewed as an obligation—it’s a way to access exciting opportunities to generate new business and enhance the bottom line.