Sustainability Centre of Excellence
Sustainable businesses focus on meeting the needs of current and future generations
Leaders are putting sustainability at the heart of strategy, framing decisions in terms of environmental, social and human impact. They recognize both the challenges and opportunities.
The drive towards sustainability is most evident in the acceleration in the energy transition. But across sectors, sustainability has become a central consideration. It is rapidly emerging as a key component of governance in response to perceived public discontent with long-term damage that arises from short-term financial focus. Employees increasingly expect progressive corporate sustainability policies. However, establishing a sustainable business is complex. It requires balancing higher upfront investment against unusually tight timelines. Clear strategic choices are required.
Creating Value Through Sustainability
The Global Consumer Sustainability Survey 2024 examines evolving sustainability trends and consumer attitudes and behaviours. While consumer interest in sustainability is evident, willingness to act varies. The report underscores the potential for companies to create value through sustainability initiatives, highlighting the need for a deep understanding of target markets and regional preferences.
Adopt a forward-looking mindset
Key stakeholders — consumers, customers, investors and employees — are increasingly focused on sustainability themes. With their expectations rising, stakeholders’ perspectives on sustainability now influence decisions about which companies to buy from, partner with, invest in or work for.
The recovery from the pandemic is accelerating this trend. And in light of UN climate change directives, the pace of change on all dimensions will continue to gain momentum.
In the recent past, there has been a tendency to manage sustainability as a discrete set of activities. But this approach is no longer “fit for purpose.” Leaders now understand – and experience – the benefit of addressing sustainability at the heart of strategy, operations, and value creation.
Focus on new opportunities
While sustainability is clearly a challenge, it also brings opportunities – developing new products, providing new services and meeting changing customer needs. Success requires Identifying these opportunities, realigning strategic choices, evolving the business model, optimizing the organization and setting out clear delivery programs.
L.E.K. supports clients across a broad range of sustainability issues:
- Developing net zero strategies
- Commercial assessment of new technologies
- Growth strategy and corporate strategy development for new products and services to address climate change
- Commercial due diligence on ESG issues for transactions
The L.E.K. Sustainability Centre of Excellence draws together the expertise, best practices and strategic insights necessary to support your approach, address the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities that sustainability brings.
Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
In 2022, we committed to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and set near and long-term emission targets matching the trajectory required to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
EcoVadis Gold Sustainability Rating
EcoVadis has grown to become the world’s largest and most trusted provider of business sustainability ratings, see how L.E.K. compares with more than 100,000 companies.