In today's corporate world, sustainability is no longer a side issue, but a central aspect of success and growth. With increased reporting requirements and growing pressure from investors and customers, it is crucial to bring sustainability issues to the boardroom table. We had the pleasure of talking to Cecilia Almér, sustainability expert at Stratsys, to get her best tips on how to do this: How to bring sustainability to the boardroom table" which was published on Environment & Development on 2023-09-20.
How do you succeed in raising interest in sustainability issues internally?
It varies from company to company, but fundamental to success with sustainability work is that the management team is committed and communicates that the company should invest in the issue. Without management support, the work will not be successful. Sustainability issues need to be integrated into the business model and core business, and thus prioritized, says Ceclia Almér.
For many companies, sustainability is no longer a separate issue, but something that should permeate the entire company. It is not enough to have a goal of switching to fossil-free fuels, but it is about looking at the big picture and understanding that sustainability is a holistic concept that includes responsibility within the company. We need to look at how we influence and what risks and opportunities exist.
What should a sustainability manager do to drive sustainability efforts internally and get management more interested?
It requires consensus and that you set the level of ambition together. It is about tackling more acute problems directly, as well as thinking long-term and proactively.
Ask yourself the question:
- Where are we today?
- Where do we want to be in five years and in ten years?
- Then discuss what efforts are needed to get you there.
It is also important to visualize the information in a simple way, and to keep the board engaged by educating on sustainability issues. Don't expect the management team or the board to look at raw data. Support your arguments with data that shows the economic, environmental and social benefits of sustainability initiatives.
As a sustainability manager, you can illustrate the current situation in charts and brief facts that show where you are in relation to your goals. To really visualize the value of sustainability, it needs to fit within your overall sustainability strategy.
Are there any specific points a sustainability manager should emphasize?
To get management on board, it's not just about showing how you're complying with legal requirements and getting them to understand what's coming, but also highlighting the opportunities. Acting now and being at the forefront can promote you as a company that takes responsibility in these areas. This can expand your customer base and strengthen your brand, which in turn can increase your market share and attract new talent.
Show how sustainability can be an investment with a financial return. Highlight how sustainability initiatives can reduce costs, create new business opportunities, strengthen your brand, reduce risks and increase your attractiveness to investors," concludes Cecilia.
Read more about how Stratsys can streamline your sustainability work.
