BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION
Eco-Friendly Business Transformation: Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage
Concerns about climate change, the environment, and the ongoing depletion of natural resources have grown exponentially over the last few years. As a result, more and more businesses today are actively engaged in the implementation of sustainable initiatives and strategies across their processes, operations, and supply chains. Not only do sustainable business practices keep investors and consumers happy by putting an end to harmful practices and having a positive environmental impact, but modern business sustainability strategies can also help organisations build a competitive advantage within their industry.
Forward-thinking organisations are now looking beyond the bottom line to non-financial aspects of the business, such as crafting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies to create value for stakeholders in the long term. This blog will highlight how businesses should go about crafting a successful business sustainability strategy and explore how sustainable products and practices can give businesses a competitive edge in today’s market environment.
Business strategies for environmental sustainability
Below are the key steps involved in creating a sustainable business strategy.
Consider the expectations of all stakeholders
To successfully craft sustainable ESG strategies that can deliver value in the long term, it is important for an organisation to be cognisant of the needs of society as a whole. The expectations and aspirations of all stakeholders, including board members, employees, customers, vendors, and partners, must be considered before a business can integrate a successful sustainability strategy that can deliver long-term environmental, financial, and social value to all concerned. All parties must be on the same page and share responsibility to create a successful sustainability strategy.
Define ambitions and commitments
Ambitions, goals, and objectives that are laid out when crafting a sustainability strategy must be consistent with an overall vision that the entire organisation can support. Businesses must promote a culture of inclusiveness to accelerate positive transformation across the organisation in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all corporate interactions, thus encouraging accountability at all levels of the organisation and uniting all stakeholders around a shared objective. Establishing concrete commitments and ensuring transparent reporting ensures a focus on this shared objective.
Allow ESG to play a greater role in organisational strategy
An overview of the entire business and all its processes is necessary to create a successful sustainability strategy. The impact of all aspects and functions of the business across the entire supply chain must be considered, spanning product creation, talent oversight, customer experience, vendor relationships, and more. The choices, investments, and activities the firm takes should be influenced by the integration of sustainability into a whole-organisation integrated strategy.
Use modern technology to create value
Traditional business practices can keep businesses from achieving their sustainability goals. Innovation and the use of modern digital technology can help decision-makers re-evaluate existing practices and operations, right from how goods and services are created to how they are delivered. Incorporating the latest technological innovations, such as automation and data analytics, can prompt a comprehensive transformation across all levels of the organisation and has the potential to yield massive growth and expansion alongside a transformation that incorporates sustainable business practices.
Have a reporting framework in place
Close monitoring and transparent reporting of an organisation’s advancements towards its sustainability goals is key to maintaining the trust and confidence of all stakeholders. The responsibility of ensuring transparency and accountability lies with board members and senior management and should align with the regulatory and compliance laws of the land. Effective communication and reporting are only possible with modern data management and tracking solutions in place and the establishment of relevant benchmarks to accurately gauge progress towards defined business sustainability strategies.
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How can Infosys BPM help?
Crafting effective business strategies for environmental sustainability can be a complicated task, and the Infosys BPM enterprise transformation services can guide your business towards creating sustainable transformations that open up a host of new opportunities for growth and expansion. Reach out to know more about the sustainable advantages these enterprise transformation services can bring to your organisation.
