Many organizations once viewed sustainability issues as being outside the purview of business. However, there is a strong business argument for sustainability. A growing number of businesses are embracing the idea of the triple bottom line because they understand that there is potential for both financial, social, and environmental benefits and that doing so can occasionally result in unanticipated commercial gains.
Sustainable Profitability
Sustainable profitability is critical for any company, as it is the key to long-term success. With sustainable procurement, companies can grow and play a critical role in reversing economic malaise. In addition, sustainable profitability translates to sustainable products and services that are profitable and environmentally friendly. A recent article in the Wall Street Journal focused on this issue. The authors noted that many managers and analysts make a hidden assumption: that profitability decreases as growth increases. It is a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of business.
To profit, an organization must create value for its customers, employees, and investors. These three groups are not mutually exclusive, and sustainable value cannot be created by targeting one group alone. Therefore, the first focus of any organization should be to create customer value. The second focus should be on developing and rewarding employees. Finally, the third element of sustainable profitability should be an attractive return for investors.
To make sustainable profitability work for any business, it must integrate ESG metrics into its operations. Increasingly, investors are placing their money on sustainable practices. For example, companies that achieve high ESG ratings have lower costs for equity and debt, and they are more likely to outperform those that don’t.
Market Transformation
Transparency will make companies more credible to stakeholders and build trust. Some people may be uncomfortable with increased corporate influence, but a robust reporting system can assuage their concerns and protect companies from misconduct. Today, many companies disclose sustainability indicators through established standards. As the global marketplace grows and demands more information about the business practices of these companies, the need for transparency and data grows.
By integrating an ESG lens into every aspect of the business, companies can capture the full value of the sustainability transformation. To do this, they need to define their sustainability narrative, engage stakeholders, and develop a strategy based on their purpose.
Partnerships with Non-Profit Organizations
The goal of partnerships is to make social impact tangible and measurable. As a result, non-profit organizations can demonstrate their impact on society and the environment, and companies can use this data to justify their investments in sustainable practices. The first step is to agree on the social issue, including the responsibilities and roles of the parties. The issue could be defined as either a problem or an opportunity.
The partnership should have clear goals and expectations. Generally, it should be a win-win situation. Increasing transparency between the partners is vital to ensure a successful partnership. For example, many companies sponsor charitable causes or events and make donations to non-profits. These relationships can enhance employee engagement and boost the visibility of non-profits in the community.
The non-profit sector is increasingly looking to corporate partners to improve social impact. Corporations can be strong allies if they have a similar mission. Non-profits can use these partnerships to access resources, expand their reach, and innovate new strategies for social impact.
Incentivizing Sustainable Lifestyles
Companies should make an effort to encourage their employees to lead sustainable lifestyles. For example, companies can make a sales incentives plan to incentivize employees to recycle or purchase green products. Incentives could include gift cards for energy audits or subsidized mass transit passes. In addition, creating a green team and rewarding team members who meet their goals can promote an overall corporate culture of sustainability.
A UCLA study showed that people who worked in companies that practiced sustainability were happier and healthier and got more done. As the link between climate change and business performance becomes increasingly clear, business leaders find it more difficult to ignore sustainability initiatives. By encouraging sustainability initiatives in the workplace, businesses can boost their employees’ overall productivity. The best companies have learned how to translate sustainability goals into their business strategies and structures.