What does sustainability mean to you and your business?

Your three starting steps for building a more sustainable business begin here.

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At a glance

Today’s scrutiny of businesses’ environmental, social, and corporate governance programs—and the demand for more transparency around those efforts—will intensify, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Find out how corporate sustainability not only targets environmental and societal well-being, but also can yield commercial benefits for you and your stakeholders. Learn how building a more structured sustainable business plan in a profit-oriented way and with a focus on sustainability criteria has the potential to generate higher returns. Discover how sustainability can offer new opportunities and help you meet shifting patterns of demand.

Your three starting steps for building a more sustainable business begin here.

Three steps for building a more sustainable business

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Find out how successful entrepreneurs create a sustainable business

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Step 1

Why should a business become more sustainable?

Discover the ties between profits and purpose for your company.

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Step 2

What sustainability factors influence your profits most?

Learn why “materiality” matters for your business.

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Step 3

How can you measure corporate sustainability?

Sometimes simplicity can be the key to your success.

Step 1

Why should a business become more sustainable?

Why should a business become more sustainable? There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer. For some entrepreneurs, sustainability is about managing risks. Governments are passing stricter regulations to limit adverse environmental, social, and governance effects from business. The cost of non-compliance is on the rise, with the US Environmental Protection Agency collecting around USD 470mn in penalties and fines in 2019. 1

But is there a bigger opportunity for business owners? A growing number are building sustainable business plans that go well beyond risk management. They’re putting social and environmental outcomes—including positive impacts on people and the planet—at the core of what they do and how they work.

Why is sustainability in business becoming a “want-to-do” strategy? The answer lies in the swelling commercial opportunities. Did you know that 66% of consumers—and 73% of millennials—would pay a price premium for a sustainable product? And that companies with a proven commitment to sustainability grew sales four times faster than non-sustainable peers? 2

Explore our latest research to find out more about how entrepreneurs can define sustainable business practices. Learn why private business owners are becoming more sustainable and uncover their biggest barriers to success. And contact us for more information on how to start your journey.

What next?

Download the CIO report "Three steps to becoming more sustainable and profitable"

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We recommend you dive deeper into the topic by downloading the full report.

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