Companies that stand out in the area of sustainability address both gaps. They have evolved from knowing to doing and from compliance to competitive advantage. They also know the risk of getting this wrong. For instance promising and not delivering, or addressing material issues without being solid on compliance. Some practical recommendations Just like with overall strategy there is no “one right solution” on sustainability. The best solution depends on the ambitions and stakes at each company. Here are a few useful actions for all management teams to improve sustainability practices. 1] Align strategy and sustainability: Management needs to make sure that the strategy of the company and the sustainability efforts are aligned. Often we see divergence, which of course makes the sustainability efforts fragile, lacking real commitment and prioritization. But there are many good examples. One such example is Unilever’s Planet Positive initiative, designed to give more than the company takes from the planet through plans to protect and regenerate 1.5 million hectares of land, forests and oceans by 2030. Unilever says that is more land than it already uses to grow the renewable ingredients included in its beauty and personal care product range. And by 2025, the company says any plastic used in its packaging will be recyclable, reusable, or compostable. 2] Compliance first, then competitive advantage: First and foremost, companies need to address compliance, which often relates to regulations in waste management, pollution, and energy efficiency as well as human rights and labour responsibility. Compliance is also an issue that concerns investors. A recent survey suggests that investors increasingly shy away from compliance risks. According to the 2021 EY Global Institutional Investor Survey, 74% of institutional investors said they were more likely to divest from companies with poor sustainability performance, while 90% said they would now pay more attention to a company’s sustainability performance when making investment decisions. 3] Reactive to proactive: Many of today’s leading companies in sustainability, like Nike, Coca-Cola, Telenor, IKEA, Siemens, and Nestlé, have stepped up largely as a consequence of a crisis. Oil giant Shell, already the focus of activist protests over drilling in the Arctic, faced boycott calls due its purchase of cheap Russian crude oil after Russia invaded Ukraine in February. Shell rapidly backed down and said it will exit all its Russian operations and write down up to $5 billion as a result. 4] Quantify, including the business case: All companies struggle with quantifying the return on their sustainability investments. With regards to compliance this is a straightforward issue. With regards to areas of competitive advantage, however, companies need to link sustainability to a business case. But the ones that do form a relatively small group. 5] Transparency as a pre-condition: This is essential for assessing and improving sustainability practices. You cannot judge without transparency, simple as that. Transparency builds on the idea that an open environment in the company as well as with the community will improve performance. The only way for companies to accomplish transparency is through open communications with all key stakeholders built on high levels of information disclosure, clarity, and accuracy – as well as an openness to recognizing faults and improving practices. 6] Engage the Board: In the latest McKinsey Global survey, respondents were asked whether their companies track the impact of ESG programs on various stakeholder groups. The biggest percentage among those stakeholder groups, 51%, was for considering the impact on board directors “entirely or to a great extent”. This reinforces how important boards are in collaborations with key stakeholders such as NGOs, governments, and international organizations. 7] Engage your ecosystem: We see that collaboration is critical for efficient sustainability practices, particularly in solving crises and in shaping broader solutions. The MIT/BCG data showed that 67% of executives see sustainability as an area where collaboration is necessary to succeed. 8] Finally, and most importantly, engage the organization broadly: One good example of engagement is Salesforce, a company so committed to making every employee and department accountable to sustainability that it recently enshrined it into its core values. Now that sustainability is part of its DNA, the company can leverage its full might to advance climate action and further operationalize sustainability across its entire business. In summary, sustainability is a major challenge, one that matters beyond individual companies. But a reassuring number of large companies are developing forward-thinking sustainability policies. It is really becoming clear that sustainability is a megatrend that simply isn’t going away!
Research sources Sustainability Nears a Tipping Point Sustainability: Collaboration and Leadership for Sustainability
Sixteen Black-, Hispanic/Latinx-, and Indigenous-owned green technology and clean energy businesses are joining Apple’s second Impact Accelerator, part of the company’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative.
Apple today introduced its second Impact Accelerator class — a cohort of 16 Black-, Hispanic/Latinx-, and Indigenous-owned businesses working on the cutting edge of environmental services and solutions. Part of the company’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, the Impact Accelerator will provide training and mentorship to help propel the selected businesses toward the next stage of growth while advancing a shared goal of creating a greener world. “The fight to address climate change demands that we band together to develop innovative solutions while empowering and uplifting the communities we’re working to protect,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives. “We are thrilled for this dynamic group of innovators to take their important work to the next level with help from our Impact Accelerator, and we are proud to deepen our commitment to working with partners around the country to ensure that environmental progress and equity go hand in hand.” The companies will participate in a three-month program aimed at accelerating progress toward their goals. Executives and their teams will receive customized training that provides the knowledge and tools needed to succeed as an Apple supplier, access to Apple mentors and experts to help align business priorities with environmental goals, and scholarship opportunities with leading executive education programs focused on supply chain and growth. Following the program, the companies will be considered for business opportunities with Apple as it works to achieve carbon neutrality across its entire manufacturing supply chain by 2030. Apple has been carbon neutral for its corporate operations since 2020. The Impact Accelerator program launched last year with the goal of ensuring that the company’s strategic work and investments to protect the environment also help expand access to opportunity for communities of color. Since their participation in the program, companies in the inaugural Impact Accelerator class have seen increased recognition for their work within their sector and local communities, built connections with public- and private-sector leaders advancing climate-based solutions at the local and state levels, and seen their overall business opportunities expand. Several are currently working with Apple as part of the company’s supply chain network, and every company has participated in selective opportunities to be assessed for potential business with Apple. From creating the world’s largest water database to developing clean energy projects on tribal lands to helping farmers improve soil management, the 16 Impact Accelerator businesses are driving innovations in clean energy, water, recycling, carbon removal, and energy efficiency. They span six time zones across the United States, and include family-owned small businesses, woman-owned enterprises, and public benefit corporations. Each share Apple’s commitment to serving communities disproportionately affected by climate change and other environmental challenges.
Doll Avant is the founder and CEO of Aquagenuity, a water stewardship company based in Atlanta.
Aquagenuity Founder and CEO: Doll Avant Water Stewardship Company in Atlanta, GA Aquagenuity is a data analytics company that has built a proprietary national water database to provide up-to-date monitoring on water pollution across the country. Aquagenuity gives everyday citizens a way to monitor the quality of their water and gain a better understanding of the ways in which water quality impacts everyday life. By addressing the root cause of environmental injustice — a lack of data — Aquagenuity aims to mitigate environmental harm against impacted communities of color, save lives, and improve health.
Rick Perez is the founder and CEO of Avangard Innovative, a recycling innovation company based in Houston.
Avangard Innovative Founder and CEO: Rick Perez Recycling Innovation Company in Houston, TX Avangard Innovative believes in a world that generates zero waste, with a mission of providing circular economy solutions that accelerate its customers’ sustainability programs, improve its environmental partners’ ESG scorecards, and generate incremental revenue. With 30 years of experience, the company offers end-to-end recycling optimization programs, and through its proprietary Sustayn technology, program management, and manufacturing of an environmental additive made from post-consumer resin, it helps its clients reduce the carbon footprint in their packaging by up to 75 percent.
Wesley Brandon is the president of CTEMS Company, an electromechanical solutions and logistics company based in Fremont, California.
CTEMS Company President: Wesley Brandon Electromechanical Solutions and Logistics Company in Fremont, CA CTEMS Company offers engineering, manufacturing, and logistics services with a focus on delivering custom cable, harness, and electromechanical box build solutions to global companies in the semiconductor, medical device, and electric vehicle industries. Based in Silicon Valley, the company leverages its technical expertise, diverse workforce, and system integration capabilities to provide full life cycle management for complex hardware, including design, full turnkey assembly, disposition, and recycling/reuse. CTEMS Company aims to be the most flexible and trusted electromechanical manufacturing partner for designing, sourcing, and building products that have a positive and sustainable impact on the world.
Albert Lozano is the president of Digital Green Global, a circular economy and zero-waste electronic service company based in Morgan Hill, California.
Digital Green Global President: Albert Lozano Circular Economy and Zero-Waste Electronic Service Company in Morgan Hill, CA Digital Green Global offers certified e-waste recycling, ITAD, reverse logistics, and secure data eradication and material destruction for its corporate partners, ensuring all end-of-life electronics and hazardous materials are properly and sustainably handled. As an industry leader in protecting business liability and brand reputation, DG Global directly addresses environmental compliance, data security, and intellectual property concerns.
Ibrahim Branham is the president and CEO of IJB Electrical Contractor, an energy efficiency company based in Camden, New Jersey.
IJB Electrical Contractor President and CEO: Ibrahim Branham Energy Efficiency Company in Camden, NJ IJB Electric offers highly personalized electrical, construction, and engineering services for partners seeking to advance carbon reduction and energy resiliency goals. The company is deeply committed to empowering young people to harness their creativity and innovation, which led to the creation of IJB-U — a 12-week program that trains local high school students in cutting-edge skills to prepare them for immediate employment in the power and technology industry. IJB’s impact on historically underserved communities is reflected in its commitment to increasing diversity and community outreach in all its projects.
Nathali Parker is the co-founder and CEO of KLP Construction Supply, a recycling innovation company based in Manor, Texas.
KLP Construction Supply Co-Founder and CEO: Nathali Parker Recycling Innovation Company in Manor, TX KLP Construction Supply is an Indigenous-, woman-owned family business that introduces innovative, eco-friendly materials into the construction and industrial market. Its high-quality products offer reduced life cycle costs and a positive environmental impact to its state, federal, and commercial partners. The company focuses on bringing products to market that are safe for both people and the environment.
Brett Isaac is the founder and executive chairman of Navajo Power, a renewable energy company based in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Navajo Power Founder and Executive Chairman: Brett Isaac Renewable Energy Company in Flagstaff, AZ Navajo Power is a majority Native-owned public benefit corporation (PBC) that develops utility-scale energy projects optimized for the cultural and economic empowerment of tribal nations. By fostering collaborative processes and community engagement, the company develops projects that build strong and credible relationships with communities, unveiling the powerful potential to shift the paradigm of energy access to First Nations. Navajo Power is a company of mission-driven individuals committed to developing clean energy solutions that create positive economic change for tribal nations.
Mike Fernandez is the founder and owner of Niche Tools & Abrasives, a manufacturing materials and processes company based in Winter Springs, Florida.
Niche Tools & Abrasives Founder and Owner: Mike Fernandez Manufacturing Materials and Processes Company in Winter Springs, FL Niche Tools & Abrasives works directly with its customers to find solutions to their manufacturing, repair, and fabrication needs. Niche has expertise in a wide variety of materials and has recently developed a patented, water-based way to create large amounts of graphene — a highly versatile material that can replace copper for certain electronics applications, extend the life span of vehicle engines, make stronger and greener concrete for future infrastructure, and create better batteries and EV charging infrastructure for tomorrow’s clean vehicle technology. Using affordable, scalable graphene will reduce energy consumption, fossil fuel use, and carbon footprint. Niche technology will make a significant economic impact across the construction, aerospace, electronics, and textile industries.
Paul Orem is the CEO and owner of Pro Circuit Solar Inc., a renewable energy company based in Honolulu.
Pro Circuit Solar Inc. CEO and Owner: Paul Orem Renewable Energy Company in Honolulu, HI Pro Circuit Solar Inc. specializes in engineering, procurement, construction, and maintenance of renewable and energy storage systems for commercial and industrial applications. It implements energy efficient solutions to lower overall consumption with the end goal of transitioning the world to renewable energy to fight climate change.
Sophia Del Pozo is the CMO of RENUoil of America, a sustainability and recycling company based in Las Vegas.
RENUoil of America CEO: Isabell Ysassi CMO: Sophia Del Pozo Sustainability and Recycling Company in Las Vegas, NV RENUoil, the largest on-site recycling company in Las Vegas, manages over 7 million pounds of waste per week. The company also offers zero-waste services for venues and events across the city, and provides outlets for various waste streams for its hospitality clients. Its commitment to creating opportunities for empowerment and diversity inspirits its work to create an environmentally friendly future that’s inclusive to all.
Ravi Norman is the chairman and CEO of Sagiliti, an energy efficiency company based in Excelsior, Minnesota.
Sagiliti Chairman and CEO: Ravi Norman Energy Efficiency Company in Excelsior, MN Sagiliti is a team of sustainability stewards that transform utility data into environmental action. The company handles everything from utility invoice processing to sustainability consulting in an effort to reduce environmental impact, maximize revenue, and improve performance. Through effective management of energy and water expenses, Sagiliti helps its clientele achieve resource efficiency that encourages both profitability and corporate responsibility.
Mitchell Haldane is the nature-based solutions lead of Sealaska, a carbon removal company based in Juneau, Alaska.
Sealaska President and CEO: Anthony Mallott Nature-Based Solutions Lead: Mitchell Haldane Carbon Removal Company in Juneau, AK Nearing 50 years in business, Sealaska aims to increase the number of Native-owned nature-based solutions (NBS) projects throughout North America. The company keeps Indigenous landowners and managers up to date and involved in NBS markets by providing expertise in programming, market advice, and an understanding of the growing opportunities in the NBS marketplace. It prides itself in being community owned and community focused while working toward its goals of fostering economic prosperity and environmental protection.
Jonathan Richard Garcia is the CEO and owner of Simmitri, a solar energy company based in San Jose, California.
Simmitri CEO: Jonathan Richard Garcia Solar Energy Company in San Jose, CA Simmitri has designed and installed energy and roof systems for thousands of customers since its launch in 1995. The Latino-owned company offers a robust range of award-winning renewable energy services for the home and business, including solar power, cutting-edge green roof technologies, micro-grid battery solutions, EV chargers, energy performance evaluations, and complete smart home power management systems. Through its nonprofit Green Design Center, Simmitri helps gain access to sustainable technologies through grants as well as city and agency partnerships. As part of its “Share the Light” program, the company deploys carbon-reducing roofing systems, repurposes old solar panels, and donates new roofs to help people in underserved communities.
Andrew Simkins Hollis is the owner and vice president of business development of Slater Infrastructure Group, a water stewardship company based in Alpharetta, Georgia.
Slater Infrastructure Group Founder and CEO: Jeanne Simkins Hollis Owner and VP of Business Development: Andrew Simkins Hollis Water Stewardship Company in Alpharetta, GA Slater Infrastructure Group works with energy and wastewater treatment facilities to mitigate any negative environmental impacts. By focusing on enhancing and training the workforce of the future to utilize technology that will increase sustainability efficiency, the company provides strategic solutions that focus on addressing environmental justice through remediation. As a company with deep ties to its community and family values, its commitment to improving the lives of underserved communities is integral to its strategy and operations.
Irving Rivera is the CEO of Solena Ag, a carbon removal company based in Foster City, California.
Solena Ag CEO: Irving Rivera Carbon Removal Company in Foster City, CA Solena aids farmers by offering soil assessments, characterizations, and solutions that maximize soil health and increase crop profitability. Using Solena’s biological capital methodology, farmers can increase the biodiversity of their soil and improve carbon content without losing productivity. Solena’s specialized understanding of soil diversity allows it to create efficient, personalized solutions that ensure soil health and fertility.
Vince M. Floyd is the president and CEO of Utility Energy Services, an energy efficiency company based in Troy, Michigan.
Utility Energy Services President and CEO: Vince M. Floyd Energy Efficiency Company in Troy, MI Utility Energy Services is an end-to-end implementation service company that provides solutions to utility, commercial, and municipal customers. UES’s expertise is in energy efficiency, demand response, and electrification. From engineering and installations to audits and program management, UES ensures that a broader variety of utility customers can maximize their participation in energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. As part of its commitment to accessibility and energy justice, the company focuses on providing opportunities for people of color and underrepresented communities.
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