Breaking Down Sustainability: A Company's Perspective
Key Points
- Corporate Stance on Sustainability
Strategic Perseverance and Concentrated Effort: A Third Path towards Business Sustainability
In light of the current global climate, patience and focus might be the key to a successful approach in integration of sustainability into business. This stems from the current political landscape, marking the Return of Environmental Denial and the advent of over-regulation from the EU. Instead of joining the fray, companies may choose to refocus on the environmental and social impacts of their business models. This approach echoes the concept of "The Third Way of Sustainability" as suggested by iSustainability's 2025 research.
Corporate Views on Sustainability
Translating these ideologies into action, companies seem to have a clear understanding of what sustainability entails. According to research, 93% of companiesSee that sustainability is not mere aesthetic window dressing but pertains to the environmental and social impacts of their operations. More precisely, an impressive 83% believe their existing business model is the most effective at minimizing negative environmental and social impacts. The fact that 67% of companies foresee a loss of competitiveness by neglecting sustainability suggests a keen awareness of its relevance in the business world.
Interestingly, 85% of companies recognize cultural change as the backbone for successful integration of sustainability. This awareness of culture's prominent role contrasts sharply with the 'shrimp' approach seen in climate change denialism coming from some political quarters. Consequently, patience and keen focus are needed to navigate this path towards the integration of sustainability into business practices.
Background:
The concept of 'The Third Way of Sustainability' is not universally recognized in business circles. Instead, sustainability is typically discussed in reference to its three key pillars: environmental, social, and economic. The Environmental Sustainability pillar emphasizes the importance of maintaining ecosystem health, preserving biodiversity, and minimizing environmental footprints, such as carbon emissions. The Social Sustainability pillar concentrates on issues like social equity, healthcare, and quality of life. Lastly, Economic Sustainability aims for long-term economic growth while considering the needs of future generations. These pillars serve as the foundation for sustainable development, advocating for balance among environmental protection, social equity, and economic prosperity.
Businesses align with these principles through the implementation of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL), a framework that measures success in terms of profit, people, and planet. Encouraging a balance between financial goals and social and environmental impact, the TBL supports sustainable business models that align with global initiatives like the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In the context of the corporate stance on sustainability, international businesses are recognizing the need to refocus on the environmental and social impacts of their business models, aligning with the concept of "The Third Way of Sustainability" as suggested by iSustainability's 2025 research. Meanwhile, in terms of finance, an impressive 83% of companies believe their existing business model is the most effective at minimizing negative environmental and social impacts, demonstrating a keen awareness of the relevance of sustainability in the international business sector.
