Survey respondents agree on the need for the corporate world to tackle climate change and help build an equitable society, but companies also have to remain competitive and profitable.

It is a balance that is easier to strike for some companies than for others.

Balancing profit with sustainability is easier for some sectors than for others

Sector

Region

Balancing customer demands for sustainability with shareholder profit expectations is holding back progress on both fronts (Agree)

“Sustainability and profitability are increasingly likely to go hand in hand. If you look at the risks we face as an organization and the opportunities that we have, it is commercial common sense for us to strongly pursue ESG, or sustainability.”

Peter Harris

Vice president for international sustainability, UPS

ESG: Beyond the tipping point

Businesses worldwide are embracing ESG goals

COVID-19 has been a wake-up call

ESG has become more of a priority since the outbreak of the pandemic

Investors have become more demanding

Businesses expect rapid results from ESG investment

If the benefits are so clear cut, what is holding some businesses back?

Reporting is now essential – but it is still a challenge

The customer/shareholder balancing act is a problem

Conclusion