Why care?

The stability and resilience of earths systems are the largest threat to humanities prosperity. 4 of the top 5 global risks outlined in the World Economic Forums global risk report over the next ten years are environmental. 70% of business leaders say climate change will have a high or very high impact on their business strategy and operations over the next three years. Sustainability isn't optional, it's a business imperative.

Why?

Regulation: ESG regulations have increased by 155% in the last decade
Society: 76% of consumers believe companies should take initiative to reduce their environmental footprint
Risk: 4 of the top 5 risks to UK businesses are linked to environmental issues
Capital: Strong ESG performers typically have better access to and lower cost of capital
Opportunity: Acting sustainability unlocks a plethora of opportunities such as new customers and markets, higher prices, cost savings, value chain resiliency and market differentiation

Why now?

Sustainability or ESG strategies are becoming increasingly mainstream with 54% of FTSE 100 companies having a published strategy, yet just a fraction of these have delivered tangible results. This leaves the door open for action oriented companies to capitalise on competitor inaction.
Sustainability as a differentiator won't last forever. Laggards will not benefit as much as leaders from becoming sustainable, as governments, society, and business converge around sustainability solutions as the default.
Acting sooner reduces risk and future financial cliffs. Adaptation to address known Issues such as supply chain disruption, extreme weather, natural resource scarcity and shifting customer demands will be easier if planned for.

Where to start?

The journey starts with purpose. Companies that integrate environmental and social purpose in their DNA, by adopting a triple bottom line approach to business (people, planet profit) are more likely to succeed in driving action, which in turn delivers superior financial returns.

But purpose alone won't deliver results. We believe there 5 pillars to a successful approach to sustainability:

Clear purpose and direction
"Top down" buy in
Integration with business models
Sustainable behaviours
Partnerships

Further information on our approach can be found here

simon@ilaborate.com