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More Than Sustainable
As a global business with a reputation for product excellence we want to be recognised for much more than operational and commercial success, writes Robert...
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Most CEOs See Sustainability Growth Opportunity
69% of CEOs view sustainability as a leading business growth opportunity in 2024, according to a recent survey of CEOs and senior executives by Gartner.
“As CEOs reset their long-term strategies, environmental sustainability remains one of the leading factors that will frame competition,” says Kristin Moyer, an analyst at Gartner.
“Despite much corporate greenwash, recent economic conditions could have triggered a reversion to environmental, social and governance (ESG) cynicism and a refocus on profit at all costs. However, the overall commitment of CEOs appears unwavering.”
Global opinion
The 2024 Gartner CEO and Senior Business Executive Survey was conducted from July to December 2023 among over 400 CEOs and other senior business executives in North America, Europe, Asia/Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and South Africa, across different industries, revenue and company sizes.
“Sustainability consistently remains a top 10 business priority, surpassing even productivity and efficiency this year,” says Moyer. “Leaders and investors know environmentally cavalier corporate behaviour is a mid- to long-term risk to business results, with a big price to be paid when environmental factors are ignored as externalities. However, smart CEOs realise big sustainability challenges create new areas of business opportunity.”
Achieving sustainable business growth
According to Gartner’s annual survey, the leading ways CEOs are using sustainability to drive business growth are through sustainable products and services (33%); sustainable business practices (18%); stakeholder engagement (18%); and decarbonisation (18%). Digital investments and innovation is ranked ninth at 8%.
IT aids sustainability
“Digital technology can accelerate progress toward sustainability goals, going beyond compliance to help enterprises reach targets, enable new business models and unleash revenue streams,” says Moyer.
Climate change driving agenda
The Gartner survey revealed 54% of CEOs say their businesses are affected by changing weather patterns, at least moderately. Over half (51%) acknowledge changing weather patterns are causing them to plan changes to the way they operate or have already done so.
“CEOs see that climate change is causing weather pattern shifts that are directly impacting their business operations already,” said Moyer. “Those operations must be adapted, with technology playing a vital role in driving these changes, especially in the dynamics of supply chains.”
Picture: Most CEOs believe saving the planet can turn a buck.
Article written by Cathryn Ellis
28th August 2024