In the realm of sustainability and decarbonization action, understanding the material impact on your business is paramount. While the moral imperative to invest in a better planet is undeniable, it’s equally important to recognize that sustainable actions can and should significantly benefit your bottom line. In this article, we’ll explore the symbiotic relationship between sustainability efforts and business success, examining the stakeholder landscape and actionable strategies to drive tangible returns on investment (ROI).
Understanding Stakeholders and Their Needs:
Often multiple stakeholders play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of sustainability initiatives within a business. Investors, for instance, are increasingly factoring climate risk into their investment decisions, making sustainability performance a critical component of securing funding. Per research from the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business, companies with strong sustainability practices and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) can lower their cost of capital, enhancing their financial standing and attracting more investors. Increasingly more and more lenders are linking loans and better terms to sustainability related measures.
Customers, too, are driving demand for sustainable products and services. Research from NielsenIQ shows that 78% of consumers indicate the importance of a sustainable lifestyle and research also shows a willingness to pay more for products from brands committed to environmental sustainability. Per data from the NYU Stern Center for Sustainable Business’ “2022 Sustainable Market Share IndexTM” report, products marketed as sustainable grow twice as fast as conventionally marketed products in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) space. This shift in consumer behavior underscores the importance of aligning business practices with the evolving societal values to maintain market relevance and loyalty.
Another important stakeholder group to consider is employees. Today’s workforce, particularly Gen Z, is actively seeking employment opportunities with organizations that prioritize sustainability. Studies, such as this one from Deloitte, indicate that more than half of Gen Z and millennials research a company’s environmental policies and impact prior to accepting a job and also show a willingness to switch jobs over climate performance. By integrating sustainability into corporate culture and operations, businesses can enhance employee retention, attract talent, and foster a more engaged workforce.
Sustainable Actions Driving ROI:
To effectively capitalize on the business case for sustainability, companies must adopt strategic initiatives that deliver measurable ROI. Sustainability reporting, for instance, offers valuable insights into emissions management and serves as a proactive measure to address regulatory requirements and customer expectations. By accurately measuring and disclosing emissions, businesses can optimize resource allocation and strengthen their brand reputation. What gets measured gets managed, and understanding your environmental footprint is an important tool in strategically focusing your mitigation efforts in meaningful ways. Oftentimes this work leads to discovery of savings or operational improvements in the process.
Investing in energy efficiency projects and renewable energy sources presents another avenue for generating ROI while reducing environmental impact. Every kilowatt-hour (kWh) saved through efficiency can be represented in both dollars saved as well as carbon savings. Implementing initiatives such as on-site solar installations not only yield financial returns but also contribute to carbon emission reductions. Leveraging granular data and conducting scenario analyses enable organizations to identify high-impact projects that align with their sustainability objectives.
Furthermore, transparent communication of sustainability efforts through credible certifications and green claims can enhance brand value and command premium pricing. By showcasing commitment to environmental stewardship, businesses can differentiate themselves in the marketplace and cultivate stronger relationships with eco-conscious consumers. Transparent and accurate data to back up claims protects against increased scrutiny of green claims.
Unlocking Value:
As businesses navigate their sustainability journey, it is imperative to view environmental initiatives through both an ecological and economic lens. By strategically aligning sustainability goals with business objectives, organizations can unlock value, mitigate risk, and strengthen their competitive position. At Cleartrace, we provide comprehensive solutions to help businesses measure energy consumption and carbon emissions, track progress towards decarbonization goals, and plan and optimize energy efficiency and renewables projects – empowering companies across industry sectors to lead and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. We encourage brands to embrace sustainability not only as a moral imperative but as a strategic imperative for sustainable growth and success.
Cleartace’s platform will simplify your company’s process for reporting, which can enable your teams to focus on what’s critical. Please visit our website to learn more.
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