How can sustainability help companies remain competitive in the future?

To reduce carbon emissions, companies should focus on ethical sourcing, regenerative products, and long-term planning.

By Madhav Sheth

Sustainability today has become a key business imperative with the world facing pressing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges. Customers are increasingly demanding socially responsible products and services and are inclined to do business with companies that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.

Sustainability in business is generally a two-pronged approach – the effect business has on the environment and the effect business has on society. Corporates in such a scenario have a critical role to play in driving sustainable development. And, driving sustainability requires firms to reinvent every aspect of their business, much like digital transformation does.

A sustainable business strategy’s overarching objective is to increase profits for shareholders while simultaneously having a positive influence on the environment, society, or both. Business leaders and executives are becoming more and more aware of how effective sustainable business strategies can be in solving the world’s most pressing problems and ensuring the success of their companies. To achieve this, they must know how sustainability is incorporated into every aspect of their operations, corporate culture, communications, and marketing.

By focusing on sustainability in business operations, corporations can build trust and loyalty with their customers, and differentiate themselves in a competitive market.

Why do we need to focus on ESG practices?

ESG practices can help businesses to reduce their negative impact on the environment, by aiming to achieve reduced greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, and minimizing waste and pollution. By prioritizing ESG practices, businesses can contribute to a more sustainable future for our planet.

Since consumers today are demanding more environmentally friendly products and are increasingly subscribed to the idea that being green is good, they cannot afford to be ignorant of green practices.

To continue to remain business for long, investors expect companies to effectively address social and environmental risks, use opportunities, and provide transparent and trustworthy reports on their progress, as well as their ESG practices and governance systems.

A sustainability strategy, as per McKinsey, enables a business to make long-term investments. A strong sustainability proposition will be a major lead to help them tap into new markets while strengthening their position in the existing. The push for them here is, creating innovative, sustainable solutions to global environmental and social problems and rethinking their operations.

If an organization’s strategy does not reflect its commitment to delivering more sustainable business practices, investment drivers will only be focused on slender financial performance, not reflect and reward sustainability actions, and will not be responsive to societal needs and intentions.

Therefore, a fresh approach focused on sustainability should promote a better as well as a more resilient economy and a healthier environment. To do this, organizations must combine the skill of developing winning strategies with a thorough knowledge of how sustainability factors will affect whether or not enterprises succeed or fail.

How can leaders encourage sustainable behavior?

Environmental catastrophes will keep upsetting the world’s supply networks and obstruct access to food and energy. Also, businesses that respect sustainability are increasingly attracting top talent and customers, while businesses that don’t take deliberate action are falling behind.

The preservation of the globe is an investment for a better future for everyone, and this is crucial. The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2070, India’s decarbonization path will generate $15 trillion in commercial potential. Organizations will build new modes of operation that support the interdependent systems of business, humanity, and the global environment by cultivating decision-makers who share the traits of sustainable leaders.

To achieve sustainable growth, it is clear that we require leaders who are committed to the triple bottom line of social, environmental, and financial benefits. Sustainable leadership manifests in the hiring of candidates who are sensitive to environmental issues and contribute toward resolving them. 

Companies should concentrate on ethical sourcing, regenerative products, and long-term planning to reduce carbon emissions. Developing leadership training programmes to make young employees future ready and aware of sustainable corporate practices is also important. Transparency is also much improved if sustainability is reviewed through an ESG  lens.

What does the future of sustainable corporations look like?

It should come as no surprise to find that energy and climate policies have a substantial impact on a company’s profitability, according to a report from the Investment Leaders Group.

A well-thought-out climate strategy will increase corporate value and cut costs. Initiatives related to sustainability can and ought to be carried out with the same rigor as conventional strategic ones. Only if sustainability goals and efforts are included in the scorecards of crucial business roles, and measured with the same care as other business projects, can they realize their full potential.

Focusing on ESG practices is important for businesses that want to operate in a sustainable and responsible way, and to protect themselves from risks and uncertainties. By prioritizing ESG practices, businesses can contribute to a better world for all stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, customers, and the wider community.

ESG practices can help businesses to ensure that they are operating in a socially responsible way, upgrading their governance and accountability structures, identifying and mitigating risks that could have a negative impact on their operations and reputation and driving the company’s financial performance on a positive path.

(The Author: Madhav Sheth – CEO, Realme India, VP, Realme and President, Realme International Business Group)