BSR Insight | Study: CEOs Cite Sustainability Importance, Strategy Integration Challenges
About the Author(s)
Elissa Goldenberg, Associate, Advisory Services
Publication Date
June 29, 2010
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Ninety-three percent of the 766 CEOs surveyed in a new Accenture and UN Global Compact study believe that sustainability is critical to their companies’ future success, and 96 percent believe sustainable business practices should be integrated into companies’ strategy and operations.
Of the CEOs who cited execution as their main sustainability challenge, 49 percent said the complexity of implementation across functions is the most significant barrier to a truly integrated strategy. To overcome this challenge and others, the report recommends that CEOs:
- Actively shape consumer awareness, attitudes, and needs to create a market for sustainable products and services.
- Generate new knowledge, skills, and support among employees for sustainable development.
- Work with investors to ensure that the value of sustainability initiatives can be demonstrated through traditional metrics.
- Measure sustainability's impact on core business drivers and embed sustainability into individual performance frameworks across the organization.
- Work with government to create a clearer and more positive regulatory environment for sustainability.
About the Author(s)
Elissa Goldenberg, Associate, Advisory Services
With four years of sustainability communications expertise, Elissa works with BSR member companies in a range of sectors—including those in information and communications technology; food, beverage, and agriculture; energy; and consumer products—on various sustainability issues including reporting, stakeholder engagement, and human rights... Read more →
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