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Introduction
Sustainability in business is a growing phenomenon and has now become an integral part of many businesses. It is being integrated into business strategies and has been doing pretty well for most organizations. This has now become more of a necessity rather than just a trend.
The growing concerns regarding climate change and environmental degradation have now become quite widespread. Globally, there is an increasing shift towards green consumerism. Earlier, seen particularly in developed countries, green living is now rapidly expanding to developing countries (including middle-income and higher-income).
About Sustainability in Business
First things first, let us understand what sustainability in business means. Sustainability in business involves any company’s strategy to reduce a negative impact on the environment that arises from its operations in a particular market. The ESG (environmental, social, and governance) metrics are responsible for analyzing any company’s sustainability practices.
In other words, business sustainability is the management of environmental, social, and financial demands that assures ethical and responsible business operations.
Sustainability seeks to prevent the depletion of physical resources so that they remain available in the long term. But when it comes to businesses, sustainability involves more than environmentalism.
Pillars Of Sustainability
Sustainability in business comprises three main areas also known as pillars. These three pillars of sustainability are the following :
Importance Of Sustainability
While 90% of executives believe that sustainability is crucial, only 60% of companies have a sustainable strategy. Sustainability in business is all the rage these days. And no doubt it is equally an important concern too. Businesses have now started to incorporate sustainability into their business strategies.
An ideal balance of sustainability is achieved when the current needs are met while safeguarding the needs of future generations. In addition to focusing on environmental improvement, sustainability is a much broader concept. Every business can drive sustainable change however it requires strong economic backing to support this change.
The sustainability practices adopted by companies impact the overall success of any company. The following are the benefits of sustainability in business :
Creates Business Values
As per a study by Deutsche Bank, companies having high ESG ratings will outperform the market in the long term. Sustainable practices by businesses create business values for long-term prosperity. Sustainable businesses tend to have a lasting competitive advantage over other firms.
Meets The Needs Of Consumers
Consumers are more likely to spend more on a product derived from a sustainable brand. A changing trend is being observed among consumers as they now support and encourage sustainability.
Engages Talent
A business moving positively on the path of sustainability is likely to attract and engage talent. Today employees are willing to take up jobs due to a company's sustainability. A sustainable business will also help motivate the employees to look at the value they bring to the business.
Meets Investor Demands
As per the 2021 EY Global Institutional Investor Survey, 90% of investors state that they are likely to focus on a business’s sustainability performance while making any investment decision. Hence, incorporating a successful sustainable strategy is an essential decision here.
Reduces Costs
Many businesses also integrate a sustainable strategy which in turn helps improve operational efficiency and helps bring down costs. Apart from that, it also increases the top line of the company.
As per a study by McKinsey, a sustainable strategy affects operational costs by as much as 60%. Not to forget being sustainable will also help improve relations with the government.
Creates New Opportunities
It is seen any company with a strong sustainability proposition can help tap new markets and expand its existing ones. In addition, it will help get valuable and new business opportunities.
Ways To Improve Sustainability
Business sustainability holds a lot of importance not just for the planet but also for improving the brand reputation. Here we have listed a few ways in which organizations can improve sustainable practices.
Conclusion
Sustainability in business is here to stay and hence must be a part of any business strategy. Corporate strategy has emerged to be a component of corporate ethics looking at the growing concerns of the public regarding long-term damage.
Some effective ways that move in line with sustainable practices include - cutting emissions, low energy use, sourcing products from a fair trade organization, and ensuring proper disposal of physical waste.
In addition, companies should also set sustainability goals, including a commitment to zero waste packaging and reducing overall emissions by a certain percentage.
Lastly, consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious, which has led many firms and companies to find ways to reduce their impact on the planet and the community.
Resources:
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