Benefits of Improved Sustainability Information

There is a great deal of noise around sustainability or ESG (environmental, social, and governance) information and corporate reporting. Regulations are being drafted in the US and globally…and yes, this is a burden on business. We certainly hope the result will be a benefit for the planet!

But let’s consider the benefits that may occur from a greater awareness and use of sustainability information.

1. Your products & services will be more attractive to consumers (businesses and individuals) who value improving the planet. Remember, your environmental performance is passed on to your downstream supply chain and becomes part of their environmental performance.

2. Lower expenses on energy and perhaps logistics as improvements are made to production and distribution.

3. Your company may be more attractive to potential employees as an innovator in sustainability.

4. Improved reputation, community, public, and possibly government relations.

5. Greater diversity of people and perspectives (from social DE&I initiatives) can lead to greater innovation and creativity in areas that had been completely missed.

6. Innovations in products and services that appeal to new customer segments identified by looking at marketing and operations through a sustainability lens.

As with most new and developing issues or changes, awareness of problems happens first and easiest. The key is to aggressively seek the opportunity behind the change….and there always are some!