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The Critical Business Issue of Our Time - Corporate Sustainability

Sustainability is the critical business issue of our time. The markets are now defining Corporate Sustainability as a business approach that creates long-term shareholder value by embracing opportunities and managing risks derived from economic, environmental, social and governance developments.

In this new environment, business models are being redefined, restructuring the cultural and economic landscape. Integrated financial and sustainability reporting is becoming mainstream as corporations learn that sustainability actions align with and support overall strategic business objectives, and as regulatory and stakeholder demands increase.

With this changing landscape, it is now widely accepted by stakeholders that, on average, only 20% of a company’s actual value is reflected in corporate financial reports with the remaining 80% reflected in its environmental, human capital, stakeholder and governance practices. In fact, companies considered leaders in environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies are also leading the pack in stock performance - by an average of 15%, and up to 33% in certain industry sectors.*

As a result, corporations are scrambling to find a pathway through the maze of voluntary and regulatory sustainability demands, and are seeking guidance on how to operationalize, monetize and produce auditable reports on their sutainability activities. But without a roadmap, tools and the ability to measure progress and the economic impact, it can turn quickly from a business opportunity - that drives profitable sustainable bottom line performance - to a great risk.

The Continuum Network (TCN) has the platform and methodology necessary to help corporations successfully transition to the new business reality.

*AT Kearney, 2009, "Green" Winners