A New Era of Sustainability UN Global Compact-Accenture CEO Study 2010 A New Era of Sustainability CEO reflections on progress to date, challenges ahead and the impact of the journey toward a sustainable economy. Peter Lacy Tim Cooper Rob Hayward Lisa Neuberger June 2010 Contents Foreword............................................................................02 Introduction......................................................................03 Acknowledgement of CEO participants.....................05 Executive summary.........................................................10 1. Shifting gears: Sustainability is changing............16 2. Making progress: From strategy to execution....32 3. Approaching a new era: The road ahead..............40 4. Accelerating the journey and competing in a new era of sustainability.......................................46 References and additional acknowledgements........56 1 Foreword We come together at the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit 2010 to mark a decade of progress in advancing the corporate sustainability movement globally. It is fitting that we use this occasion to understand the opinions and experiences of the member CEOs participating in the Global Compact, and use those insights to help set the sustainability agenda for the next ten years. There has perhaps never been a better moment to contribute to the debate about how, as we look to economic recovery following one of the most tumultuous periods in our history, we can start to rebuild the global economy in a sustainable way. The timeliness of this study is matched by its breadth. Nearly 1,000 CEOs, business leaders, members of civil society and academic experts have contributed to what is the largest CEO survey on sustainability of its kind to date. The global geographic and industry coverage of contributing CEOs further provided unique insights into the challenges and opportunities of the coming decade. It is a decade that, CEOs believe, could usher in a new era where sustainability issues are fully integrated into all elements of business and market forces are truly aligned with sustainability outcomes. The survey and conversations conducted as part of this landmark study Georg Kell, Executive Director make clear that today’s CEOs are more convinced than UN Global Compact ever of the need to embed environmental, social and corporate governance issues within core business. But they are also convinced that good performance on sustainability amounts to good business overall: The imperative to act has shifted from a moral to a business case. Furthermore, executives see significant progress in executing their plans to integrate sustainability. Many challenges must be faced, however, before market forces can truly be aligned with sustainable development. For example, CEOs see that engaging with the investor community on new terms, improving the provision of education and skills, and measuring a new concept of value within organizations are critical conditions for change. Yet we also see a strong determination on the part of CEOs to take the necessary actions to meet these challenges. We hope that this first-hand voice of Global Compact CEOs will help set the agenda for the Leaders Summit 2010, and also shape the conversation on corporate sustainability over the coming years. As business, government and civil society leaders convene in New York to mark the tenth anniversary of the Global Compact, we believe that we can, together, set out a compelling collective vision for the future of the global economy. As we look ahead, we recognize the scale of the challenges that we face—but also recognize Bruno Berthon, Managing Director the huge potential of the Global Compact as a unique Accenture Sustainability Services platform for engaging the economy’s most powerful force. If that potential is unleashed, we can build the necessary foundations of a new era of sustainability. 2 Introduction The UN Global Compact and Accenture team would like to thank Jeremy Oppenheim and Sheila Bonini—with whom I worked and who led the 2007 study for McKinsey & Company. This baseline has enabled us to draw important insights on how the sustainability picture has changed over the last three years. We would also like to acknowledge the extraordinary contributions of the UNGC project leads Georg Kell, Gavin Power, Carrie Hall, Matthias Stausberg and Sean Cruse as well as the Accenture coauthor team of Tim Cooper, Rob Hayward and Lisa Neuberger. There have also been many further contributions from colleagues in Accenture too numerous to mention here, but without whom our analysis would not be as compelling—Mark Foster, Bruno Berthon, Dave Abood, Lay Lim Teo, Mark Spelman, Mark Purdy, Ulf In compiling the UN Global Compact-Accenture CEO Study Henning, Rod Kay, Lucy Cooper, Arnaud Haines, Helen Doyle 2010, we conducted two principal strands of research. and Chris Allieri deserve particular thanks. First, we conducted more than 100 in-depth interviews Last—and most importantly—on behalf of the United Nations with global leaders. This included 50 CEOs, chairpersons and Global Compact and Accenture Sustainability Services, presidents of UN Global Compact member companies, across we would like to express our sincere thanks to the CEOs 27 countries and representing a broad spectrum of cross- and chairpersons, business leaders and other stakeholders industry perspectives. More than one-third of the interviews who have participated in the study. The project team has were from the Global Compact’s original founder companies. endeavored to understand and interpret their many ideas, An additional 50 interviews were conducted with other reflections and case study examples in conducting the study senior business executives (in most cases executive board and delivering this report. Any insights are theirs while any members), civil society leaders, external experts and UN errors are our own. Global Compact board members. This approach has enabled us to assemble a rich and diverse set of insights, allowing us We hope that this study provides a rich, authentic and to explore, test and refine emerging themes and ideas. evidence-based platform to understand CEO views on the progress, challenges and implications of the journey toward Second, we conducted an online survey of 766 Global a new era of sustainability. Compact member CEOs. Survey respondents were drawn from nearly 100 countries, across more than 25 industry sectors including automotive, communications, consumer goods and services, energy, financial services, metals & mining and utilities (see Figures 1 and 2). Reflecting the global split of the Global Compact membership, 439 of the Peter Lacy respondents were from companies primarily based in Europe; UNGC-Accenture CEO Study Project Lead 2010 156 of respondents are from North and Latin America; 113 Managing Director, Accenture Sustainability Services are from Asia Pacific. Another 58 respondents are based in Europe, Africa, Middle East and Latin America Africa and the Middle East. This coverage has helped ensure a truly global multi-polar lens on sustainability issues, acknowledging the critical role that emerging markets play in solving today’s global challenges. The survey respondents were drawn from both publicly traded and privately owned companies and represent some of the largest companies in the world. Respondents represent companies that have joined the Global Compact across the ten years of its existence, giving us a snapshot of businesses both well advanced in embedding the principles of the UNGC as well as those just embarking upon that journey. 3 Figure 1: CEO online survey respondents (766 total) Europe - 439 Americas - 156 Asia Pacific - 113 Africa & Middle East - 58 Figure 2: CEO online survey respondents by most common industries 18% 14% 8% 7% 5% 5% 5% 4% 4% 3% 3% 3% 3% h s gy es es s g t ng ns s ls ive ice en ice tie ec in ica nc vic tio er i ot nk in pm -t ili rv rv En cie m er ica m m gh Ut Ba se se e ui ls to es Ch & hi un n eq s& Au na tio als lif & m ial sio od rta m cs et & str Co go es ni M po h du alt of ro er ns Pr ct In He um tra Ele ns & Co re tu uc str fra In 4 Acknowledgement of CEO participants We would like to thank the following CEOs, chairpersons and presidents for their insights in shaping this study. While the views expressed in this study do not reflect the totality of opinions received from all contributing executives, their Ben Verwaayen, Klaus Kleinfeld, Hirokazu CEO, Alcatel- Chairman and Hashimoto, participation and guidance have been Lucent CEO, Alcoa President & critical. Director, Anritsu Corporation Jürgen Hambrecht, Edemir Pinto, Barbara Rashid Toefy, Zhongshu Zhou, Amr Sheira, CEO, Chairman of the CEO, Krumsiek, CEO, Cape Town President, China CompuMe Board of Executive BM&FBOVESPA President and International Minmetals Directors, BASF SE CEO, Calvert Convention Corporation Group Ltd. Centre Gareth Penny, René Obermann, Paul S. Walsh, Fulvio Conti, Paolo Scaroni, Steve Lennon, Group CEO, CEO, Deutsche Chief Executive, CEO and General CEO, Eni S.p.A. Managing Director, De Beers Telekom AG Diageo plc. Manager, Enel Corporate Services S.p.A. Division, Eskom Holdings Ltd. Didier Lombard, Toshio Arima, Andrew Witty, Alfredo Sáenz, Stephen Green, Ignacio Galán, Chairman, Director, Fuji CEO, Second Vice Group Chairman, Chairman & CEO, France Telecom Xerox Co., Ltd. GlaxoSmithKline Chairman and HSBC Holdings Iberdrola CEO, Grupo plc. 5 Santander Jorge Samek, Hans Vestberg, Martha Tilaar, Steve Holliday, Sam I. Ohuabunwa, Paul Bulcke, CEO, Director-General, CEO, LM Ericsson Chairwoman & Chief Executive, President and Nestlé S.A. Itaipu Binacional Founder, Martha National Grid CEO, Neimeth Tilaar Group International Pharmaceuticals Plc. Svein Richard Daniel Vasella, Wolfgang J. Mavi S. Isibor, Prida Tiasuwan, Luiz Ernesto Brandtzæg, M.D., Chairman, Ruttenstorfer, CEO CEO, Poise Chairman, Gemignani, President and Novartis AG & Chairman, OMV Nigeria Limited Pranda Jewelry Chairman, CEO, Norsk Aktiengesellschaft PCL Promon S.A. Hydro ASA H.E. Akbar YS Chi, Carlos Ghosn, Adam Crozier, Gerard J. Helmy Abouleish, Al Baker, CEO, Vice-Chair, Reed Chairman & CEO, CEO, Royal Mail Kleisterlee, Managing Qatar Airways Elsevier Group Renault Nissan President & CEO, Director, SEKEM plc Alliance Royal Philips Group Electronics Ernst Bärtschi, Tae-won Chey, Idar Kreutzer, Sung-joo Kim, Yasuchika PM Telang, CEO, Sika Group Chairman & CEO, Group CEO, Chairperson and Hasegawa, Managing SK Storebrand ASA CEO, Sungjoo President and Director, Tata Group CEO, Takeda Motors Pharmaceutical Company Jamshed J. Irani, Jeffrey Swartz, Kaspar Villiger, Alessandro Paul Polman, Director, Tata President & CEO, Chairman of the Profumo, CEO, CEO, Unilever Steel The Timberland BoD, UBS AG UniCredit S.p.A. Company 6 Additional Business Leader Insights Stakeholders Insights We would like to thank the following business leaders for Although this is intended as a CEO study, in order to gather a their additional input: wide set of opinions and insights we also interviewed UNGC Esra Ozer, Alcoa board members and a selected group of wider stakeholders. Larry Stone, BT Group We are very grateful to the following: Farouki Majeed, California Public Employees' UNGC board members Retirement System Guillermo Carey, Carey & Allende Abogados Paul Hilton, Calvert Group Ltd. Chen Ying, Beijing Rong Zhi Institute of Corporate Social Weijun Xie, China Minmetals Corporation Responsibility Wolfram Heger, Daimler Fernando Chico Pardo, Aeropuertos Del Sureste Norbert Otten, Daimler Juan de la Mota, Global Compact Spanish Network Ole Daugbjerg, Danfoss Charles O. Holliday, Bank of America James Suzman, De Beers Huguette Labelle, Transparency International Birgit Klesper, Deutsche Telekom AG Sir Mark Moody-Stuart, Foundation for the Global Compact Luis Neves, Deutsche Telekom AG Mary Robinson, Realizing Rights: The Ethical Globalization Carolyn Panzer, Diageo plc. Initiative Dave Kepler, Dow Chemical Jean Rozwadowski, International Chamber of Commerce Bo Miller, Dow Chemical Guy Ryder, International Trade Union Confederation Julia King, GlaxoSmithKline Manfred Warda, International Federation of Chemical, Duncan Learmouth, GlaxoSmithKline Energy, Mine and General Workers’ Union Marc Fox, Goldman Sachs Wider stakeholders Andrew Howard, Goldman Sachs Graham Baxter, International Business Leaders Forum Sean O'Neill, Heineken Per Sandberg, World Business Council for Sustainable Susanna Wilson, HSBC Holdings plc. Development Nuning Barwa, Martha Tilaar Group Sophia Tickell, SustainAbility Marcelo Cardoso, Natura Tensie Whelan, Rainforest Alliance Niels Christiansen, Nestlé S.A. Simon Zadek, AccountAbility Esko Aho, Nokia Kirsten Hovi, Norsk Hydro ASA Academic Advisor Lise Kingo, Novo Nordisk Prof. Dr. Gilbert Lenssen Susanne Stormer, Novo Nordisk President of EABIS—The Academy of Business in Society Wolfgang Kraus, OMV Rich Delaney, PepsiCo Marcia Balisciano, Reed Elsevier Sir Brian Fall, Rio Tinto Graham Weale, RWE Sören Buttkereit, Siemens Barbara Kux, Siemens Rainer Weihofen, Sika Group David Bresch, Swiss Re Rolf Tanner, Swiss Re Anant Nadkarni, Tata Motors AS Puri, Tata Motors Sangram Tambe, Tata Motors Betsy Blaisdell, The Timberland Company Kate King, The Timberland Company Christian Leitz, UBS AG Gavin Neath, Unilever Michiel Leijnse, Unilever Miguel Veiga-Pestana, Unilever Gerhard Prätorius, Volkswagen 7 8 9 Executive summary Journey to a new era of sustainability The sustainability landscape is changing After the storm: Rebuilding trust CEOs around the world are starting to see the shape of a Demonstrating a visible and authentic commitment to new era of sustainability coming into view. In the face of sustainability is especially important to CEOs because it is rising global competition, technological change and the most part of an urgent need to regain and build trust from the serious economic downturn in nearly a century, corporate public and other key stakeholders, such as consumers and commitment to the principles of sustainability remains strong governments—trust that was shaken by the recent global throughout the world: 93 percent of CEOs see sustainability as financial crisis. Strengthening brand, trust and reputation is important to their company’s future success. the strongest motivator for taking action on sustainability issues, identified by 72 percent of CEOs. However, CEOs This is one of the most significant headlines of our survey of often assume that their own company is more respected 766 United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) member CEOs, and trusted than their industry in general—leading to a real extensive interviews with an additional 50 member CEOs concern that executives may underestimate the extent to and further interviews with more than 50 business and civil which mistrust in business continues to be an issue in the society leaders. The scale of this research is such that it public mind. represents the largest such study of CEOs ever conducted on the topic of sustainability. The drivers and approaches to In the course of our survey and conversations with CEOs, sustainability are changing we have witnessed a fundamental shift since the last In 2007, education was the top development issue on the Global Compact survey in 2007. Then, sustainability was minds of CEOs. Concerns about education are still prevalent just emerging on the periphery of business issues, an in 2010 and focused on the failure of education systems, increasing concern that was beginning to reshape the rules talent pipelines and the capabilities of future leaders to of competition. Three years later, sustainability is truly top- manage sustainability. Seventy-two percent of executives of-mind for CEOs around the world. While environmental, identified education as one of the critical development social and governance challenges continue to grow and issues for the future success of their business. Perhaps CEOs wrestle with competing strategic priorities, sustainable unsurprisingly, climate change was second at 66 percent as business practices and products are opening up new markets concern about greenhouse gas emissions continues to grow. and sources of demand; driving new business models and However, in our conversations with CEOs, we found that a sources of innovation; changing industry cost structures; and broader set of issues are starting to appear on the corporate beginning to permeate business from corporate strategy to all elements of operations. 10 radar. Resource scarcity (water in particular) and health Businesses will have to grapple with a new concept of value issues are of increasing concern. that moves beyond a focus purely on profit and incorporates nonfinancial metrics, putting a new onus on the ability to The ways in which CEOs are addressing sustainability issues measure and communicate progress. are also changing. Our research reveals three key ways in which approaches and strategies are shifting as we move CEOs also acknowledge that a new generation of leadership, toward a new era of sustainability: and concerted efforts to shape a corporate culture supportive of the goals of sustainability, must underpin 1. The consumer is (or will be) king success in the new era. In other words, today’s business End consumers as well as business and government environment provides a multitude of new challenges to customers are increasingly driving a company’s strategy manage, but also significant opportunities for those who can for developing sustainable products and services. CEOs master its dynamics. identify the consumer as the most important stakeholder in influencing the way in which they will manage societal Challenges to overcome: From strategy to expectations over the next five years: 58 percent of survey respondents selected the consumer among their most execution important stakeholders, even above employees (45 percent) CEOs believe that execution is now the real challenge to and governments (39 percent). bringing about the new era of sustainability. Confidence among business leaders about their progress toward this 2. Importance of technology and innovation new era is strong, and their companies are taking concrete steps toward embedded sustainability. Eighty-one percent CEOs are aware of the critical role that innovative, of CEOs—compared to just 50 percent in 2007—stated leading-edge technologies are playing in advancing the that sustainability issues are now fully embedded into the sustainability agenda—in areas such as climate change (e.g., strategy and operations of their company. For example, we using smart technologies such as grids and meters); and saw cases of companies beginning to integrate sustainability in terms of increased transparency through social media issues into their executive compensation packages, as well as platforms. Ninety-one percent of CEOs reported that their design and innovation functions, more than in 2007. company would employ new technologies (e.g., renewable energy, energy efficiency, information and communications However, our conversations suggest that while sustainability technology) to help meet their sustainability goals over the has clearly become part and parcel of how many businesses next five years. operate, it has yet to permeate all elements of core business—that is, into capabilities, processes and systems. 3. Collaboration is critical In particular, the difficulty of implementation, especially Across the board, the CEOs we spoke to confirmed that across supply chains and subsidiaries, is seen by CEOs as partnerships and collaboration (e.g., with suppliers, non- the top barrier to the full integration of sustainability. Our governmental organizations, government agencies, etc.) are research finds a significant performance gap between those now a critical element of their approach to sustainability CEOs who agree that sustainability should be embedded issues. Businesses realize that today’s global challenges are throughout their subsidiaries (91 percent) and supply too broad and too complex to go it alone. Seventy-eight chain (88 percent), and those who report their company is percent of CEOs believe that companies should engage in already doing so (59 percent and 54 percent, respectively). industry collaborations and multi-stakeholder partnerships Furthermore, full integration of sustainability into to address development goals. Nevertheless, while CEOs performance management frameworks and approaches to believe civil society is an essential partner in tackling these training and development remains some way off. issues, they believe non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are declining in their influence on corporate sustainability agendas. Just 15 percent of CEOs identified NGOs as one Ensuring the right external conditions of the key stakeholders influencing their approach to How long will it take before the majority of companies sustainability, down 12 percent from 2007. worldwide reach this new era in which sustainability is fully integrated across their global business footprint? Fifty-four percent of CEOs surveyed feel that this tipping point is only a A new sustainability era on the horizon decade away—and 80 percent believe it will occur within 15 Our survey found widespread agreement among CEOs years—an optimistic view unthinkable in 2007 and testament about what the next era of sustainability will look like: It to the sea-change taking place. However, CEOs see that is one where sustainability is not only a separate strategic progress toward that destination is by no means guaranteed, initiative, but something fully integrated into the strategy or irreversible, and will require them to overcome several and operations of a company. As one emerging economy serious challenges, both through their own actions and in CEO told us, “Currently, the burning issue is how to better collaboration with stakeholders. These challenges include: incorporate sustainability into daily practice.” Investor uncertainty: Many CEOs believe that the CEOs see that a new era of sustainability will entail a number investment community is not supporting corporate efforts of business imperatives and change the face of competition. to create value through sustainable products and services For example, companies will need to develop a broader by failing to factor performance on sustainability issues into sense of what value creation means to society as a whole. valuation models. 11 Consumer uncertainty: The consumer may be king when The role of the UN Global Compact: it comes to driving profitable sustainability, but the CEOs surveyed are looking for clearer signals that sustainability A forum for education and sharing of actually drives buying behaviors. Similarly, they are unclear best practices as to the extent to which sustainability concerns will drive purchasing decisions by businesses and governments. CEOs are more aware than ever that their ability to take the next step along the journey to integrated sustainability Regulatory uncertainty: Across the board, CEOs spoke of the depends on partnerships, collaboration and joint efforts need for greater clarity around the shape and scope of future with governments and with private entities such as business regulation in response to regulatory challenges. schools. No one alone has all the answers. The UN Global Compact has a vital role to play in bringing Accelerating the tipping point: Business different stakeholders together in dialogue and the pursuit action is needed of shared goals. This represents a significant development In order to overcome these challenges and accelerate a in 2010 compared to the last survey in 2007. Then, CEOs tipping point in the integration of sustainability into core saw the UNGC’s role as one primarily focused on making the business, CEOs believe that a number of “must-have” business case for sustainability and setting future strategic conditions need to be put in place. Businesses need to take direction. While executives still see this role as important, in a leadership role to bring them about, often in collaboration 2010 that role has been extended to help companies share with wider stakeholders such as the UN Global Compact: best practices as they work to improve their ability to deliver on these critical execution challenges. 1. Actively shaping consumer and customer awareness, attitudes and needs. To create a market for sustainable Two-thirds of the CEOs we surveyed are looking to the UNGC products and services, CEOs see the need to increase the as a forum for the sharing of best practices and emerging provision of consumer information and set clear standards, ideas on sustainability. Just over half are also seeking as well as direct government incentives and investment in guidance from the UNGC about execution of a sustainability areas such as energy, transport and public infrastructure. strategy. 2. Generating new knowledge, skills and mindsets for A similar number are looking for the UNGC to facilitate sustainable development. Although businesses believe that other kinds of dialogue and collaboration, such as working formal educational institutions and business schools need with business schools and educators to shape the next to do more, CEOs also recognize the need to increase their generation of leaders or continuing to partner with the own efforts to engender the right skills and mindsets in their investment community. Both of these findings are a strong managers and future leaders. reinforcement of the value of the UNGC’s pioneering work in founding the Principles for Responsible Management 3. Leading the creation of an investment environment Education and the Principles for Responsible Investment, and more favorable to sustainable business. CEOs need to be a mandate to go further. more proactive in engaging with investors to ensure that the value of sustainability activities can be demonstrated These findings underscore the fact that companies are through traditional metrics such as cost reduction and taking the long view when it comes to sustainability. There revenue growth. are no easy answers, and the journey will not necessarily be a short one. But, arguably, the modern era has never before 4. Embedding new concepts of value and performance seen such a high level of executive commitment to the at the organizational and individual levels. Businesses environmental, social and corporate governance agenda. will need to measure both positive and negative impacts of business on society, track and manage sustainability’s UNGC member CEOs are acutely aware of the power their impact on core business drivers and metrics, and embed companies have to change the world—but similarly conscious sustainability in individual performance frameworks that they cannot go it alone. for managers across their organizations (e.g., through remuneration packages). Executives are willing to step up to the challenges ahead and they recognize that—as the Global Compact celebrates its 5. Creating a clearer and more positive regulatory tenth anniversary—this is “the end of the beginning” and not environment for sustainability. To avoid the unintended “the beginning of the end” in the transition to a new era of consequences of regulation, build trust and provide a sustainability. more informed basis for policymaking, businesses should adopt a more proactive and collaborative approach with governments to seek out genuine opportunities for business and societal benefit. 12 CEO opinion: by the numbers 93% 93% of CEOs believe that sustainability issues will be critical to the future success of their business. 72% 72% of CEOs cite “brand, trust and reputation” as one of the top three factors driving them to take action on sustainability issues. Revenue growth and cost reduction is second with 44%. 72% 72% of CEOs see education as the global development issue most critical to address for the future success of their business. Climate change is second with 66%. 58% 58% of CEOs identify consumers as the most important stakeholder group that will impact the way they manage societal expectations. Employees were second with 45%. 91% 91% of CEOs report that their company will employ new technologies (e.g., renewable energy, energy efficiency, information and communication technologies) to address sustainability issues over the next five years. 13 96% 96% of CEOs believe that sustainability issues should be fully integrated into the strategy and operations of a company (up from 72% in 2007). 49% 49% of CEOs cite complexity of implementation across functions as the most significant barrier to implementing an integrated, company-wide approach to sustainability. Competing strategic priorities is second with 48%. 88% 88% of CEOs believe that they should be integrating sustainability through their supply chain. Only 54% believe that this has been achieved within their company. An almost identical performance gap is seen for subsidiaries. 86% 86% of CEOs see “accurate valuation by investors of sustainability in long- term investments” as important to reaching a tipping point in sustainability. 64% 64% of CEOs see the most important role of the UN Global Compact as sharing examples of best and emerging practices on sustainability. Guidance on implementation is second with 51%. 14 15 Chapter 1 Shifting gears: Sustainability is changing CEOs’ belief in the importance of percent of CEOs report that their company has reduced investment in sustainability as a result of the downturn— sustainability is stronger than ever, in and 74 percent say that the downturn has led their spite of the recent economic downturn company to align sustainability more closely with In 2010, CEO support for corporate sustainability is core business. Although some CEOs believe that the nearly unanimous. Ninety-three percent of the 766 CEOs downturn has reduced the speed at which they have responding to our online survey believe that sustainability been able to integrate their strategies for sustainability, issues will be important or very important to their or slowed their philanthropic activities, the vast future success. Corporate commitment to sustainability, majority agree that the downturn has not derailed their according to the survey, has increased considerably long-term plans to drive a sustainability agenda. since 2007. “Sustainability now has to be on everyone’s One reason for this continued support is that, during such agenda, and that represents a fundamental change,” a time of hardship, businesses have been forced to examine according to Klaus Kleinfeld, Chairman and CEO of Alcoa, closely how their sustainability activity delivers core business one of the largest aluminum producers in the world. This value, measured in terms such as cost reduction and revenue belief in sustainability is seen against the backdrop of growth. As one European business leader pointed out, “If the most challenging global economic downturn of our managing a business sustainably is about using resources lifetimes—a crisis Alfredo Sáenz, CEO of banking group efficiently, then it serves the cost agenda as well.” For Santander, called a “perfect storm for the industry.” example, Dow Chemical has generated significant savings The global economic downturn might have been expected by reusing treated wastewater in its manufacturing plants, to weaken the commitment to environmental, social and reducing energy consumption in its Benelux plant by 65 corporate governance issues (see sidebar, “Understanding percent. This is the equivalent of reducing carbon dioxide the Scope of Sustainability”). In fact, it seems to have emissions by 60,000 tons per year.1 Deutsche Telekom had the opposite effect: 80 percent of CEOs believe that has realized savings of €50 million (US$59.6 million) per the economic downturn has raised the importance of annum over the last ten years through increased energy sustainability as an issue for top management. Just 12 efficiency and other overhead reduction measures.2 16 Understanding the scope of sustainability Throughout this report, we use the term Labour Standards “sustainability” to encompass environmental, social Principle 3 and corporate governance issues, as embodied in Businesses should uphold the freedom of the United Nations Global Compact’s Ten Principles. association and the effective recognition of the These ten principles, covering areas of human right to collective bargaining; rights, labour, the environment and anti-corruption, Principle 4 enjoy universal consensus and are derived from: The elimination of all forms of forced and • The Universal Declaration of Human Rights compulsory labour; Principle 5 • The International Labour Organization's The effective abolition of child labour; and Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work Principle 6 The elimination of discrimination in respect of • The Rio Declaration on Environment and employment and occupation. Development Environment • The United Nations Convention Against Principle 7 Corruption Businesses should support a precautionary The Global Compact asks companies to embrace, approach to environmental challenges; support and enact, within their sphere of influence, Principle 8 these ten principles: Undertake initiatives to promote greater environmental responsibility; and Human Rights Principle 9 Principle 1 Encourage the development and diffusion of Businesses should support and respect the environmentally friendly technologies. protection of internationally proclaimed human rights; and Anti-Corruption Principle 2 Principle 10 Make sure that they are not complicit in human Businesses should work against corruption in all its rights abuses. forms, including extortion and bribery. 17 Also bolstering the continued commitment to sustainability Figure 1-1: CEOs see sustainability as critical to their during the economic downturn has been demand for future success, but this varies by region sustainable products and services. Although one business leader reported increased volatility in consumer interest and How important are sustainability issues to the future success of your business? spending, others have seen the downturn accelerate demand for green products and services. This growth in demand Very Important Important spans traditional consumer segments, but also business-to- Overall 54% 39% 93% business transactions and government spending decisions. Asia Pacific 57% 41% 98% For example, Siemens—a leader in providing products Latin America 97% 78% 19% that allow their customers to address energy efficiency challenges—experienced strong demand for its green Africa 60% 37% 97% products throughout the downturn. Its “Environmental Europe 48% 45% 93% Portfolio” encompasses almost all relevant areas relating to the generation, transmission, distribution and use of North America 59% 31% 90% energy as well as other environmental technologies. In Middle East & 22% 57% 79% 2009, Siemens generated revenues of €23 billion (US$28 North Africa billion) from this portfolio of products and services, an Source: United Nations Global Compact CEO Survey 2010 11 percent increase from 2008 and nearly one-third of (based on 766 completed responses) Siemens’ total annual revenues. Last year alone, Siemens helped customers cut approximately 210 million tons of In Latin America, 78 percent of CEOs believe that CO2 emissions—the equivalent of the annual emissions of sustainability issues will be very important to the success Berlin, London, Munich, New York and Tokyo combined.3 of their business, reflecting the progressive stance taken by many Latin American companies. For example, tapping into Geographic perspectives: Belief in the strong concern among Brazilian consumers and society the relevance of sustainability differs as a whole around sustainability issues, Natura Cosmeticos, a US$2.3 billion revenue São Paulo-based cosmetics and according to region—but not always in beauty products company, has social and environmental predictable ways issues at the core of its strategy and operations. Large majorities of CEOs from every nation see sustainability Natura only invests in new product platforms based on the as important or very important to the future success of their sustainable use of natural resources, with 80 percent of the business. In the words of Hirokazu Hashimoto, President materials in all their products coming from renewable plant and Director of the Japanese technology company Anritsu sources. This includes its “Ekos” range, which is made with Corporation, “Sustainability issues are critically important resources from the rich Brazilian biodiversity extracted in for our company’s future,” recognizing the role that the a sustainable way and through fair trade. The company has communications and high-technology sector will play in established partnerships with rural suppliers to promote helping business and consumers address sustainability issues. sustainable research and development. It is significantly increasing its investment in its workforce, training and Closer scrutiny of the geographic data, however, reveals educating its employees on environmental issues: Spending some significant differences among CEOs in different regions on training rose by 44 percent between 2008 and 2009 and of the world (see Figure 1-1). in 2010 the company aims to provide 100 hours of training per employee. It also encourages its direct sales force of The top three regions in which businesses cite sustainability 1 million women to take part in social programs in local as most important to their future success are Asia Pacific, communities—helping to achieve an exceptionally low level of Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa. This may reflect employee turnover (7.5 percent per year) within the industry. what one business leader termed the “lens of proximity” of sustainability issues. That is, corporations and the public Placing sustainability at the core of its business strategy has alike in these emerging economies see sustainability in given Natura a significant advantage in promoting its brand very personal, local and immediate terms—e.g., access and reputation, and has helped the company to grow from to clean water, more direct dependence on the natural a small local enterprise to become Brazil’s largest cosmetics environment—and therefore perceive their future success to firm. Revenues have grown by nearly 40 percent over the be more directly threatened by environmental degradation. last three years—bottom-line growth by 44 percent over the However, in the Middle East and North Africa, only 22 same period. The quality of its relationships with customers percent of CEOs believe that sustainability issues will and its innovative distribution channel means Natura has be critical to future success. As one CEO in the region been able to consistently outperform its industry peers.4 told us, “Sustainability is not a common theme in our part of the world—it’s a new concept altogether.” 18 Industry perspectives: Belief in the giant UniCredit S.p.A. has a portfolio of €4 billion (US$4.8 billion) in loans for renewable energy projects, mainly in wind importance of sustainability varies farms, photovoltaic, solar thermal and biomass installations.6 considerably by industry According to our survey, CEOs in the communications and CEOs’ belief in the importance of sustainable business electronics & high-tech sectors are the least likely to identify practices and products to their success is strong across sustainability issues as critical to their future success— all industries surveyed—though with some significant just 22 percent and 31 percent of those industries’ CEOs, differences (see Figure 1-2). Fully 100 percent of automotive respectively, cite sustainability as very important to their CEOs identify sustainability issues as important or very future success. This may reflect the limited degree to which important to their future success. This finding reflects how these sectors see themselves as affecting the environment in environmental concerns present both a challenge to the terms of their carbon footprint. industry and an opportunity to serve a new market with low- carbon alternatives such as e-vehicles. Given the decline of However, leading companies in these sectors are beginning some high-profile players in the automotive industry during to think beyond the direct physical impacts of their business the economic downturn, matters of long-term viability are, on sustainability issues, and are looking to shape a vision of not surprisingly, occupying the minds of CEOs in this sector. the role that they can play in society by driving sustainable development. Some of the leading communications and high- CEOs from the energy and utilities sectors also see tech CEOs we spoke with, from companies such as Alcatel- sustainability issues as critical to their future success. Lucent, Deutsche Telekom, Nokia and Philips, believed Wolfgang J. Ruttenstorfer, CEO and Chairman of European that they could act as a significant part of the solution to oil and gas company OMV, said, “I regard these issues sustainability challenges, providing companies around the as bringing competitive advantage in the long term; a world with new technologies and ways of working that will transparent approach clearly oriented toward values, help them achieve their own environmental objectives. human rights and environmental objectives is the only right approach that will be appreciated in the long term.” As Accenture’s recent study with Vodafone, “Carbon To ensure OMV is aligned with this long-term positioning Connections,” demonstrated, growth in wireless-enabled and future value, in 2006 it established the OMV Future machine-to-machine technology within smart grids, smart Energy Fund, a wholly owned subsidiary to support projects logistics and smart manufacturing, as well as virtual in renewable energy. The fund holds more than €100 million communications could save customers €43 billion (US$52 (US$122 million) to initiate the shift from a pure oil and gas billion), require 1 billion new connections and save 113 group to an energy group with renewables in its portfolio. million tons of carbon per year by 2020 in the European Already numerous projects are underway in the field of Union alone.7 biomass gasification, bioethanol, biodiesel, geothermal energy and carbon capture and storage. The aim is for the Figure 1-2: The extent to which CEOs believe sustainability fund to reach a total of €500 million (US$609 million), which will be important to their success varies significantly by would constitute more than one-fifth of the company’s industry annual capital expenditure.5 How important are sustainability issues to the future success of your business? The importance of sustainability to industries not traditionally associated with significant environmental Very Important Important and social impacts is also clear from the survey. Support Overall 54% 39% 93% is especially high in the banking industry, for example: 68 Automotive 62% 38% 100% percent of CEOs note that sustainability is “very important” to their success—a number matched only by the energy and Consumer goods 63% 35% 98% & services utilities industries. Although the banking supply chain may be less intimately connected to the natural environment than Banking 68% 29% 97% that of an energy company, a commitment to environmental Metals & mining 62% 34% 96% and social issues may be a prominent part of restoring brand value as the financial industry struggles to regain the trust Energy 68% 26% 94% of consumers. Professional 51% 42% 93% services For banks, sustainability also presents risks and opportunities Utilities 68% 24% 92% to asset values and investment portfolios. For example, Goldman Sachs’ SUSTAIN index, launched at the UN Global Health & life 50% 42% 92% sciences Compact Leaders Summit in 2007, is part of a growing trend Electronics 31% 56% of investment banks and financial institutions quantifying & high-tech 87% the strategic implications of sustainability trends on asset Media & 67% 17% 84% entertainment values. Other banks are looking to create advantage in financing growth markets such as the transition to a low- Communications 22% 59% 81% carbon energy infrastructure. For example, Italian banking Source: United Nations Global Compact CEO Survey 2010 (based on 766 completed responses) 19 An important motivating factor: trust. For example, in 2008, 91 percent of consumers said they had bought a product or service from a company they Rebuilding trust in business trusted, whereas 77 percent had refused to buy a product Far and away, the most commonly cited factor motivating or service from a distrusted company.9 Maintaining a strong CEOs to take action on sustainability issues is brand, trust brand and reputation based on trust is therefore a key and reputation, selected by an exceptionally high 72 percent source of competitive advantage. of CEOs as one of their top three factors—followed by revenue growth and cost reduction (44 percent), personal Figure 1-3: CEOs cite brand, trust and reputation as the motivation (42 percent) and consumer/customer demand primary motivation in taking action on sustainability (39 percent) (see Figure 1-3). The message from CEOs was issues loud and clear on the imperative of regaining and rebuilding Which factors have driven you, as a CEO, to take action on trust. As Didier Lombard, Chairman of France Telecom, told sustainability issues? us, “Sustainability is essential to building our brand and our Respondents identifying each factor in their top three choices trust with consumers.” Brand, trust and reputation 72% Sustainability has long been viewed as one of many elements in companies’ strategies to build their market reputation. Potential for revenue 44% growth/cost reduction This may mean developing products and services such as micro-finance or renewable energy that directly tackle global Personal motivation 42% social and environmental problems; it might mean ensuring Consumer/customer 39% demand sustainable production processes for existing product lines; Employee engagement or it could mean more corporate social responsibility-type and recruitment 31% initiatives designed to be seen to “give back” to society and Impact of development 29% put a human face on business. gaps on business Governmental/regulatory 24% However, the economic downturn—and particularly the environment perception that business, and banking in particular, may Pressure from investors/ 12% shareholders have played a role in precipitating the financial crisis— Source: United Nations Global Compact CEO Survey 2010 has brought the issue of trust into sharper focus. In (based on 766 completed responses) the words of the chairman of one of the world’s largest banking groups, “Trust in banks in general has been badly damaged by the events of the financial crisis and Businesses are now developing more sophisticated it cannot be rebuilt overnight.” Echoing this sentiment, approaches to measuring and quantifying the impact of trust Kaspar Villiger, Chairman of global financial services across their organization, and to more accurately identifying company UBS AG, told us: “We have lost trust, and we those levers that can affect levels of trust. need to regain it with a culture of responsible behavior.” As they develop new metrics, CEOs are beginning to identify The fallout from the global financial crisis in terms of trust trust as a key element in building future value. For example, is not only being felt in the financial services sector. Across global health care company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has the board, CEOs appear to be united in their recognition of a vision of a different pharmaceutical industry with a the problem that, as one business leader in the consumer much greater emphasis on building trust and tackling big goods sector put it, “The scarcest of all the resources is questions for the sector such as access and affordability trust.” There was a strong sense in our conversations that of medicines. As CEO Andrew Witty told us, “To be a business leaders appreciate the scale of the challenge in successful and sustainable business, we must fulfil our social reestablishing confidence in the corporate community. As responsibilities and build trust with our stakeholders.” At Steve Holliday, CEO of global utility provider National Grid, GSK, this has meant fundamentally rethinking the approach told us, “To make the transition to a new era, we need a to intellectual property and pooling patents for neglected lot of trust in the system—and we’re not in that place right tropical diseases, as well as GSK’s pricing strategy for now.” As one European pharmaceutical executive told us, “In drugs in emerging and least-developed countries, which a situation where you lack trust, you simply have to change.” aims to drive better access to and affordability of critical This sentiment is borne out by independent analysis: Edelman medicines. For example, in the Philippines, a 60 percent Trust Barometer 2009 found that public trust in business price cut in cancer vaccine Cervarix increased sales by had declined to just 38 percent in the United States, down around 600 percent.10 This focus on building trust is from 58 percent the year before. Similarly, two-thirds of also being integrated into GSK’s core business strategy respondents in nine European Union countries reported that and the roles and responsibilities of managers across they were less trusting of business in 2009 than at the same the organization. For example, a Regional and General time the year before.8 Manager Trust Framework is being rolled out across the business to support leaders in finding win-win solutions Regaining trust is therefore critical, according to CEOs, who that benefit the business, stakeholders and patients. believe that a competitive advantage can be achieved by businesses that are able to effectively build and maintain 20 Building trust is a significant challenge for corporations Our survey data suggests that CEOs, at an Figure 1-4: CEOs in most regions believe that their individual level, may not fully grasp the extent companies are more trusted than their industries of the trust challenge (see Figure 1-4). Globally, My industry/company is trusted by public and stakeholders 73 percent of CEOs believe that their industry is Respondents answering “Agree” or “Strongly Agree” trusted by the public and other stakeholders, but Industry vs.Company 79 percent believe the same of their own company. Apart from those in Latin America, CEOs across the Latin America 89% -19% 70% globe appear to believe that their companies are 77% more trusted than their industries. Asia 91% 14% 71% For example, in North America 62 percent of CEOs Africa 91% 20% believe that their industry is trusted by the public Europe 69% 8% and other stakeholders, but fully 87 percent believe 77% that their company is trusted. At the industry Middle East & North Africa 65% 13% 78% level, the story is perhaps more predictable. The 62% metals and mining sector and the banking industry North America 87% 25% accounted for the lowest proportion of CEOs who Source: United Nations Global Compact CEO Survey 2010 Industry believed their industry was trusted (55 percent and (based on 766 completed responses) Company 66 percent, respectively). It is not yet clear, however, to what extent business leaders see their own role in rebuilding a more trusted position for business in society—or whether they feel that individual action can address a global environment that sees some stakeholders ask serious questions about the purpose of business. 21 As they move beyond the constraints of focusing solely on invested £1.5 million (US$2.2 million) globally with the goal financial performance, CEOs envisage a future in which of bringing education, technology and communication skills building stakeholder trust will sit at the heart of their to children from disadvantaged backgrounds in three key companies' strategic agenda, and will be driven by specific, growth markets for BT: Brazil, China and South Africa.12 measurable activities and objectives. The second development issue identified as most critical to future business success by CEOs is climate change. Sustainability issues are changing: Increasingly, responding to climate change is seen not only Education and climate change are as a means of managing risk but also an opportunity for growth, capitalizing on the growing demand for products top-of-mind and services that address environmental concerns. For It is clear from our conversations with CEOs that they are example, when Eskom Holdings Ltd., the South African united in their belief in the importance of sustainability, and utilities company, decided to shift its energy generation mix determined to be part of the solution—but what do they toward renewable energy, it was responding to the pressures mean by “sustainability,” and which issues are uppermost in brought about by climate change and the future resource their minds? The breadth and complexity of sustainability constraints that threaten its long-term growth. It also was issues are increasing and they are increasingly tied to acknowledging, at the same time, a significant opportunity future business success. As Gerard J. Kleisterlee, President to lead in a growth market. Traditionally a coal-dominated and CEO of multinational Royal Philips Electronics, told us, utility, Eskom is now shifting its strategy toward renewables “Whichever angle you come from, you try to meet a need with the aim of reducing the amount of coal in its generation of a community or an economy, both from an economic mix from the current 88 percent to 70 percent by 2025.13 In perspective and from a development angle.” particular, it is investing heavily in concentrated solar power and wind farms with the help of a recent US$750 million The scope of sustainability varies significantly by loan from the World Bank, allocated for renewable and industry, often driven by those environmental, social energy efficiency projects.14 and governance issues on which the industry has greatest impact. While health may be top-of-mind Figure 1-5: CEOs see education as the global development for executives in the pharmaceutical industry, human challenge most critical to the future success of their rights is a particular concern for CEOs in the metals and business mining industries, not least due to some of the markets in which they have to operate. For example, Norwegian Which of the following global development issues are the most critical aluminum and renewable energy company Norsk Hydro to address for the future success of your business? ensures that, when operating in countries where the Respondents identifying each factor in their top three choices right to form trade unions is restricted (such as China and Qatar), alternative forums are found to uphold Education 72% employees’ rights and influence their work situation.11 Climate change 66% At an aggregate level, CEOs see education and climate Poverty 51% change as the issues most critical to the future success Diversity and gender of their businesses (see Figure 1-5). As the CEOs from equality 32% our survey look to the future, the global development Access to clean water 26% challenge they see as most critical to their future success and sanitation is the education of citizens in sufficient numbers and with Food security and hunger 22% high enough quality for three purposes in particular. First, HIV/AIDS and other to ensure sustained economic development; second, to diseases 6% create a steady supply of talent to renew their workforce Child mortality and 6% capabilities; and third, to equip current and future leaders maternal health and employees—and those from other sectors such as Source: United Nations Global Compact CEO Survey 2010 government and civil society—with the ability to manage (based on 766 completed responses) sustainability issues as part of core business. To meet this challenge requires a broad range of responses, Health and resource scarcity are on the from early-intervention programs in schools and better horizon employee re-skilling programs, to new partnerships with Looking ahead, the future issues that CEOs highlighted governments, universities and business schools. For example, in our conversations as starting to appear on the horizon when UK telecommunications company BT Group partnered were health and resource scarcity, with water in particular with UNICEF to launch the initiative “Inspiring Young Minds,” emerging as a concern. This broader understanding of it was responding to the need to educate and develop skills sustainability issues will provide new battlegrounds in areas of the next generation in key markets that would sustain such as ecosystem services—for example, creating markets the company’s future success. The program has so far for the preservation of jointly shared global resources. 22 Already we are starting to see a growing awareness among Figure 1-6: Consumers are increasingly driving CEOs of the global value of environmental assets and businesses’ approach to sustainability ecosystems. Jorge Samek, Director General of Brazilian Over the next five years, which stakeholder groups do you believe will hydroelectricity company Itaipu Binacional, told us: “Some have the greatest impact on the way you manage societal expectations? countries have already driven high levels of consumption Respondents identifying each factor in their top three choices through a banquet of their resources. We have to find a balance that preserves resources as well as economic 58% Consumers development.” And in the words of Helmy Abouleish, 50% Chairman of North African agricultural company the SEKEM Employees 45% 39% Group, which promotes organic farming practices and carbon emission reduction projects: “The only long-term Governments 39% 32% sustainable way of development is in harmony with the 28% environment and with a high level of social responsibility.” Communities 29% There is a growing sense among CEOs that the transition to 26% a new era of sustainability will go far beyond carbon and Regulators 25% climate change as an environmental issue, spanning water, 25% waste, biodiversity and ecosystems services. Their views Media 24% are corroborated by independent analysis. The Economics Investment 22% of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) study, which will community 19% be published shortly, has already concluded that business Suppliers 15% 5% as usual is not an option if we are to safeguard natural resources: By 2050, 7.5 million square kilometers of natural NGOs 15% 27% areas (11 percent of the total area in 2000) are expected to 14% be lost as a result of conversion to agricultural land as well Boards 16% as the expansion of infrastructure and by climate change.15 Organized 7% labor 7% The way businesses address sustainability Other 6% 4% 2010 2007 issues is also changing Source: United Nations Global Compact CEO Survey 2010 (based on 766 completed While sustainability issues have perhaps rarely been more responses). 2007 data from McKinsey UN Global Compact survey. important, an additional challenge for CEOs is in the way businesses need to address sustainability issues. This Growth in consumer demand for sustainable brands, changing landscape presents increased opportunities for products and services is spurring innovation in new-product businesses but also further challenges that they must development to meet changing consumer requirements. As understand and master. the CEO of a major European electronics company told us, “Our angle on sustainability is in what our products can do 1. Developing new products and services: The for our customers to reduce their environmental impact.” consumer is (or will be) king Indeed, many businesses are beginning to see significant new sources of growth in “green” products and services: Consumers are important drivers of the corporate As growth slows in traditional markets, CEOs are turning sustainability agenda. Fifty-eight percent of the CEOs in our their attention toward new propositions that tap into new survey identify the consumer as one of the most important waves of demand. As one business leader from the consumer stakeholders influencing how companies will manage electronics industry told us, “We have clearly identified societal expectations over the next five years, compared to the mega-trends that will shape the next decade, and we 50 percent in 2007 (see Figure 1-6). Of those who responded want to make sure our customers can address these issues.” in the “other” category, the option of “customers” was by Another leading executive from the telecommunications far the most common choice, reflecting the importance of sector told us, “We’ve been shifting our product mix towards business-to-business customers and governments as well products and services that allow our customers to address as consumers. As one business leader from a consumer- sustainability outcomes.” goods multinational explained, “There is a growing sense that people expect more than just a high-quality product CEOs can already point to success stories. For example, due at a good price.” As consumer awareness of sustainability to the increase in demand for energy-efficient products issues increases, companies are being held to a higher and services, Royal Philips Electronics has been growing its standard, and being asked to demonstrate the wider impact portfolio of green products with specific targets through of their operations. As Sung-joo Kim, Chairperson and CEO a comprehensive companywide initiative called EcoVision. of South Korean fashion and luxury goods retailer Sungjoo The company is adapting its current products and services Group, said, drawing on her knowledge of consumers in to be more environmentally friendly, while introducing new both emerging and developed economies, “Sustainability green product lines to address growing demand. In 2006, started as a moral obligation, but has now become a key Philips set a target to generate 30 percent of total revenue differentiator for consumers.” from green products by 2012, compared with 15 percent in 2006. It has already surpassed this target, hitting 31 percent 23 in 2009 with revenues of nearly €7.2 billion (US$8.7 billion), Second, the speed and ease of information sharing by and expects this to rise to 50 percent by 2015. Philips also consumers across social networking platforms has raised plans to double its investment in green innovation to a the transparency of business operations. More than ever, cumulative €1 billion (US$1.2 billion) by 2012, and aims by businesses see the urgency of truly “living the brand,” 2015 to improve the energy efficiency of its entire product extending their brand values throughout their operations. portfolio by 50 percent compared to 2009.16 Paul Bulcke, CEO of Nestlé S.A., told us, “Consumers are asking who is behind the brand, so we have to make it However, as opportunities for new products emerge, so visible.” Nestlé is tackling this issue head-on by using social do new challenges. For many consumers, sustainability media channels to inform and engage its stakeholders on is no longer just “nice to have” but is instead a critical environmental and social activities—for example through differentiator. That means companies face the risk of broadcasting their “Creating Shared Value” forums via falling demand if products and services are perceived as Facebook, enabling followers to actively participate by damaging to sustainability objectives. CEOs also recognize expressing their views and asking questions to panelists. that soon they may no longer be able to charge a premium for sustainable products and services. One recent Accenture Many other leading companies are also responding to the research study, based on surveys of more than 9,000 social media phenomenon. BT Group is seeking to use Twitter consumers in the energy sector, highlighted that although and other social networking platforms to engage directly the vast majority of consumers would be prepared to switch with consumers. This is enabling a two-way communication energy providers if they offered products and services that that can keep consumers informed about product and service helped to reduce carbon emissions, most would also demand developments, while also generating real-time feedback on savings on their bills.17 As one consumer goods executive how BT can best meet its customers’ changing needs. told us, “Consumers are never going to accept a higher price or lower quality.” For businesses, social media increases the opportunity to strengthen the relationship with the consumer to 2. Employing new technologies: Challenge and drive revenues. However, it also opens businesses up to opportunity abound increased scrutiny that requires a deeper approach to brand management and provides more comprehensive New technologies will play a vital role in embedding and data and information on corporate performance. For enabling sustainability. Ninety-one percent of CEOs believe many, this dynamic will represent a fundamental shift that over the next five years, employing new technologies away from viewing brand as purely a logo or a slogan (e.g., renewable energy; energy efficiency; and information to a more detailed and critical appreciation of the and communication technologies) will form part of their values a company stands for—and how those values strategy to address sustainability issues. are integrated into core business operations. The growth in information and communication technologies 3. Partnering and collaborating: Managing continues to provide opportunities for businesses to drive complexity through broader networks efficiencies through reduced energy consumption. According The CEOs we spoke with consistently referred to the to some estimates, information and communication importance of partnerships with NGOs and governments technologies (ICT) could deliver up to a 15 percent reduction in how they address sustainability challenges. of carbon emissions by business in 2020, representing a value of US$872.3 billion in energy and fuel saved.18 CEOs believe that the societal problems facing the planet are too big and complex for any sector or organization to go Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of the it alone. Higher public deficits and reduced public spending development of new technologies relates to the impact of over the next decade (particularly in developed economies) networking technologies and social media on businesses’ mean that governments will increasingly look to businesses relationship with consumers and wider stakeholders. and the nonprofit sector to work together to deliver First, there has been a proliferation of channels by which economic, environmental and societal objectives. Within that businesses are expected to communicate. As one emerging context, key stakeholders are shaping how businesses will market CEO told us, “As we move to the era of Web 2.0, respond and succeed. As Mavi S. Isibor, CEO of Poise Nigeria, where many stakeholders voice their concerns and unite, told us, “Our enablers are our stakeholders. They ensure our we need to engage with them.” No longer is a one-way survivability and sustainability.” “projection” of a corporate brand sufficient. Businesses are now expected to interact, personally and directly, with the The changing role of NGOs: From agenda-setter to public across multiple social media platforms. As Tensie delivery partner? Whelan, Executive Director of the Rainforest Alliance, told Nevertheless, despite this focus on collaboration, one of the us: “Social media is exciting. It enables a more nuanced most surprising findings from the CEO survey data is that, in conversation about sustainability—it’s hard to boil the the eyes of executives, NGOs may have fallen in significance message down to a sound bite.” as a stakeholder since 2007 in terms of driving business activity on sustainability. 24 In 2010, just 15 percent of CEOs identified NGOs as one Lipton passes directly onto its suppliers. Lipton estimates of the key stakeholders influencing their approach to that farmers globally will receive substantially higher sustainability, compared to 27 percent in 2007. This might additional revenues by 2015. For Lipton, the partnership suggest that NGOs are no longer setting the agenda in terms has helped increase sales in highly competitive markets of policy and issues or that the degree of pressure they are such as the United Kingdom, where sales increased by exerting on business is waning. 5.6 percent in 2008 following an advertising campaign announcing the partnership. In key growth markets, double- However, our conversations with CEOs tell a different digit returns were seen in 2008, with sales increasing story. Indeed, they indicated that, although NGOs may by 10 percent in Italy and 12 percent in Australia.19 have shifted their tone and strategy over recent years, they remain an important and influential player. Daniel Vasella, Engaging with regulators M.D., Chairman of pharmaceutical multinational Novartis Particularly in the wake of the economic downturn, CEOs AG, explained: “Our relationship with NGOs has become face an intensified need to communicate with public much more productive as they have seen more activity and authorities and position themselves as part of the solution commitment from the industry.” Another European business to the issues with which governments are grappling. As one leader told us, “NGOs are no less influential today—but European CEO in the banking sector told us: “The crisis has they have become much more sophisticated and subtle put public policy issues and the industry’s relationship with in how they rally support. Social media such as blogs are authorities on the frontline. This was not the case three fast, effective ways of raising awareness.” Mary Robinson, years ago...then the issues were growth and expansion." former President of Ireland and Founder of Realizing Rights, The Ethical Globalization Initiative, confirmed: “NGOs are For many industries, though, collaboration with regulators increasingly committed to direct dialogue and engagement has been common practice for some time. For example, with companies, but they expect transparency and in recent years the alcohol industry has been proactive in accountability in return," alluding to the new and perhaps building relationships and partnering with governments to more subtle ways in which NGOs now influence businesses. reduce the negative social impacts associated with excessive These perspectives may help explain the apparent alcohol consumption. The industry has developed tailored contradiction between our survey data and the stated belief programs with the International Centre for Alcohol Policies of CEOs in the importance of NGOs as partners. that promote responsible drinking and help prevent alcohol abuse in many markets. In the United Kingdom, for example, Through our discussions, we have seen examples of NGOs Heineken, Diageo plc and 45 other companies have partnered broadening their approach from solely lobbying business with Drinkaware to launch a £100 million (US$144.8 million) on high-profile issues to partnering and collaborating marketing campaign aimed at curbing binge drinking and with business to achieve specific, local development promoting the benefits of “responsible enjoyment.”20 objectives. As one European consumer goods executive told us, “We see a real willingness by NGOs to work together: They are so disillusioned with governments From periphery to core that a better way of achieving their goals is through The widespread perception of the increased importance of the private sector.” NGOs and businesses are more sustainability may reflect a new appreciation of the scale frequently seeing the advantages of collaboration to and complexity of global challenges facing business today. address development issues. As one business leader from As issues of climate change and the natural environment, the telecommunications industry told us, “Companies social development and global corporate governance become and NGOs have the same objectives… it’s a question of ever more pressing, CEOs are acutely conscious of the division of labor and creating the right incentives.” challenges ahead. These challenges have a direct impact on companies’ operations, but also demonstrate the role One example of business-NGO cooperation comes from business must play in addressing the demands of the new Lipton—consumer product company Unilever’s biggest tea century. As one emerging market CEO told us, “Sustainable brand—which has partnered with the Rainforest Alliance development will be a basic guarantee for our company’s to drive sustainable production throughout the company’s survival and growth.” It appears that action on sustainability supply chain for black tea. Unilever is the biggest buyer of issues has shifted from being a discretionary choice to a black tea in the world, accounting for about 12 percent of corporate priority. the entire market. The Rainforest Alliance is a pioneer in setting standards and certifying sustainable agriculture methods. Such expertise has prompted Unilever to engage with the NGO to actively respond to consumer and customer concerns and drive sustainable agriculture through its supply chain. The tea market has been experiencing decreasing prices, with negative consequences for low- income farmers. Consequently, the partnership has benefited both parties. Certified farmers manage their tea crop better, reducing farming intensity as well as giving them higher returns—certified tea has a 10 to 15 percent price premium compared to average tea prices, which 25 26 CEOs on sustainability "I strongly believe that our "The financial community is increasingly success depends on our capability to provide long- looking at companies and rewarding lasting benefits to the those that think smartly about their use communities which host us." Paolo Scaroni, Eni S.p.A. of resources." "Whichever angle you Paul Polman, Unilever come from, you try to meet a need of "The role of the UN Global Compact as a a community or an peer learning and dialogue platform is economy, both from an highly appreciated by our company: it has economic perspective and from a development an outstanding outreach and impact." angle." Jürgen Hambrecht, BASF SE Gerard J. Kleisterlee, Royal Philips Electronics "We need more from business than just profit." "Prescriptive regulation without effective Ben Verwaayen, Alcatel-Lucent collaboration could result in unintended "To be a successful and consequences." Paul S. Walsh, Diageo plc sustainable business, we must fulfil our social "The concept of responsibilities and sustainability as a new build trust with our "Training and developing a mode of corporate stakeholders." new generation of managers development will remain Andrew Witty, GlaxoSmithKline will be crucial in creating unchanged but its sustainable growth." methods and means will Ernst Bärtschi, Sika Group be constantly upgraded." Zhongshu Zhou, "We need China Minmetals Corporation partnerships, both public- private and also "Sustainability now has to between developed be on everyone’s agenda, and emerging and that represents a economies." PM Telang, Tata Motors fundamental change." Klaus Kleinfeld, Alcoa 27 "Sustainability issues are critically important for our company’s future." Hirokazu Hashimoto, Anritsu Corporation "During the first ten years we’ve been discussing direction. Now is the time "Sustainability started "The industry always to implement that direction as a moral obligation, tends to overestimate into business and societal but has now become a the short-term impacts mechanisms." key differentiator for and underestimate the Toshio Arima, Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. consumers." Sung-joo Kim, Sungjoo Group long-term impact of new technologies." René Obermann, "You cannot be a spike of prosperity in a sea Deutsche Telekom AG of poverty." Jamshed J. Irani, Tata Steel "The only long-term sustainable way of development is in harmony "Technology is the savior with the environment and a high level of social for sustainability issues." Amr Sheira, CompuMe responsibility." Helmy Abouleish, SEKEM Group "It is important to identify material issues which will "Investment funds are starting to ask the contribute to long-term success." right questions." Tae-won Chey, SK Barbara Krumsiek, Calvert Group Ltd. "Some countries have already driven high levels "The risk of inaction is of consumption through a banquet of their resources. the greatest risk facing We have to find a balance business." Idar Kreutzer, Storebrand ASA that preserves resources as well as economic development." Jorge Samek, Itaipu Binacional "There should be a focus on integrated reporting of CSR and financial results, "It’s now not whether you’re going to do which could bring about an anything on sustainability, it’s about how alignment of sustainability much you’re going to do." with economic performance." Rashid Toefy, Cape Town International Convention Centre Fulvio Conti, Enel S.p.A. 28 "The Global Compact "Future capabilities will be very different, should encourage better and will put a premium on lateral thinking collaboration among the growing membership, and cross-functional, collaborative problem such that smaller solving." "A transition phase will be companies can learn Jeffrey Swartz, The Timberland Company required in order to reach from larger companies a tipping point where and adopt best practice business objectives are strategies." "Sustainability is essential to Martha Tilaar, Martha Tilaar Group building our brand and our aligned with sustainable trust with consumers." development." Didier Lombard, France Telecom Svein Richard Brandtzæg, Norsk Hydro ASA "Regulators’ involvement will be absolutely necessary to drive optimal markets for "We believe that providing sustainability outcomes." frequent opportunities Adam Crozier, Royal Mail for many determined "Our enablers are our companies to engage in stakeholders. They ensure mutual communications will "CEOs may complain that our survivability and result in increased practice, investors do not value their sustainability." and the wider spread of the sustainability activities Mavi S. Isibor, Poise Nigeria Limited UNGC." properly, but they need to tell Yasuchika Hasegawa, investors what they are doing: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company If they don’t communicate regularly, investors cannot incorporate these issues into "Successful business is what their models." Edemir Pinto, BM&FBOVESPA drives sustainable growth." Gareth Penny, De Beers "A transparent approach "We do not just operate clearly oriented towards values, human rights and today without any environmental objectives is the only right approach thought for tomorrow." Sam I. Ohuabunwa, Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc. that will be appreciated in the long-term." Wolfgang J. Ruttenstorfer, OMV Aktiengesellschaft "Sustainability is a business model that respects that "Our relationship with NGOs is much more nothing is free." productive as they have seen more activity YS Chi, Reed Elsevier Group plc and commitment from the industry." Daniel Vasella, M.D., Novartis AG 29 "We want regulation to be stable and predictable." "Environmental, social and Ignacio Galán, Iberdrola governance issues are crucial "The CEO has to be the to our employee value role model." proposition." Prida Tiasuwan, Pranda Jewelry PCL Luiz Ernesto Gemignani, Promon S.A. "By promoting and embedding the principles of the Global Compact, "A theme that will become increasingly business can help ensure apparent in the coming years is the role that markets advance in ways that contribute to that emerging countries will play in shaping a more sustainable and sustainability." inclusive global economy." Carlos Ghosn, "We believe that it is H.E. Akbar Al Baker, Renault Nissan Alliance not only a company’s Qatar Airways economic performance that determines its success, but rather "Consumers are asking who successfully combining economic performance is behind the brand, so we with active management of how the business have to make it visible." impacts on social and Paul Bulcke, Nestlé S.A. environmental factors." Hans Vestberg, LM Ericsson "The Global Compact "To make the transition to a new era, we gives us an anchor: over the last ten years, it’s need a lot of trust in the system—and we’re had the same principles, not in that place right now." Steve Holliday, National Grid and it gives us a means of benchmarking our "The Global Compact has a performance and acts as unique opportunity to act "We have lost trust and a mirror for us to see how as a platform for sharing we need to regain it with we perform." knowledge and best practice Steve Lennon, Eskom Holdings Ltd. a culture of responsible on sustainability." behavior." Alessandro Profumo, Kaspar Villiger, UBS AG UniCredit S.p.A. "This crisis has been the perfect storm for the industry." Alfredo Sáenz, Grupo Santander 30 31 Chapter 2 Making progress: From strategy to execution The majority of Global Compact CEOs Figure 2-1: A significant shift in mindset has occurred among CEOs since 2007, with the vast majority now now believe that sustainability issues believing that sustainability issues should be embedded in should be fully integrated into core core business business To what extent do you agree with each of the following statements Our survey found resounding belief by CEOs in a new era of about environmental, social and corporate governance issues? business where sustainability is more than an aspiration or Respondents answering “Agree“ or “Strongly Agree“ Increase on a separate initiative, but something fully integrated into the 2007 strategy and operations of a company. In the words of one These issues should be fully 96% embedded into the strategy 24% emerging-market CEO from the banking sector we spoke to, and operations of a company 72% “Currently, the burning issue is how to better incorporate Boards should discuss and act 93% sustainability into daily practice.” According to Rashid Toefy, on these issues 69% 24% CEO of the Cape Town International Convention Centre—one These issues should be fully of the UN Global Compact’s growing number of small- and embedded into the strategy 91% 65% 26% medium-sized member companies—“It’s now not whether and operations of subsidiaries you’re going to do anything on sustainability, it’s about how Companies should embed these 88% issues through their global much you’re going to do.” supply chain 59% 29% Companies should engage in The past three years represent a significant mindset shift industry collaborations and 78% in how UN Global Compact CEOs think about the role of multi-stakeholder partnerships 56% 22% to address development goals sustainability in strategy and operations. Ninety-six percent of CEOs, compared to just 72 percent in 2007, now believe Companies should incorporate 72% these issues into discussions 21% that environmental, social and governance issues should with financial analysts 51% be fully integrated into the strategy and operations of a 2010 company (see Figure 2-1). Source: United Nations Global Compact CEO Survey 2010 (based on 2007 766 completed responses). 2007 data from McKinsey UN Global Compact survey. 32 Both the strategic and operational dimensions of that Figure 2-2: The majority of CEOs report that sustainability commitment can be seen in the other answers shown in has been fully embedded into the strategy and operations Figure 2-1. That is, integration with strategy is indicated by of their company the fact that 93 percent of CEOs believe that sustainability To what extent do you agree with each of the following statements issues should be routinely discussed and acted upon by their about environmental, social and corporate governance issues? boards. Integration with operations can be seen in that Respondents answering “Agree“ or “Strongly Agree“ Increase on large percentages of CEOs also believe that sustainability 2007 should be extended through their subsidiaries (91 percent) These issues are fully 81% embedded into the strategy 31% and supply chain (88 percent). According to one European and operations of my company 50% telecommunications executive, “The idea that sustainability My company’s board issues are peripheral to business has disappeared.” discusses and acts on these 75% 45% 30% issues as part of its agenda Even allowing for the fact that UNGC member companies These issues are fully 59% are not wholly representative of industry (given their embedded into the strategy 21% and operations of our 38% avowed commitment to uphold and embed the principles subsidiaries of sustainable business), their overwhelming response on My company embeds these 54% the need to integrate or embed sustainability throughout issues throughout our 27% 27% the business is indicative of a broader shift in the business global supply chain community. Corporations are beginning to take the long My company engages in industry collaborations and view of these issues rather than seeing them as short-term, multi-stakeholder 64% 43% 21% discrete projects. partnerships to address development goals My company incorporates From talk to action: Progress is being these issues into discussions 31% 48% 17% with financial analysts made in embedding sustainability Source: United Nations Global Compact CEO Survey 2010 (based on 2010 CEOs are also confident about the progress they have made 766 completed responses). 2007 data from McKinsey UN Global 2007 toward this new era of sustainability. Fully 81 percent of Compact survey. CEOs—compared to just 50 percent in 2007—believe that sustainability issues are fully embedded into the strategy Positive implications of an integrated and operations of their company (see Figure 2-2). Moreover, these issues are also more consistently being raised to board approach to sustainability level—75 percent of CEOs report that their board takes an Increasingly, the integration of sustainability issues into active role in considering and acting on sustainability issues, business strategy and operations is being witnessed compared with only 45 percent in 2007. in the development of new products and services. For example, at outdoor products manufacturer The We found several concrete examples of this board Timberland Company, environmental concerns are being participation. For example, Deutsche Telekom has moved embedded within its core product design process, allowing sustainability from its HR department to the office of the the company to tap into new sources of demand for CEO, reporting directly to the board. Dow Chemical has sustainable products. As 96 percent of Timberland’s a Chief Sustainability Officer, Dave Kepler, who is also carbon footprint lies in its supply chain, the materials the company’s Chief Information Officer, head of Shared used in products have a critical impact on the company’s Services, and is part of the top executive team. Barbara environmental performance. Previously, designers Kux from Siemens is the Chief Sustainability Officer, who were required to complete a separate “environmental also heads up the company’s supply chain management scorecard” for their new products at each prototype organization, and is a member of the Managing Board. Our stage. Such a process created additional administrative conversations suggest that these kinds of structural changes work for designers, and divorced environmental are representative of a broader shift toward ensuring that considerations from the mainstream design process. responsibility and accountability for sustainability sits at the heart of the business and of its decision-making processes. Today, environmental metrics have been integrated into the main design platform, providing real-time information to The issue that shows the smallest amount of progress since designers as they select materials: The software produces a 2007 (17 percent) is the proportion of CEOs confirming total measure of the environmental impact of the designs that their company incorporates sustainability issues into and gives it a score on Timberland’s “Green Index.” In this discussions with financial analysts. As seen later in this way, Timberland has encouraged its designers to consider the chapter, many CEOs view the relationship with the investor whole-life impact of the materials they select; the company community as one of the most significant areas where has thoroughly embedded these concerns in designers’ day- progress is needed. to-day operations; and they are able to engage consumers on the basis of enhanced environmental performance. For example, 50 percent of consumers who saw the “nutrition” label carried by Timberland products, which provides information on the environmental and community impact of all their shoes, indicated that it had “positively influenced their purchase.”21 33 Similarly, the CEO of a major electronics company Internal challenges explained how environmental considerations are now a CEOs face a number of internal challenges to executing routine part of the new product development process: a strategy that embeds sustainability across the “We want every new product to have a better environmental business. Foremost among these are the need to performance than its predecessors…It’s now one of the balance multiple programs and objectives, and to core elements that goes into the specifications for a new push sustainability principles across their broader product.” Specialty chemicals manufacturer Sika Group is footprint of supply chains and subsidiaries. also integrating sustainability into the design process for all products to improve resource and energy efficiency. Managing complexity Some of its new portfolio products include solar roofing, adhesives for solar panels and new “admixtures” that reduce CEOs report that the most significant barrier to an the water consumption for concrete production by as much integrated, companywide approach to sustainability is as 40 percent.22 the complexity that accompanies implementation across different functions, up from number two in 2007 (see Figure 2-3). Rising concerns about complexity demonstrate how Making sustainability real: Meeting the CEOs are shifting their sustainability focus from strategy- execution challenge setting to execution. Of particular issue for many of the Despite significant progress, however, daunting challenges CEOs we spoke to was the challenge of ensuring a consistent, remain. CEOs recognize that the scale and complexity of companywide approach across large and increasingly global challenges will require a significant acceleration in complex supply chains as well as subsidiaries. their efforts—both individually and in collaboration—to Figure 2-3: CEOs report that the complexity of embed sustainability at the heart of business. As one implementation and competing strategic priorities are the business leader put it, capturing the prevailing opinion of key barriers to embedding sustainability issues many of the CEOs we spoke to: “If we fail to reach a global consensus on what it will take to foster sustainability, Which barriers keep you, as a CEO, from implementing an integrated progress could be reversed.” and strategic companywide approach to environmental, social and corporate governance issues? From our conversations with CEOs, we see an overwhelming Respondents identifying each factor in their top three choices belief that the challenges of social development, climate change and resource depletion cannot be addressed through Complexity of implementing 49% strategy across functions 39% business-as-usual approaches. As the scale of the issues Competing strategic 48% facing businesses threatens to overwhelm the response of priorities 43% even the most advanced companies, a significant mindset Lack of recognition from 34% shift will be required in every aspect of business. As one the financial markets 25% European CEO told us, “The way we do business has to Differing definitions of 31% change: technological change, cultural change, more corporate social responsibility 22% efficiency—all of that comes together.” Difficulty in engaging with 30% external groups 17% CEOs believe that the key imperative for businesses, then, Failure to recognize a link 30% is to move from strategy to execution, ensuring that to value drivers 18% environmental, social and governance issues are fully Lack of skills/knowledge of 24% embedded across an organization’s capabilities, systems middle-senior management 17% and processes. Lack of an effective 15% communications infrastructure 13% However, although 96 percent of CEOs recognize the Employee resistance 7% importance of sustainability and believe that these issues 4% should be fully embedded within the operations of their Lack of board support 5% 7% company, they see a significant challenge in executing a sustainability strategy. Our survey also shows a significant Source: United Nations Global Compact CEO Survey 2010 (based on 2010 766 completed responses). 2007 data from McKinsey UN Global 2007 performance gap between what CEOs believe companies Compact survey. should be doing, and what they report on their own company’s performance. While considerable progress Competing strategic priorities has been made since 2007, the shift in mindset toward The majority of the CEOs we spoke with highlighted the widespread recognition of the sustainability imperative has challenges of reconciling the need to take a long-term raised the execution bar. perspective on sustainability issues with a turbulent market environment that often forces them to make decisions based Challenges that CEOs face in implementing sustainability on near-term pressures. As one business leader in the energy initiatives are both internal and external. sector put it, “It’s a challenge when an organization has its back to the wall, when it’s fighting fires, to continually remind yourself that you’re in a long-term business.” 34 Reflecting this need to balance often conflicting demands, supply chain meets the new requirements. Nestlé has 48 percent of CEOs report that competing strategic priorities established the goal that by 2015, 100 percent of the palm are currently a significant barrier to implementation of oil it uses will come from sustainable sources: this figure is sustainability issues. Although the downturn has in many already at 18 percent, and is expected to reach 50 percent instances accelerated integration of sustainability issues, by the end of 2011.23 it has also provided a further set of pressures for CEOs to manage. As one North American CEO told us, “It is difficult Figure 2-4: CEOs report significant performance gaps in for some firms when they’re focused on being able to turn executing a sustainability strategy the lights on every morning.” To what extent do you agree with each of the following statements about environmental, social and corporate governance issues? So although there is widespread belief in the strategic Respondents answering “Agree” or “Strongly Agree” importance of sustainability issues among CEOs, Performance Gap nevertheless executives are still struggling to approach Companies should embed these issues 88% them as part and parcel of core business. “It is not surprising throughout their global supply chain 34% 54% that CEOs highlight competing strategic priorities as a These issues should be fully embedded into 91% 32% major barrier,” said one European business leader. “It shows the strategy and operations of subsidiaries 59% that sustainability is not yet embedded across all of their Companies should include sustainability 76% objectives in employee performance 27% priorities.” This observation bears witness to the fact that for assessment 49% many businesses, even among the more progressive members Companies should invest in enhanced 86% of the Global Compact, sustainability is still regarded as training of managers to integrate 60% 26% a separate or discrete strategy in itself, rather than being sustainability into strategy and operations embedded across all corporate and functional strategies and Companies should incorporate these issues 72% 24% into discussions with financial analysts 48% business plans. Companies should embed metrics to 85% track performance against sustainability 21% Supply chains objectives 64% As Figure 2-4 shows, the most significant performance gap Companies should measure both positive 91% and negative impacts of their activities on 20% (34 percent) lies in the integration of sustainability issues sustainability outcomes 71% into supply chains. Although 88 percent of CEOs believe Boards should discuss and act on these 93% 18% that they should be integrating sustainability through their issues 75% supply chain, just 54 percent believe that this is being These issues should be fully embedded into 96% 15% achieved within their own company. While technological the strategy and operations of a company 81% developments such as RFID and remote sensors allow greater Companies should engage in industry 78% collaborations and multi-stakeholder 14% transparency in supply-chain management, and therefore partnerships to address development goals 64% promise to have a positive impact on sustainability issues, What respondents say challenges clearly remain. Most CEOs said they were paying companies should do greater attention to the activities of their suppliers; however, Source: United Nations Global Compact CEO Survey 2010 What respondents say an equal number of respondents expressed concerns about (based on 766 completed responses) their company does whether they can effectively manage sustainability issues throughout such large, complex supplier networks. By and large, the voluntary introduction of industry standards seems to be the most common model of Some CEOs were more positive about the role that they enforcing suppliers’ commitment to sustainable practices. could play in changing their suppliers’ behavior. As one As businesses globalize and supply chains grow, however, it emerging-market CEO in the consumer goods sector told remains to be seen whether such arrangements will be able us, “We ask all our suppliers to join the Global Compact and to cope with the increased levels of complexity and diversity. adopt the principles…if they don’t meet our standards we ask them to change their behavior.” Another business leader from Subsidiaries the pharmaceutical sector said, “We put pressure on our The second most significant performance gap (32 percent) partners and tell them that we’re not going to do business appears in the integration of sustainability issues into with them unless they can demonstrate their commitment to the strategy and operations of subsidiaries. While there is corporate social responsibility.” widespread acceptance of the need to embed these issues into subsidiaries (91 percent), just 59 percent of CEOs believe For example, Nestlé S.A. is working with The Forest that they currently meet this ambition. Trust (TFT) to ensure the sustainable sourcing of palm oil throughout their supply chain. Following a social media The difficulty of encouraging more uniform, sustainable campaign launched by Greenpeace, Nestlé has taken a processes among subsidiaries speaks to the reality of how further step in their commitment to fight deforestation by such entities come to be a part of a company—often through partnering with the NGO, which specializes in sustainable a merger or acquisition. Here, challenges related to post- forestry, to promote the use of certified palm oil. While merger integration are well known across most industries— Nestlé has been responsible for setting the standard, and challenges such as creating a common culture between sending a clear message to suppliers and stakeholders previously separate entities and reengineering core processes through the development of their Responsible Sourcing and approaches. Some of the CEOs we spoke to are already Guidelines, TFT will be responsible for visiting palm oil factoring sustainability performance into their mergers and plantations and ensuring that every producer in Nestlé’s acquisitions strategy, often in the interests of risk avoidance. 35 However, enforcing common approaches to sustainability predictable consumer and customer behaviors and desires. from the top down following a merger is not the only Our research finds mixed responses about this question. approach. Grupo Santander’s acquisition of Banco Real demonstrates how leadership in sustainability can also occur Many CEOs we spoke with expressed skepticism and “bottom up”—that is, driven by the subsidiary rather than uncertainty about the extent to which social and the parent company. In 2007, Santander gained control of environmental concerns influence buying habits, particularly ABN Amro’s Brazilian unit, Banco Real, widely recognized as among consumers. Some of the CEOs were unsure whether a leading company in sustainability. Santander learned from the perceived values of Generation Y would last (an age Banco Real’s approach and policies and integrated them into group often most vocally concerned with environmental the wider group, for example, through the application of a issues)—or whether they would come to be seen as a no-lending policy to logging companies in the Amazon that passing trend. As one consumer goods multinational CEO do not have a sustainable forestry certificate. This way, the told us, “Consumer engagement may be soft: the apparent bank enriched its approach, replicating local practice on a engagement with environmental and sustainability issues global scale. may be explained by Generation Y’s longer period of ‘carefree living.’ But their values may not follow through into People and performance middle age.” Performance gaps are also apparent with regard to the CEOs also know that they need to be concerned about the capabilities and assessment of employees. Eighty-six impact of some sustainability technologies on consumer percent of CEOs recognize the need to invest in enhanced privacy. For example, one CEO in the energy sector referred training of managers to address sustainability issues— to the “risk of a consumer backlash” over privacy and but only 60 percent report that their company already security concerns of smart metering technologies, which does so. As one CEO in the chemicals industry told us, collect specific data on domestic energy usage. “Management on all levels needs to acknowledge that awareness of sustainability helps executives to better Across the board, CEOs seemed to agree with another understand societal needs and concerns, to minimize business leader from the consumer goods sector we spoke risks and to generate business opportunities.” to, who put it this way: “The holy grail is to be able to say that the impact on purchasing behavior of consumers for The transition from employees’ acknowledgement of the sustainable brands is clear. It is not.” importance of sustainability to the point at which such issues are incorporated in their day-to-day work will be a For some businesses, this uncertainty could spark a further challenge. Such a shift may be supported by the negative reinforcing loop whereby skepticism about incorporation of sustainability objectives into employee the extent to which sustainability influences consumer performance assessments. Here, too, our survey data shows behaviors leads to companies not attempting to stimulate a gap between ambition and reality: Although 76 percent of demand. On the other hand, many executives are starting CEOs believe that such metrics should be included, just 49 to see a positively reinforcing loop, whereby genuine percent report that they are currently taken into account at growth in demand for products and services that their own company. address sustainability outcomes is being strengthened by proactive marketing, branding and innovation. Building the capabilities of employees and embedding sustainability metrics in performance assessment So, although consumer demand for sustainable products and will be critical steps in the journey toward integrated services represents a significant opportunity for business, the sustainability—but will require concerted efforts to meet path toward embedded sustainability is beset by challenges CEOs’ levels of ambition. around understanding consumer attitudes and tastes. Furthermore, business and government customer demand also External challenges represents a challenge as well as an opportunity to drive new As well as overcoming the internal challenges of growth. Some of the CEOs we spoke to see their businesses integration, CEOs also believe that there are a number as “sustainability service providers”, helping other businesses of barriers in the external environment that are achieve their sustainability objectives through, for example, preventing them from adopting a more embedded increased use of technology to reduce travel. Many CEOs approach. The most prominent of these, based on our we spoke to also referred to the need to engage better with discussions, relate to the role of business stakeholders: governments to benefit from the US$521 billion of global in particular, consumers, investors and regulators. stimulus package funding that is focused on sustainable themes (e.g., energy, water and waste reduction).24 Beyond the Understanding consumer and customer demand consumer, then, businesses need to consider how best they Recognizing the importance of the consumer (a topic can align themselves with changing organizational needs. explored in Chapter 1)—and reflecting the transition from seeing sustainability as an opportunity for cost reduction Engaging the investor community and risk management to revenue growth—the majority It appears that mainstream investors are at present a of CEOs consider consumers, business and government predominantly absent, if critical, part of the sustainability customers to be key drivers of change. However, a picture. In our conversations with CEOs, a common refrain critical question on the minds of CEOs today is whether related to the lack of interest in sustainability activities from sustainability issues and interests are actually driving 36 investors and analysts, beyond very occasional requests At the same time, given the overall upward trend in energy from the socially responsible investment community. As one prices, some CEOs are not letting the uncertainty around business leader put it, “Investors talk a good game about carbon affect their plans. An oil and gas CEO told us that, investing in sustainable business, but that potential has yet “The lack of clarity in the carbon price doesn’t really change to be realized.” our plans: we know that energy costs are going to rise, so we haven’t changed our plans because of a lack of certainty.” Perhaps reflecting this attitude, only 22 percent of CEOs identify the investor community as one of their most While many CEOs are worried about future legislation influential stakeholders over the next five years. As one as a response to the failings of the financial crisis, many European business leader told us, “The real pressure, believe that increased intervention is a necessary feature which isn’t there at all, is investor pressure.” Most believed of the future sustainability landscape, and that CEOs have that, even if sustainability performance were tracked and a responsibility to be actively involved in shaping future measured at a corporate level, the investor community is regulation. As Adam Crozier, CEO of Royal Mail, told us: not interested or prepared to factor these metrics into their “Regulators’ involvement will be absolutely necessary to valuation models. CEOs also recognized, however, that the drive optimal markets for sustainability outcomes.” Indeed, power of financial markets, if harnessed, could perhaps be 60 percent of CEOs say they would welcome increased the strongest driver toward companies around the world government intervention to drive sustainability. However, integrating sustainability into core business. levels of expectation and appetite for legislation vary significantly by company size (see Figure 2-5). CEOs of larger At the same time, CEOs from the investor community had companies (those with revenues of more than US$10 billion a slightly different story to tell. Barbara Krumsiek, CEO of per annum) see future regulation as most likely, but are the Calvert Group Ltd., believed that a time when sustainability least welcoming of it. Conversely, smaller companies are the issues were built into valuations was not far away and that least expectant of regulation but would welcome it most. “investment funds are starting to ask the right questions.” This is perhaps borne out by the increasing prevalence of Many CEOs believe, however, that increased intervention sustainability indexes popularized by financial institutions without effective business consultation could also (and NGOs), which attempt to link sustainability activity produce negative effects. Paul S. Walsh, Chief Executive to measurable metrics. For example, as Edemir Pinto, CEO of consumer products company Diageo plc, spoke of the of the Brazilian stock exchange BM&FBOVESPA, told us, in importance of business operating as a proactive and equal 2005 his company launched the Corporate Sustainability partner in the process of policy making, warning that Index, which was the first index of its kind in an emerging “prescriptive regulation without effective collaboration market. Then, during the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP could result in unintended consequences.” For example, 15) meeting in 2009, Bovespa announced the launch of its in some emerging and developing economies, government Carbon Efficient Index, which is a new stock index focused measures to increase taxation on alcohol with the aim on the mitigation of climate change. These schemes join of reducing abuse have actually led to an increase in the likes of the Carbon Disclosure Project, the HSBC Global the illegal market for illicit—and highly toxic—alcohol. Climate Change Benchmark Index, Goldman Sachs SUSTAIN By broadening the network of stakeholders involved index and the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. It appears, in the process of policy formulation, the chances of then, that we are seeing the first signs of a new dialogue these negative effects occurring could be reduced. between CEOs and investors, but there is still a long way to go before this becomes core to the process by which Figure 2-5: Expectations of government intervention businesses are valued. and the extent to which such action is welcome vary significantly by company size Achieving more regulatory certainty To what extent do you agree or disagree with each of the following As Ignacio Galán, Chairman and CEO of Spanish utility statements about the role of government over the next five years? Iberdrola, told us: “We want regulation to be stable and 81% 81% predictable.” Across the board, we heard a consensus that 73% 72% regulatory uncertainty could prove hugely detrimental 69% 66% to business. “Uncertainty can lead to paralysis,” said one 60% 58% financial sector CEO. Reflecting this apprehension, many CEOs believe that the 45% current uncertainty around carbon regulation, and the 37% introduction of a carbon price in particular, is creating difficulties in planning and valuing investments. One CEO Overall Greater than US$1 to US$250 million Below US$250 in the electronics sector told us, “The biggest inhibitor is US$10 billion US$10 billion to US$1 billion million carbon trading…you can’t measure it, some people get it for “Governments and policy makers will increase their interventions in driving free, you can’t create a level playing field, and if you look sustainability“ at the amount of carbon trading that takes place, and the “My company would welcome increased government intervention in the market to drive sustainability“ fluctuations in the price, how can anyone make an economic decision based on that market?” 37 38 39 Chapter 3 Approaching a new era: The road ahead CEOs believe that a new era of integrated Figure 3-1: The majority of CEOs see a tipping point for embedded sustainability occurring within ten years sustainability is possible, but challenging Despite the challenges facing businesses in integrating How long do you think it will take to reach the point where sustainability, CEOs believe that they are beginning to see sustainability is embedded within the core business strategies of the majority of companies globally? the outline of a new era of sustainability coming into view. Fifty-four percent of CEOs envisage a tipping point occurring Will never be reached, 3% 0-5 years, 10% within the next decade—a point at which sustainability will be embedded in the core business strategies of the majority More than 15 years, 17% of companies globally (see Figure 3-1). Eighty percent of CEOs believe this point will occur within the next 15 years. Although to say that an important shift in the business and societal landscape may be 10 to 15 years away may sound like a long-term proposition, in fact this finding is quite startling in its optimism. Not so long ago, a 5-10 years, 44% dominant opinion among executives would have been that 10-15 years, 26% embedding sustainability fully into business operations was an impossible goal. Neither the internal business case nor the external drivers would have been conducive to such a view. However, for a sustainable economy to have become a Source: United Nations Global Compact CEO Survey 2010 realistic proposition—and one that CEOs can start to see on (based on 766 completed responses) the horizon—represents a further shift in opinion since 2007 and is a cause for optimism. 40 Levels of optimism vary according to both geography and “maximization”) will be business’s primary objective. As company size. North American CEOs tended to be more Ben Verwaayen, CEO of Alcatel-Lucent, told us: “We need optimistic: 62 percent of CEOs from North America believe more from business than just profit.” Or, as another business a tipping point will occur within the next decade, compared leader we spoke to envisioned it, “A truly socially responsible with only 43 percent in the Middle East and North Africa. company will not only have to serve shareholders and Larger companies also tend to believe a tipping point will analysts but all stakeholders and society more widely.” occur sooner: 63 percent of CEOs from companies with revenues greater than US$10 billion believe a tipping point So perhaps the defining equation for high performance in a will occur in the next ten years, compared with 51 percent new era of sustainability—building on a concept outlined by from companies with less than US$250 million revenues. PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi—might be:25 Full Business Value = (Profit + loss) - (Positive + negative Reaching a tipping point will present a impact on society) very different environment for business Today, we are already seeing signs of the business models The CEOs we spoke with believe that, if a tipping point is that will be required to meet the needs of this new era of reached such that sustainability is fully integrated into business’s broader social responsibility. With a changed businesses globally, it will present an operating environment orientation toward value creation will come a longer- profoundly different from today. In that new era, CEOs see term perspective ensuring that, in the words of Sam I. significant implications for the concept of value and the terms Ohuabunwa, President and CEO of Neimeth International by which business success will be judged. This will lead to new Pharmaceuticals Plc, “We do not just operate today without forms of competition, business models and organizational any thought for tomorrow.” Businesses will increasingly capabilities, as well as redefining high performance. move away from seeing themselves as operating within a discrete part of a value chain toward taking greater Based on their insights and drawing directly from the responsibility for an entire system of inputs and outputs. discussions with CEOs, we can start to piece together a Through the principles of eco-design they will seek to picture of what that business environment might look like. It incorporate whole life-cycle impact assessment into their will be an environment with: design and innovation process. For example, The Timberland • A broader sense of, and ability to measure, what value Company’s new range of “Earthkeepers 2.0” boots are creation means to society as a whole, encompassing both conceived with “cradle-to-cradle” principles in mind, and positive and negative impacts. designed to be disassembled for recycling at the end of their • New kinds of collaboration and partnerships with suppliers useful life. The new design reduces the carbon impact of a and distributors, civil society organizations and governments typical production run of 40,000 boots by 500 metric tons— to drive sustainability outcomes. roughly the same amount as the impact of all the energy and heating used in a three-month period at Timberland’s New • More effective use of technology to drive transparency, Hampshire headquarters—and also uses 200 percent more resource efficiency and a transition to clean energy recycled or renewable materials. Up to 80 percent of the infrastructure. materials from the boot can now be recycled or reused at • New models of innovation that use an open approach to the end of the boot’s first life.26 harness ideas and expertise from around the world, often at Similarly, communications, electronics and high-tech low cost and using collaborative technologies. companies are also reassessing the broader impact of • More effective business practices when operating in their products. Mobile device manufacturer Nokia has emerging markets to tackle different consumer and citizen been implementing a “Take Back” scheme, incentivizing needs and alternative distribution channels. its customers in 85 countries around the world to return and recycle old phones. Mobile phones contain a number • Sustainability leadership and culture that embeds of valuable materials, such as copper, iron and aluminum, sustainability issues into the way executives and employees and up to 80 percent of each handset can be recovered think about strategy and execution. and reused. Customers are encouraged to dispose of their obsolete devices, batteries and accessories in a safe and A broader focus on business and societal environmentally friendly way at designated recycling bins in value creation any of the 5,000 Nokia service points around the world. In CEOs believe that the new era of sustainability will bring China, Nokia has recycled over 55 tons of obsolete materials, with it a new way of assessing corporate performance. equivalent to approximately 550,000 devices. Through This will be characterized by a shift away from focusing collection schemes mandated by the European Union’s Waste solely on financial profit and loss to a broader, long-term Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive, in 2007 Nokia understanding of value creation that acknowledges that contributed to the management and recycling of 17,000 tons every business action has an impact on society and the of electronics waste. While Nokia itself does not necessarily environment. As YS Chi, Vice-Chair of publisher Reed receive any of the recycled materials, the strategy is both Elsevier Group plc, said, “Sustainability is a business model environmentally responsible and good for business: It helps that respects that nothing is free.” CEOs see a time when to increase the company’s reputation and brand value, as value creation and profit optimization (rather than profit well as the loyalty and retention of its customers.27 41 Another compelling story comes from Alcoa which, in a in Germany, utilities are threatened by reduced demand small town on the banks of the Amazon River in Brazil, has for energy and decreasing revenues, and with increased built and put into production a bauxite mine conceived regulation on carbon. Energy company RWE therefore and operated in a sustainable manner. Alcoa has invested looked to diversify revenue sources by entering the market US$27.5 million on local infrastructure and earmarked for electric vehicles in Germany. The complex value chain US$16.6 million for 35 local community support programs, of the motor industry led RWE to enter into a joint project such as promoting local handicrafts and reforesting with Daimler to effectively enter the automotive market. degraded areas of land. The Brazilian government and many Daimler provides the electric cars, while RWE handles NGOs see this operation as a role model for future mine the development, installation and operation of charging development in the area. From the community standpoint, infrastructure, supply of electricity and central system having Alcoa present has enabled the building of a hospital, control. The pilot is already in full operation in Berlin. By health centers, a police station, schools, a courthouse and, partnering in this way, both businesses are able to leverage among other initiatives, a vocational training center for their respective capabilities but also ensure that there is industrial jobs. This example reflects a growing trend within no compromising of either’s competitive position in their the metals & mining industry, whereby companies are taking respective industries.28 greater steps to ensure that local communities are not completely dependent on the company’s presence. If the In a variety of ways, CEOs told us that they see their mine eventually closes, the community remains sustainable. businesses moving from point-to-point relationships to layered webs of interrelationships or networks that will The project has transformed the region for the people who require careful monitoring and management. Each node of live there and, in doing so, has raised the bar for other these networks will expose businesses to greater scrutiny businesses in the mining and other industries to demonstrate and transparency, laying bare the inner workings of the the same level of engagement. As Paola Scaroni, CEO organization in a way that is unfamiliar to many executives. of Italian utility Eni S.p.A., one of the first operators in This situation will be further complicated by the new Africa, told us: “I strongly believe that our success depends channels through which relationships will be conducted, on our capability to provide long-lasting benefits to the as social media (e.g., online forums, blogs, social networks, communities which host us.” Twitter, etc.) begin to dominate modes of communication. One emerging market CEO told us, “As we move to the era of The executives we spoke to felt that many challenges Web 2.0, where many stakeholders voice their concerns and remain to be faced and conquered as businesses transition unite, we need to engage with them.” to playing a more significant role in societal value creation. The meaning of “value”, for example, will need to be A greater premium on stakeholder relationships will discussed carefully, especially as meanings vary in ways demand new skill sets from employees, and CEOs do not both large and small from region to region, and from believe they necessarily already have these skills within industry to industry. With a broader mandate comes a their existing talent pool. As one CEO said to us, “My broader set of stakeholders, and companies will need to marketing director in 10 years time is probably not in manage the expectations and influence of this larger body. our company at the moment and my existing lead will All players within an industry will need to be especially not be here.” The ability to negotiate with a diverse set cognizant of the health of the largest companies. Mistakes of stakeholders, to manage relationships on a long-term made by companies with disproportionate power have the basis and to respond to shifting stakeholder needs and potential to damage an entire industry. So the synergies and attitudes will be paramount. One business leader told us: dependencies among even competing companies will need to “Partnerships will only be a growth area for us.” Similarly, be more fully understood and managed. PM Telang, Managing Director of Tata Motors, said, “We need partnerships [on sustainability], both public-private In spite of these challenges, we found a sense of optimism and also between developed and emerging economies.” among many of the CEOs about operating in this new world of broader social responsibility. In a number of ways, However, partnering on a cross-sector basis will challenge businesses will be able to couple both business value many companies. Nearly one-third of the CEOs in our survey (e.g., revenue growth, increased efficiency and higher highlighted “difficulty of engaging with external groups” customer retention) and societal value (e.g., improved as a barrier to integrating a companywide approach to stakeholder relations with consumers, local communities sustainability. Making these partnerships work will require and governments). In doing so, businesses will be better able interchange of personnel to build up experience and skills to reassert a stronger, more positive and influential role in within partner organizations, an appreciation of the different society. mindsets and motivations that each stakeholder may have as well as an ability to maintain accountability and track performance across organizational boundaries. New kinds of collaboration and partnerships More effective use of technology CEOs believe that businesses will have to become more adept at identifying issues that will drive competitive advantage The belief in the power of technology to generate new and are ripe for collaboration, and those that will not. Even solutions to sustainability challenges was reflected in when collaboration is deemed appropriate, it may well be our conversations with Global Compact CEOs. As Amr between nontraditional business partners. For example, Sheira, CEO of information technology retailer CompuMe, 42 said to us: “Technology is the savior for sustainability Alcatel-Lucent, together with Bell Laboratories and a issues.” However, while there was widespread belief consortium of leading ICT companies, academic and non- among the survey’s CEOs that more effective use of governmental research experts, has formed the “Green technology is a critical part of bringing about a new Touch” initiative to pioneer innovations in eco-sustainability era of sustainability, it was less certain whether the full technology. The initiative is proactively getting more potential of technology is fully understood, or whether it players involved by "opening its doors to individuals can be harnessed in the right way. In the words of René and organizations across the industry," embracing open Obermann, CEO of Deutsche Telekom AG, “The industry collaboration in an effort to achieve dramatic reductions in always tends to overestimate the short-term impacts and the energy consumption of ICT networks. The main goal is underestimate the long-term impact of new technologies.” to create the technologies needed to make communications networks 1,000 times more energy efficient than they are In order to show the breadth and depth of technology’s today. A thousand-fold reduction is broadly equivalent to impact on sustainability and societal outcomes, being able to power the world’s communications networks, Deutsche Telekom is demonstrating how broadband including the Internet, for three years using the same telecommunications can improve the quality of life in cities amount of energy that it currently takes to run them for a and drive economic growth. Deutsche Telekom’s T-City is the single day.31 joint future laboratory of Deutsche Telekom and the German city of Friedrichshafen. Until 2012, T-City Friedrichshafen will be a showcase for modern information and communication More effective business practices when technologies, demonstrating how it improves the quality operating in emerging markets of life and community in the city. T-City will receive up to Emerging markets are vitally important for the growth €35 million (US$42.1 million) worth of infrastructure and of many industries. In telecommunications, for example, the latest fixed-line and high-speed mobile broadband many analyses predict that more than 1 billion additional technologies. Additional investments of up to €80 million consumers will soon come online through mobile telephony, (US$96.3 million) have also been planned for future-oriented with the vast majority from emerging economies. projects proposed by the city. Since T-City began in 2007, approximately 30 projects have been implemented across The CEOs we surveyed are acutely aware of the importance six project areas that cover virtually all aspects of city life: of this market. Sixty-five percent of CEOs agreed that over learning and research; mobility and transport; tourism and the next five years their company would adopt new business culture; citizens, the city and the state; business and work; models and practices in emerging markets (such as base- and health care.29 of-the-pyramid models that tailor products for large but underdeveloped consumer markets). As consumption levels In making this investment, Deutsche Telekom is tapping continue to rise in emerging markets, it will be important, as into the growing market for smart technologies (e.g., one energy executive put it, for businesses to “look toward grids, meters and cities), renewable and efficient energy new geographic markets in which to invest.” technologies, and mobility solutions. The global smart- grid market alone generated an estimated US$17 billion in The business impact that this exposure to new issues and revenues in 2008. The market is forecast to grow rapidly in practices will have is likely to be significant. As Carlos 2009—reaching US$25 billion—and forecasts suggest that Ghosn, Chairman and CEO of the Renault Nissan Alliance, the total market will continue to grow at an average annual told us: “A theme that will become increasingly apparent in growth rate of 11 percent, reaching US$42 billion by 2014.30 the coming years is the role that emerging countries will play in shaping sustainability.” New models of innovation Operating in these new markets will require a willingness For many leaders across multiple industries, a more open to adapt existing or develop new business models and and collaborative business environment is changing the approaches. For example, the India-based Tata Group nature of innovation and new-product development. The has been developing new, simplified products through a creation of products and services is more likely to involve process described as “reverse,” “frugal” or “constraint- multiple players coming together in a more dynamic fashion. based” innovation. The approach is characterized not just by One example of this trend is engaging consumers on a kind adaptation of existing products, but also by the fact that it of coproduction basis that involves them in the product starts with the needs of low-income consumers and works innovation and design process. This kind of cooperation can backwards. For example, Tata Consultancy Services has just stimulate demand and support closer alignment of products developed a low-tech water filter. It uses rice husks (which with consumer needs. are among India’s most common waste products) to purify water. The filter is not only robust and portable but also Many of the CEOs we spoke with are starting to tap into relatively cheap, giving a large family an abundant supply open innovation practices as a means of expanding the of bacteria-free water for an initial investment of about scope of their thinking and understanding consumer needs US$24 and a recurring expense of about US$4 for a new more directly. Companies are already accessing expertise filter every few months. Tata Chemicals, which is making the from around the world at low cost as a way of generating devices, is planning to produce 1 million filters over the next new ideas for products and services, shifting innovation year and hopes for an eventual market of 100 million. It will outside the boundaries of the firm. 43 lead to huge health benefits through access to clean water However, our survey showed that CEOs are perhaps not from cheap and affordable filters—in India about 2 million being vocal enough in their support for matters of broader people die from drinking contaminated water every year. 32 business concern. For example, nearly one-third of CEOs either disagreed with or were ambivalent about the need to demonstrate support for global integration and open Sustainability leadership and culture markets. Twenty-six percent also saw no need to engage The new era of sustainability will require different modes of with policy makers beyond industry-specific concerns. leadership—characterized by two distinctive sets of behaviors Recognizing this shortcoming, Jean Rozwadowski, Secretary- which we call “leading inward” and “leading outward.” General of the International Chamber of Commerce, said: “Business leaders need to be more vocal in making the case Leading inward for free trade and open markets.” How can the long-term nature of the sustainability agenda be reconciled with the relatively short-term nature Creating a more adaptive culture of a typical CEO’s tenure? The inherent tension here is A new era of sustainability cannot be attained without the acknowledged by many of the CEOs with whom we spoke. broader support of the corporate culture. Transforming a All acknowledge the importance of the CEO in setting the company’s larger culture requires providing new educational general direction of the company; as Prida Tiasuwan, CEO opportunities and encouraging new ways of working. of Pranda Jewelry PCL, put it, “The CEO has to be the role For example, exposure to the field of “systems thinking” model.” It was also striking how many of the non-CEO board will help employees understand the interrelations and executives we interviewed also emphasized the critical multiple causalities within a complex adaptive system. importance of leadership from the top. However, to hedge As one business leader in the insurance sector told us, against the loss of momentum of sustainability strategies “Employees will need to have a deeper understanding of that could accompany the departure of a CEO or members how changes in the macro environment can potentially of top leadership, businesses also need to ensure that impact individuals and organizations at the micro responsibility for sustainability is pushed downwards or level.” Futures analysis and scenario planning may help inwards so that it becomes part of the organizational DNA, employees challenge the assumptions on which businesses and so that succession strategies focus on continuity. are founded, helping to make the organization more resilient in the face of change—even disruptive change. The CEOs we surveyed appear to share this view. Eighty percent of CEOs agreed that ensuring responsibility for This more organic understanding of corporations also sustainability is institutionalized beyond key individuals will affects how companies connect employees with one define business leadership in the future: Said one North another and how they work together to innovate and serve American CEO, “We should educate and enforce that, while customers. According to Jeffrey Swartz, President and CEO the CEO is crucial, the CEO should also embed these issues of The Timberland Company, “Future capabilities will be throughout the company. Poor progress on sustainability very different and will put a premium on lateral thinking is often ascribed to the departure of senior leadership.” So, and cross-functional, collaborative problem solving.” although leadership is important, CEOs will need to harness The ability to learn and store knowledge and experience, all of the company in a more collaborative effort to ensure create flexibility in problem solving and balance power longevity of sustainability initiatives. among interest groups can help teams improve their “adaptive capacity”—that is, their ability to change more Leading outward effectively in concert with their external environment.33 On the other side of the coin, CEOs agree that global This adaptive capability becomes even more important challenges require global, cross-sector responses. For as companies understand that sustainability itself is a CEOs and their boards, this means raising their collective dynamic, not static, destination. In the words of Zhou understanding of, and engagement with, different sectors Zhongshu, President of China Minmetals Corporation, of society, ensuring that board discussions are enriched by “The concept of sustainability as a new mode of corporate a diversity of nonprofit and government viewpoints. Such development will remain unchanged but its methods a response also means that business leaders must adopt a and means will be constantly upgraded.” As companies bolder, more proactive position on the global stage—a form make their journey to the new era of sustainability, of leadership that looks outward, beyond the traditional they are likely to find themselves constantly reorienting boundaries of the organization itself, and articulates a vision and adjusting toward a shifting view of the future. for the sustainable future of the industry and wider society. 44 45 Chapter 4 Accelerating the journey and competing in a new era of sustainability CEOs can see the final destination Putting in place the right conditions The UN Global Compact-Accenture CEO Study 2010 has What are the conditions most important to enabling that uncovered a picture of global business, and global attitudes tipping point to be reached? toward sustainability, much changed since the last survey in 2007. Executives demonstrate a stronger commitment to the We asked the UN Global Compact CEOs this question, importance of sustainability principles to their companies, an and their answers are instructive (see Figure 4-1). The top awareness of both the societal and business value of more answer: consumer attitudes. That is, for sustainability to sustainable operations and products, and a strong sense of become part of “the way business is done” there must be a what the next era of sustainability will look like. It is an era market for sustainable products and services, and consumers where sustainability is embedded or integrated across the play the key role in creating that market. global business footprint, from internal operations to the supply chain and subsidiaries. A second factor noted by CEO respondents was the need for a new generation of leadership development. This applies Although the vision is shared, the means to get there and the both to academic institutions and the way companies think timing of the journey are uncertain. Multiple stakeholders about their own training programs. Executives can always across industries and national boundaries will need to work learn new ways of operating and leading. Yet leaders are in concert, and progress is likely to be characterized by fits influenced by the educational and corporate models that and starts. shaped their thinking at school, university and in executive education. For example, when business schools teach Svein Richard Brandtzæg, President and CEO of aluminum sustainable leadership principles as a prerequisite, embedded and renewable energy company Norsk Hydro ASA, reflected across the curriculum rather than as stand-alone business the views of the majority of CEOs we spoke to when he told ethics or environment modules—and when they focus on us: “A transition phase will be required in order to reach a sustainability with an emphasis identical to marketing tipping point where business objectives are aligned with and financial reporting—we will know that a new era of sustainable development.” sustainability is at hand. 46 The role of the analyst and investor community is also 3. Financial reforms and a new level of dialogue between critical, according to CEOs. However, it is difficult—and CEOs that enable sustainability activity to be incorporated maybe impossible—for companies to make significant into valuations by investors and analysts. progress toward sustainability as an integrated way of doing business if valuations take no accounting of such efforts. 4. New concepts and measurement of value and performance that are embedded at both the organizational and individual Regulators, too, obviously play a key role—going beyond levels—assessing positive and negative sustainability impacts punitive mindsets focused on environmental infractions as well as the impact on business drivers and future value. and taking a proactive role in bringing together public and private interests toward shared goals. 5. A regulatory environment that provides clear direction and incentives for embedding sustainability into strategy and Figure 4-1: CEOs see that a number of conditions are operations. important to reach a tipping point in sustainability How important will the following changes be in order to reach a 1. Actively shaping consumer attitudes “tipping point” where sustainability is embedded within the core business strategies of the majority of companies globally? and needs to create a market for Very Important Important sustainable products Majority of consumers demand products and 48% 41% 89% Eighty-nine percent of CEOs identify the point at which the services that address sustainability challenges majority of consumers demand products and services that Educational systems and business schools address sustainability challenges as important to reaching develop mindsets and skills needed for future 43% 45% 88% leaders to address sustainability a tipping point. Within that, 48 percent identify it as very important—the highest response to this question Accurate valuation by investors of sustainability in long-term investments 31% 55% 86% (see Figure 4-1). Greater value placed on a company’s sustainability activity by shareholders and investors 31% 54% 85% Actions businesses can take to shape Boards of Directors hold management 31% 53% 84% consumer demand accountable for sustainability objectives Many CEOs we spoke with are starting to shape emerging Governments provide clearer direction and tastes and preferences for sustainable products and 34% 49% 83% support for sustainability services. As one consumer goods executive put it, it is about “making the sustainable choice the easy choice, Merging of sustainability and financial metrics in reporting 23% 53% 76% if not the default choice.” There are two principal actions that CEOs identified as important to help them Performance on sustainability issues becomes a critical differentiator in recruiting talent 21% 52% 73% understand the consumer: two-way communication via social media platforms and providing incentives. Source: United Nations Global Compact CEO Survey 2010 (based on 766 completed responses) Improving communications with consumers Five enabling conditions for integrated As one North American CEO told us, “Consumer information sustainability will change behavior.” By highlighting how a particular Based on our CEO survey and one-to-one interviews, product impacts environmental or social outcomes, we have identified five principal enabling conditions or businesses can align better with a consumer’s buyer values “must-haves” that executives believe need to be put in as well as differentiate themselves from competitors on the place to accelerate the transition toward a tipping point basis of comparable performance data. whereby sustainability is fully integrated into the majority The innovative use of leading-edge communications channels of businesses globally. Businesses can take a leadership will be increasingly important to making information both role on all of them, although they will often need to work more understandable and more accessible to consumers. in collaboration with other stakeholders (e.g., UN Global For example, Apple’s iPhones can now be used to download Compact, NGOs and government agencies). applications that can scan a barcode of a product—which The five interrelated sets of enabling conditions are: gives a consumer immediate information about a company’s or product’s carbon footprint, enabling consumers to make 1. Consumers and customers that consistently demand informed decisions on the spot. sustainable products and services, creating favorable market conditions. Similarly, PepsiCo and Walkers have partnered with the Carbon Trust to help calculate and reduce the carbon 2. Educational reforms both in companies and academic footprint of a bag of potato chips. To communicate this to institutions that create sustainability skills and mindsets in consumers, each bag of chips now has a label showing its executives and workforces. carbon footprint, and a companion website that explains the carbon footprint and environmental impact of PepsiCo’s and Walkers’ operations. 47 Creating the conditions for a new era of sustainability Enabling conditions Example business actions based on CEO interviews 1. Consumers who consistently demand • Improve provision of consumer information, leveraging sustainable products and services, creating new technologies (e.g., social media) where appropriate favorable market conditions. • Provide “hard” and “soft” incentives to change consumer behaviors—e.g., promoting competitive practices or financial incentives • Develop an innovation agenda that builds sustainability principles from design and throughout the lifecycle of product development 2. Educational reforms that create • Invest in enhanced training of managers on sustainability skills and mindsets in sustainability issues executives and workforces. • Shape educational curricula and partner with academic institutions—e.g., through development of vocational courses • Communicate progress on sustainability issues to employees 3. Financial reforms that enable • Track impact of sustainability activities on core sustainability activity to be incorporated metrics—e.g., revenue growth into valuations by investors. • Communicate progress to investors proactively and on a regular basis 4. New concepts of value and performance • Devise mechanisms to measure both positive and that are embedded at both the negative impacts on society organizational and individual levels. • Embed sustainability issues into the performance and remuneration packages of top executives 5. A regulatory environment that provides • Adopt collaborative approaches to shaping regulation— clear direction on sustainability and a e.g., joint working groups, co-location of staff cooperative environment for business. • Develop industry standards that preempt formal regulation—e.g., the Kimberley Process 48 Businesses will need to cope with the potential downside of 2. Generating new knowledge, skills the more uncontrolled communications environment of the social media space; such channels can expose businesses and mindsets to drive sustainable to a more intense level of scrutiny and transparency than development they are used to. However, if businesses are willing to open themselves up to accountability in this way, the signs Eighty-eight percent of CEOs identify the point at which are that the opportunity to engage with consumers and educational systems and business schools develop mindsets stimulate future demand is significant. Governments and and skills needed for future leaders to address sustainability NGOs can also play a key role in increasing the provision of as important (43 percent as very important) to reaching a independent consumer information—or collaborating with tipping point in sustainability (see Figure 4-1). Based on our businesses to validate their own information—thus raising conversations, CEOs see the importance of education and awareness and promoting accountability. skills at three levels. First, at the broadest level, CEOs believe better education Providing incentives systems are needed to support sustainable development The use of hard and soft incentives can also help shape outcomes. For example, increasing employment and lifting consumer behavior, and leading companies are already people out of poverty in a sustainable way depends on innovating to facilitate these incentives through smart providing them with opportunities to acquire a broad technology. For example, many of the CEOs and business education as well as marketable skills. CEOs are aware of the leaders we spoke with from the utilities sector talked of the criticality of better education to their companies’ business potential benefits presented by smart meters, which can performance and to the attainment of sustainability goals; compare a homeowner’s energy consumption with that of executives identified “education” as the most important neighbors on the same street. This can help reduce energy development challenge facing the future success of use through the application of Thaler and Sunstein’s theory their business: 72 percent identified it in their top three of “nudge economics” in a practical setting, capitalizing on challenges—ahead of climate change (66 percent) and people’s susceptibility to indirect peer pressure (“nudging”) poverty (51 percent) (see Figure 1-5). That education trumps and competition.34 Business and regulators can play a climate change in this survey speaks not only to the broader leading role here, but there remain a number of ethical conception of sustainability that has been embraced over the questions around the extent to which personal data and last three to five years, but also to a recognition among most information can both be collected and manipulated to of the CEOs we spoke to that education is the most effective change behavior. One of the business leaders we spoke route toward sustainable development. to referred to considerable “mistrust and concern” from consumer groups who were fearful of how instruments such Second, CEOs believe that, to ensure the steady supply of as smart meters that collect and use personal data might key skills to meet both societal and business needs, action violate privacy guidelines and pose potential security threats. is needed to deliver more graduates in disciplines such as science and engineering. However, simply increasing supply Financial incentives can also be usefully deployed to is not enough. Companies must create more compelling influence consumer behaviors. Government subsidies that conditions and opportunities to attract employees with promote the take-up of environmentally friendly products the required skills. As one CEO in the energy sector told and services are often an effective means of making it easier us, “Many science and engineering graduates no longer for consumers to arrive at a purchasing decision that delivers want to go into business. They are not sure of business’s an environmental and social benefit. For example, tax relief role in society and feel they can make more of an impact on the purchase of bicycles for transport to work can help elsewhere.” Many CEOs are concerned about the damaged reduce congestion on streets and highways, while also reputation of business in the wake of the recent financial improving the health of citizens. crisis and economic downturn; they see a considerable risk that a new generation of talent will seek to apply their skills in professions they believe to be more aligned with their personal and ethical convictions. Understanding this dynamic will be critical to the ability to acquire, develop and retain talent in sufficient numbers to succeed. Third, CEOs see a critical need for business schools and education systems to focus on developing the next generation of managers and business leaders with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and behaviors to manage sustainability issues as an integral part of the way they think about business. 49 Actions businesses can take to prepare Courses around mobility, electric vehicles and sustainable transport. The Foundation contributes €2.7 million (US$3.3 a new generation of talent with million) to its mission every year and, since its creation, has sustainability skills welcomed more than 370 students from nine countries. 35 Although businesses believe that formal educational Where education in sustainability issues does not already institutions and business schools need to do more when it exist, we are increasingly seeing examples of businesses comes to sustainable education and the development of taking responsibility for its provision. In North Africa, for more relevant skill sets, they also recognize the need to example, the SEKEM Group has set up its own university, the increase their own efforts to engender the right skills and “Heliopolis University for Sustainable Development.” Opening mindsets in their managers and future leaders. in autumn 2010, it will teach Bachelor-level courses focused on organic agriculture, pharmacy, sustainable economics and Upgrading corporate training in sustainability engineering (e.g., renewable energies, water management Eighty-six percent of CEOs believe that companies should and mechatronics).36 invest in enhanced training of managers to integrate sustainability into strategy and operations—but only 60 Attracting and engaging employees percent are currently doing so. Ernst Bärtschi, CEO of It is clear that CEOs see a more prominent role in the future specialty chemicals company Sika Group, said, “Training and for sustainability performance in recruiting talent. “Companies developing a new generation of managers will be crucial that have not embedded sustainability will face significant in creating sustainable growth: Decline in trust will put challenges in recruiting the next generation,” said one CEO the onus on ethics and integrity to rebuild the position of from the financial sector. Action on the part of individual business in society.” Many of the companies we spoke to businesses, using their reputation on sustainability as a are recognizing this need. For example, Nissan’s Leadership critical differentiator, can aid the transition to an era in which Program for Innovative Engineers aims to promote the sustainability will be a core element in attracting the brightest understanding of global challenges among the engineers employees. One European banking CEO told us how a survey of tomorrow, and is seeking to catalyze a new wave of of graduates seeking employment in two of the company’s key innovation focused on sustainable development. markets cited performance on sustainability issues as the most Other leading companies are also harnessing the power important factor in helping them choose a potential employer, of technology to improve training and development on and highlighted the importance of social media channels in sustainability issues. Mining giant Rio Tinto has commissioned promoting the company to potential employees. and rolled out a new e-learning platform to deliver training Belief in the role that sustainability performance can play to its workforce. Designed to be a major element in their here is particularly pronounced in Latin America, where approach to sustainability, the ability to design and deliver 86 percent of CEOs—compared with a global average of tailored, modular courses on environmental, social and 73 percent—identify the role of sustainability in recruiting governance issues is enabling Rio Tinto to move toward an talent as a crucial condition in reaching a tipping point integrated and efficient solution to the urgent priority of up- in sustainability. As Luiz Ernesto Gemignani, Chairman of skilling their global workforce on security and human rights. Promon S.A., the Brazilian infrastructure company, told us, However, more broadly, it seemed clear from our “Environmental, social and governance issues are crucial to discussions with CEOs that often they were faced with a our employee value proposition.” cadre of managers that had yet to embrace sustainability Creating a business that is both sustainable and profitable or were, in many cases, not incentivized to do so due requires efforts by people at all levels of the corporation; to the company’s existing targets and performance thus, engaging employees in the sustainability agenda architecture. Training the next generation of managers is vital to success. As one telecommunications CEO told will require both hard and soft measures to develop us, employees “want to see what their company’s doing… the necessary skills and mindsets, but also to embed if their company’s doing well then they are proud of it.” those within performance management frameworks. Businesses will need to take more concerted action both to communicate progress on sustainability issues to their Providing formal education employees, and to involve them in developing relevant Beyond training the next generation of managers, businesses innovations. For example, UK communications company can also help ensure the supply of talent through proactively BT runs an employee suggestion scheme that has proven a shaping curricula of schools at both the secondary and highly successful way of engaging workers on sustainability university levels. For example, The Renault Foundation issues; it has also helped the company develop innovative actively participates in educating and developing young ideas and solutions to existing challenges. talent. In collaboration with top university engineering programs they have created specific M.B.A. and Master 50 Although the link between employee engagement and Be more proactive with investors productivity may be difficult to quantify in financial According to Edemir Pinto, CEO of São Paulo stock terms, there are many examples where performance on exchange BM&FBOVESPA, “CEOs may complain that sustainability issues is leading to higher employee retention investors do not value their sustainability activities properly, rates. Better retention can, in turn, reduce the cost of but they need to tell investors what they are doing: recruitment and retraining and can protect a company If they don’t communicate regularly, investors cannot against the loss of corporate knowledge and experience. incorporate these issues into their models.” In addition For example, the Martha Tilaar Group in Indonesia points to engaging and challenging investors on the importance to attrition rates far lower than the industry average, due of sustainability performance, CEOs need to be more in part to the organization’s focus on long-term community proactive in communicating progress on a regular basis. development. And Pranda Jewelry PCL in Thailand reports retention rates 20 percent to 30 percent higher than CEOs who do take a more proactive approach to engaging the industry average—citing the company’s approach to investors in appropriate terms appear to be achieving sustainability as a key reason for success. significant results. This is the experience of Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever, who talked of how “the financial community 3. Leading the creation of an is increasingly looking at companies and rewarding those that think smartly about their use of resources.” This investment environment more highlights how a proactive approach to talking about specific favorable to sustainable business sustainability initiatives with investors can have a rapid and direct impact on the valuation of specific markets—and set One of the most common refrains in our conversations the company apart from its competitors. with CEOs related to the importance—but absence—of the investor community as part of the solution to sustainability Some companies are wary of the risks of acting alone when challenges. However, our conversations with members of it comes to new forms of valuation based on sustainability the investor community revealed two sides to the story and initiatives and outcomes. They may feel that moving as an helped identify the steps needed to ensure that the power of industry, rather than as an individual corporation, is a safer financial markets can be used to drive sustainable outcomes. approach. However, if a company’s sustainability investments do ultimately deliver value, CEOs will be able to tell a story that stands up to scrutiny. If both stakeholders can come Actions businesses can take to influence together—businesses and the investor community—CEOs attitudes and valuation models of the believe this cooperation could overcome one of the key investment community barriers to the alignment of market forces and sustainability outcomes. As one European telecommunications executive To help engender a new dialogue with investors, there are told us, “There are two things that need to happen to move two principal actions that businesses can take: Track the from a philanthropic attitude toward sustainability to impact of sustainability on core metrics and become more ‘embeddedness.’ First, we need measurable sustainability proactive in shaping the attitudes and mindsets of investors. targets that are built into corporate targets. Second, investors may only invest significantly when that Track impact on core metrics embeddedness is clear and visible. If business and investors Businesses must be able to measure and track the impact understand and support such targets and measurement, we of their sustainability activity on core business metrics can create a win-win for all.” such as revenue growth, cost reduction, risk management and reputation. By doing so, they will be able to educate CEOs also see an integral role for the UN Global Compact investors as to the impact of their sustainability activity in creating this kind of cooperation between business and in terms that can be built into valuation models. As one the investment community. For example, UNGC’s Principles business leader from Goldman Sachs told us, “We need to for Responsible Investment (PRI) initiative can help promote realize that analysts bring with them an education rooted understanding and dialogue between business and investors within the green borders of Excel. But we are talking about (see section later in this chapter on the role of the UNGC). externalities that very often are not linked directly to line items. CEOs need to be able to link these to cash flow and the balance sheet.” Tracking impact in this way will be difficult for many businesses since it reflects directly on the extent to which they have aligned business and societal outcomes. But over the next decade it is likely to prove an essential element within a broader corporate approach to managing performance (see following section on Performance Management). As Fulvio Conti, CEO and General Manager of Italian electricity and gas company Enel S.p.A., told us: “There should be a focus on integrated reporting of CSR and financial results, which could bring about an alignment of sustainability with economic performance.” 51 4. Embedding new concepts of value The same mixed picture seems true of companies making the link between sustainability and traditional metrics of current and performance at the organizational or future value such as revenue, cost, risk and intangibles. and individual levels “We’re getting better and better at tracking the benefits,” said one European business leader, “but there’s still a lot of work to CEOs believe that we are moving toward an era in which be done. If you’re looking at the cost of materials, or energy businesses will no longer focus purely on profit and loss as costs, then it’s very easy…but brand value is more difficult to the primary means of valuation, but rather take into account assess.” Although businesses are making some progress, it is also the positive and negative impacts on society and the clear from the survey data as well as from our conversations environment. As Hans Vestberg, CEO of telecommunications that executives are struggling to structure effective company LM Ericsson, told us: “We believe that it is not only a performance management across the business on more company’s economic performance that determines its success, tangible measures such as carbon, water and waste emissions but rather successfully combining economic performance with management as well as on intangible assets such as the value active management of how the business impacts on social of trust, reputation and effective stakeholder management. and environmental factors.” Or in the words of Jamshed J. Irani, Director of India’s Tata Steel: “You cannot be a spike of Embedding sustainability into the performance and prosperity in a sea of poverty.” remuneration packages of top executives and management was seen by many CEOs as perhaps one of the most The impact of this shift will be threefold. First, it will require effective means of ensuring more active management businesses to measure their sustainability performance and monitoring of sustainability impacts. “People have in terms of their positive and negative impact on society. a habit of doing what you pay them to do,” one business Second, it will require businesses to link their performance leader told us. Another executive, in the automotive on sustainability to traditional business metrics and sector, explained, “We have changed the incentives for value creation (e.g., revenue growth, cost reduction, risk our board and management, so in addition to traditional management and brand/reputation). Third, it will necessitate economic metrics they now incorporate additional criteria the embedding of sustainability outcomes within employee based on consumer and employee satisfaction…we’re performance frameworks and remuneration packages. This trying to move toward greater long-term thinking.” will require new kinds of information systems and analytics to support a company’s sustainability performance management. We found several innovative approaches for more embedded metrics programs. For example, global utility There are already signs that businesses are recognizing National Grid plc has a target of 80 percent greenhouse the need to measure their broader impact on society. As gas reduction across its businesses by at least 2050, with one CEO in the financial sector told us, “The movement a mid-term reduction target of 45 percent by 2020.38 away from shareholder value maximization to a real To drive performance at the individual level, in 2009 the understanding about how the business adds profitably to company launched a carbon remuneration scheme that the common good is an all-important shift.” For example, embeds carbon targets in the pay packages of senior Danish health care company Novo Nordisk has integrated leaders and management. The scheme has provided a measurement of its sustainability performance across source of public differentiation since National Grid is able the organization into a balanced scorecard. International to point to a willingness to take action and put individual brewer Heineken has also recently released a report rewards on the line in the interests of better environmental that sets out its economic impact on the 19 European outcomes. It has also demonstrated National Grid’s advanced countries in which the company operates, calculating capabilities in detailed analysis and quantification of the that in 2009 Heineken directly and indirectly employed environmental impact of their operations. Although there 495,000 people and contributed €11.65 billion (US$13.9 are still challenges ahead, National Grid’s approach to billion) through value creation, defined as value added and carbon business planning has gone a long way toward created by supplying the retail and hospitality sectors.37 resolving the traditional tension between a reward cycle that operates on an annual basis and performance objectives However, although 91 percent of CEOs believe that companies that need to be measured over much longer timescales. should measure both the negative and positive impacts of their activities on sustainability outcomes, only 71 percent Based on conversations with many CEOs who had embarked say that they are doing so already. Although such analyses are on setting sustainability targets for top executives—or were often complex and open to differing interpretations, they are considering doing so—National Grid’s story may be the sign of likely to become more prevalent as businesses seek to reassert things to come. a more expansive role in society, with wider concerns beyond profit and loss within their own business. 52 Actions businesses can take to develop 5. Creating a clearer and more new organizational and individual positive regulatory environment for performance targets sustainability To shape organizational and individual behaviors around sustainability goals, businesses can take the following To avoid the unintended consequences of unhelpful concrete actions. regulation, build trust and provide a more informed basis for policy making, businesses can adopt a more proactive and Ensure governance and reporting structures are collaborative approach with governments. A range of actions is possible, from the straightforward to the complex. in place Research has shown that the primary responsibility for sustainability performance management usually Actions businesses can take to help create falls to heads of sustainable development. However, a more positive regulatory environment chief financial officers are usually better placed to link performance on sustainability issues to business Increase collaboration performance metrics.39 Putting in place the right One readily implemented approach, for example, comes governance and reporting structures can help businesses from the Spanish central bank, which co-located some of ensure that sustainability performance is not measured its members at the offices of Grupo Santander to promote and managed in a silo. Rather, it can help sustainability greater understanding, openness and collaboration. Similarly, performance become part of the standard set of metrics we came across numerous examples of companies being part by which senior management makes decisions. This also of government working groups to help jointly find solutions requires the right performance management architecture to common challenges. in place. As one business leader in the banking sector told us, “We are rapidly realizing the limitations of our Alternatively, cooperative efforts can involve more complex Excel-based performance management approach.” undertakings to raise standards across a large and diverse industry. For example, the diamond industry was faced Be selective about the metrics chosen with a range of reputation problems as reports emerged of “conflict diamonds” (diamonds mined in a war zone and Having performance metrics is good; having the right sold to finance continued violence) entering the mainstream metrics is even better. It can be a challenge, however, market in the 1990s. This created a significant risk for De to achieve the right balance of coverage in measuring Beers, the industry leader. The company therefore played a performance on sustainability issues. In the words of Chen key role in engaging with multiple stakeholders to develop Ying of the Beijing Rong Zhi Institute of Corporate Social the Kimberley Process, a certification program aimed at Responsibility, “Measuring these outcomes is difficult. You preventing armed movements from using diamonds to either are too broad or too narrow in what you measure. fund conflict. As of December 2009, the Kimberley Process Striking the balance is the challenge.” The tendency for (KP) has 49 members, representing 75 countries, and is many businesses is to be too broad, rather than focusing chaired on a rotating basis by executives from companies in on a smaller set of metrics for which the levers of influence participant countries. Its members account for approximately are strong. As Tae-won Chey, Chairman and CEO of Korean 99.8 percent of the global production of rough diamonds. conglomerate SK, told us, “It is important to identify Under the KP, participating states must meet “minimum material issues which will contribute to long-term success.” requirements” and put in place national legislation and A certain degree of creativity may be required to apply institutions, as well as export, import and internal controls. traditional financial metrics to nonfinancial issues. They must also commit to transparency and the exchange of statistical data. Participants can only legally trade with other Reconcile short- and long-term metrics participants who have also met the minimum requirements.40 Even if the right metrics can be chosen, tracked and linked to business value creation, a key challenge in employee Set expectations regarding the limits to business remuneration relates to the time period over which responsibility performance is rewarded. There is an inherent tension The steps that businesses can take to help bring about between a reward cycle that operates on an annual basis and a tipping point in sustainability in concert with other sustainability performance objectives that typically need to stakeholders underlines the role that CEOs see for be assessed over a much longer timescale. Tackling this issue businesses: as an enabler within a wider ecosystem where head-on and ensuring employees are fully aware of the basis each player focuses on how they can deliver most value on which they are rewarded will be essential to embedding and then collaborates accordingly. It also underscores the sustainability in individual performance frameworks. limits to the role of business on some issues. Specifically, in some instances it does not make sense for business to take a leading role—particularly if another stakeholder is better placed. Society may have expectations of business playing a leading role in addressing sustainability, but businesses also need to have the confidence to identify 53 where they can—and cannot—add most value. As one Working with educators top executive told us, “Business can be an effective As discussed earlier in this chapter, CEOs were clear about enabler that facilitates and brings together a network of the importance of education in helping to reach a tipping actors. But there are limits to business responsibility.” point in sustainability. As further validation of this theme Businesses need to be more proactive and clearer in and the role that the UNGC can play in furthering progress, engaging with regulators and wider stakeholders to help 44 percent of CEOs cite “work with business schools and set expectations about where they can—and cannot— educators to shape the next generation of leaders” as one achieve the most impact on sustainability issues. of the most important initiatives to help their business over the next five years. This gives further validation to existing The role of the UN Global Compact: efforts in this area, such as the Principles for Responsible Facilitating collaboration and action Management Education (PRME). The broader concern for failing education systems may also imply broadening the The response of CEOs to the work to date and ambition remit beyond business schools. of the UN Global Compact was overwhelmingly positive. CEOs see the need for a legitimate global convener Promoting sustainable investment of business that can help promote collaboration between different stakeholders. It is here that the CEOs believe that raising the bar on sustainable investment United Nations—through the Global Compact, under will be crucial, reinforcing the importance of the Principles first Kofi Annan and now Ban Ki-moon’s leadership— for Responsible Investment (PRI). This is borne out both by continues to provide an important platform. the significance attached by CEOs to the whole question of corporate valuation and investor engagement. Reflecting As Steve Lennon, Managing Director of Eskom’s Corporate this, 36 percent of CEOs identified accelerating the Services division, told us, “The Global Compact gives us an integration of sustainability into valuation techniques as one anchor: Over the last ten years, it’s had the same principles, of the most important initiatives to help their business. and it gives us a means of benchmarking our performance and acts as a mirror for us to see how we perform.” Nevertheless, CEOs identified an opportunity for the UN Global Compact to go beyond simply raising awareness and Beyond that, CEOs believe that the UNGC has a key role capabilities throughout the investment community through to play in helping to address some of the business and PRI, to support CEOs and member companies to better sustainability challenges they outlined to us. measure and communicate the value of sustainability to the capital markets. Sharing best practices on implementation Figure 4-2: CEOs see the most helpful role of the UN As businesses move from strategy to execution in Global Compact as sharing best practices and providing sustainability, they are struggling to overcome both internal guidance on implementation and external barriers to integration. It is vital for companies to understand practices from other companies that can Over the next five years, what can the UN Global Compact do to help overcome these challenges. Thus, 64 percent of CEOs help your company address sustainability issues? identify sharing “examples of best and emerging practice on Please rank the three most important initiatives, entering the numbers 1-3 sustainability” as the most helpful role for the UNGC over Share examples of best and emerging practice 64% on sustainability the next five years (see Figure 4-2). Deliver guidance on implementation of 51% sustainability issues throughout the organization Furthermore, 51 percent highlight “guidance on implementation of sustainability issues throughout the Work with business schools and educators to 44% shape the next generation of leaders organization” as another key role. As Alessandro Profumo, CEO of UniCredit S.p.A., told us, “The Global Compact Provide a forum for business/government/civil 38% society dialogue has a unique opportunity to act as a platform for sharing knowledge and best practice on sustainability.” Accelerate the integration of sustainability 36% into valuation techniques Provide country networks for subsidiaries and According to Jürgen Hambrecht, Chairman of BASF SE, suppliers to advance sustainability in local 34% “The role of the UN Global Compact as a peer learning and markets dialogue platform is highly appreciated by our company, Help to differentiate the top corporate 30% since it combines high-level commitment with hands- sustainability performers on learning and dialogue networks at the local level. The Source: United Nations Global Compact CEO Survey 2010 Compact has an outstanding outreach and impact.” (based on 766 completed responses) Furthermore, as the UNGC celebrates its tenth anniversary, there is an appetite from member CEOs for the Compact to move from policy to action. As Toshio Arima, Director of Fuji Xerox Co. Ltd., told us: “During the first ten years we’ve been discussing direction. Now is the time to implement that direction into business and societal mechanisms.” 54 Making the case for open markets Toward a new era of sustainability: Many of the CEOs we spoke with mentioned the role of the Leading the way UNGC in making the case for open markets and globalization, Based on our interviews with CEOs, we are starting to see helping to align market forces with sustainability. According a future era of sustainability with new opportunities and to H.E. Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, “By promoting challenges. The increased complexity of sustainability issues and embedding the principles of the Global Compact, and more diffuse networks through which they will have to business, as the primary agent driving globalization, can help be managed will take businesses into new, often unfamiliar ensure that markets, commerce, technology and finance terrain. CEOs believe, however, that this is a future where the advance in ways that benefit economies and societies role of business is integral to development. In the words of everywhere and contribute to a more sustainable and Gareth Penny, Group CEO of De Beers, “Successful business inclusive global economy.” is what drives sustainable growth.” In the words of a business leader in the telecommunications Understanding this reality will help businesses take sector, “Market forces are not against the environment, important steps toward not only creating more sustainable and if incentivized in the right way they can contribute to economies and societies, but in building capabilities that environmental and social outcomes. Governments need ensure their own high performance and competitiveness on to put more emphasis on architecture, ecosystems and the journey to a new era of sustainability. incentives instead of rules and regulations.” Making this case, however, will require UNGC members to be more vocal in the The CEOs we spoke to described a situation in 2010 best public policy arena. Many of the CEOs we spoke to felt that summarized as “the end of the beginning” rather than “the this was not yet happening enough. They believe that the beginning of the end.” Aligning markets and sustainability UNGC can play an important enabling and convening role. outcomes will require constant renewal and adaptation from businesses themselves and in collaboration with others. Building on diversity of membership Many challenges and discontinuities lie ahead. The diversity of the Global Compact membership—ranging A new era of sustainability is far from guaranteed and will from small- and medium-sized enterprises to large require both leadership and urgency. As Idar Kreutzer, Group multinationals—is one of its unique strengths and as such CEO of financial services company Storebrand ASA, warned: it offers a network in which companies at different stages “The risk of inaction is the greatest risk facing business.” of development in terms of their approach to sustainability can help each other. As Martha Tilaar, Chairwoman The one critical imperative is the need to act—and act now. and Founder of the Martha Tilaar Group and one of the Compact’s founding members, said, the role of the UNGC over the next five to ten years should be “to encourage better collaboration among the growing membership, such that smaller companies can learn from larger companies in their geography, and adopt best practice strategies.” And as Yasuchika Hasegawa, President of the Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, told us, “We believe that providing frequent opportunities for many determined companies to engage in mutual communications will result in increased practice, and the wider spread of the UNGC.” However, diversity of membership can also present significant challenges. With companies from both developed and emerging markets, there is a need to ensure a method that recognizes that issues and approaches may be different. As one European business leader told us, “The UN may be the only organization that can bypass religious and geographic tensions. The transformation of the principles into a code of conduct should be done in conjunction with emerging market companies, and only then shown to the Europeans and the Americans, to avoid the sense that the emerging markets are being dictated to.” 55 References 37 Regioplan policy research, “Contribution made by Heineken to the European Economy,” December 2009. 38 National Grid corporate website. 1 Dow Chemical, Global Reporting Initiative 2008. 39 Accenture, “Optimizing Sustainability Performance 2 Deutsche Telekom corporate website and interview input. Management”—A review of findings from Accenture’s 3 Siemens Annual Report 2009. 2009 Sustainability Performance Management Survey. 4 Natura Annual Report 2009. 40 Kimberley Process website. 5 OMV Future Energy Fund website: http://www.omvfutureenergyfund.com; OMV Annual Report 2009. 6 UniCredit S.p.A. Sustainability Report 2009. Acknowledgements 7 Accenture/Vodafone, “Carbon Connections: Quantifying Accenture CEO Study Sponsors mobile’s role in tackling climate change,” July 2009. Bruno Berthon 8 Edelman Trust Barometer 2009. Global Managing Director, Sustainability Services 9 Ibid. Peter Lacy 10 GSK Corporate Responsibility Report 2009. Managing Director, Sustainability Services Europe, Africa, 11 Norsk Hydro, “Viability Performance Report,” 2009. Middle East and Latin America 12 BT Group press release, March 2010. 13 Eskom corporate website. David Abood Managing Director, Sustainability Services North America 14 World Bank. 15 The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity, “An Lay Lim Teo interim report,” 2008. Managing Director, Sustainability Services Asia and Pacific 16 Philips annual report 2009 and corporate website. 17 Accenture, “The New Energy World—The Consumer Authors Perspective,” 2010. Peter Lacy, Tim Cooper, Rob Hayward, and Lisa Neuberger. 18 World Business Council for Sustainable Development, “Vision 2050—The new agenda for business,” February 2010. Supporting Authors 19 Rainforest Alliance website; interview input. Lucy Cooper, Arnaud Haines and Craig Mindrum. 20 Drinkaware press release, September 2009. The authors would like to thank the following 21 Timberland Green Index Program Report, 2009; people for their insights and assistance. Timberland corporate website. Chris Allieri, Pankhuri Bajpai, Olly Benzecry, 22 Sika corporate website. Mauricio Bermudez-Neubauer, Gib Bulloch, Ryan Coffey, 23 Nestlé corporate website. Helen Doyle, Karen Dray, Camilla Drejer, Jaume Ferrer, 24 HSBC Global Research, “From green stimulus to green Caroline Firstbrook, Mark Foster, Alex Gibbon, austerity?,” April 2010. Stéphane Girod, Matthew Govier, Sue Gresty, Paul Gurney, 25 This equation builds on a speech at the World Economic Ulf Henning, Katharine Hirst, Jill Huntley, Abhinav Kalra, Forum Annual Meeting by Indra Nooyi, CEO of PepsiCo, Rod Kay, Justin Keeble, Nijma Khan, Laura Kopec, and subsequent commentary in the Financial Times, Soma Mandal, Sander van ’t Noordende, Armen Ovanessoff, February 2010. Alex Pachetti, Baladitya Pandey, Athena Peppes, 26 Timberland, op. cit. Jeffrey Playford, Mark Purdy, Matthew Robinson, Rajesh Sennik, Shantanu Singh, Mark Spelman, 27 Nokia corporate website. Roxanne Taylor, Sonia Thimmiah, David Thomlinson. 28 RWE corporate website. 29 Deutsche Telekom corporate website. 30 Independent Technology Research, Smart Grid Report, 2009. 31 Alcatel-Lucent corporate website. 32 The Economist, April 2010. 33 Scheffer et al. 2000, Berkes et al. 2002. 34 Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness, Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein, 2008. 35 Renault Foundation website: http://www.fondation. renault.com 36 SEKEM corporate website. 56 About the UN Global Compact About Accenture Sustainability Services The United Nations Global Compact is a call to companies We help organizations achieve substantial improvement everywhere to: (1) voluntarily align their operations and in their performance through integrated programs that strategies with ten universally accepted principles in the maximize the positive and minimize the negative effects areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti- of their operations on social, environmental and economic corruption and (2) take actions in support of UN goals, issues and stakeholders. We see sustainability both as including the Millennium Development Goals. By doing so, a commercial opportunity and as an extension of our business can help ensure that markets advance in ways that stewardship role in supporting global business and societies. benefit economies and societies everywhere. We work with clients across industries and geographies to integrate sustainability approaches into their business Endorsed by chief executives, the UN Global Compact is a strategies, operating models and critical processes. leadership platform for the development, implementation, and disclosure of responsible corporate policies and Our holistic approach encompasses strategy, design and practices. Launched in 2000, it is the largest corporate execution to increase revenue, reduce cost, manage risk and responsibility initiative in the world—with over 7,000 enhance brand, reputation and intangible assets. We also signatories based in more than 135 countries, and Local help clients develop deep insights on sustainability issues Networks existing or emerging in 90 countries. More based on our ongoing investments in research, including information: www.unglobalcompact.org. recent studies on consumer expectations and global executive opinion on climate change. For more information, contact sustainability@accenture.com or visit www.accenture.com/sustainability. Copyright © 2010 Accenture This report has been prepared with the assistance of the All rights reserved. Accenture Institute for High Performance, which leads Accenture’s sustainability research agenda. The Institute Accenture, its logo, and develops and publishes practical insights into critical High Performance Delivered management issues and global economic trends. Its are trademarks of Accenture. worldwide team of researchers connects with Accenture’s consulting, technology and outsourcing leaders to demonstrate, through original, rigorous research and analysis, how organizations become and remain high performers. For more information, visit www.accenture.com/institute. 10-0874/5-4504/A4r4