Sustainability

How appointing a Chief Sustainability Officer can drive business success

As companies face increasing pressure from stakeholders, governments, and consumers to reduce their environmental impact, integrating sustainable practices is no longer optional – it’s essential.

Appointing a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) or sustainability manager is a pivotal step toward aligning corporate actions with long-term sustainability goals, ensuring environmental responsibility and business success.

A strong sustainability strategy isn’t just about compliance or meeting minimum standards. It means leading the way with a business model that benefits both the planet and the bottom line. Companies that prioritize sustainability not only mitigate risks associated with climate change but also position themselves as forward-thinking leaders in their industry.

This article explores how appointing a sustainability manager drives success through implementing sustainable business practices and what key roles they play within a company.

  1. What is a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO)?
  2. How does appointing a sustainability manager drive business success?
  3. How your CSO can implement a sustainability strategy
  4. The importance of ESG reporting
  5. How sustainability boosts business performance and growth
  6. Overcoming challenges in sustainability leadership
  7. Sustainability is a business imperative

What is a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO)?

A Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) is a senior executive responsible for developing and executing a company’s sustainability strategy. The CSO manages environmental issues and collaborates with the leadership team to embed sustainability into strategic decision-making.

While other C-suite members, such as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or the Vice President (VP) of sustainability, focus on financial outcomes or specific sustainability initiatives, the CSO oversees the entire spectrum of sustainability efforts. They ensure these efforts are integrated across every department, so they’re part of the company’s culture and operational fabric.

The CSO role is relatively new but has grown significantly in recent years. According to a study by PwC, 48% of North America’s largest companies now have a CSO or equivalent role. This growth reflects a broader recognition that sustainability is fundamental to corporate resilience.

One example of this growth can be seen in Unilever, which appointed a CSO to spearhead its sustainable living plan. The company’s CSO has led initiatives to reduce emissions, improve supply chain sustainability, and make sure Unilever meets its long-term sustainability goals. It’s led to an improved environmental footprint and a stronger market position for the company.

How does appointing a sustainability manager drive business success?

A sustainability manager or CSO operationalizes sustainability goals. While the CSO works at the strategic level, sustainability managers execute these plans on the ground, leading sustainability initiatives across different departments.

They are responsible for ensuring that the company meets its sustainability goals, which could include:

  • Reducing emissions
  • Managing the carbon footprint
  • Improving overall environmental impact

The sustainability manager collaborates closely with various departments, such as procurement, human resources, and marketing, to make sustainability a shared responsibility across the organization.

For instance, a sustainability manager at a large retailer might work with the supply chain team to shift toward using more sustainable materials. This change can reduce the company’s environmental footprint and lead to long-term cost savings as the business becomes more resource-efficient.

Additionally, the company can enhance its reputation among eco-conscious consumers by implementing visible sustainability efforts, such as reducing single-use plastics or improving recycling programs.

You might measure the success of a sustainability manager through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as:

  • Energy usage reduction
  • Waste management improvements
  • Carbon emissions tracking

These metrics provide a clear picture of how sustainability is integrated into the company’s day-to-day operations, highlighting the manager’s role in driving business growth through sustainable practices.

How your CSO can implement a sustainability strategy

Implementing a well-designed sustainability strategy typically involves finding ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet regulatory requirements. It’s a comprehensive approach to managing climate change risks, optimizing resources, and ensuring the company’s business model is resilient and future-proof.

To succeed, companies need to integrate sustainability into every facet of their operations, from product design and supply chain management to marketing and customer engagement. This holistic approach treats sustainability as a continuous process that drives innovation and long-term value.

Here are the steps for implementing a sustainability strategy:

Step 1 – Set goals

A sustainability strategy should start with defining measurable goals that align with the company’s overall business objectives. Whether the aim is to achieve carbon neutrality, reduce water usage, minimize waste, or increase the use of renewable energy, it’s crucial to make these goals specific and actionable.

For instance, instead of stating a broad goal like “reduce emissions,” a company might set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% over the next five years. These goals should be linked to performance indicators that can be tracked and reported.

Step 2 – Engage stakeholders

The success of any sustainability initiative relies on the active participation of both internal and external stakeholders.

  • Internally, this means involving employees at all levels,  from senior executives to front-line staff. Leaders should communicate the importance of sustainability, integrating it into the company culture, and encouraging employees to contribute ideas and participate in sustainable practices. 
  • Externally, companies should engage suppliers, customers, investors, and even local communities to ensure alignment with sustainability goals. Suppliers, in particular, play a crucial role in achieving sustainability objectives related to the supply chain. Establishing partnerships with environmentally conscious suppliers can significantly reduce a company’s environmental footprint.

Step 3 – Use data to drive decisions

A data-driven approach is essential for tracking progress and making informed decisions.

Using sustainability metrics, such as energy consumption, water usage, waste generation, and carbon emissions, companies can monitor their environmental impact in real time. This data helps identify areas where improvements are needed and provides insights into which initiatives are delivering the greatest return.

Advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics can further enhance this process, allowing companies to predict trends, optimize resource usage, and make proactive adjustments to their strategy.

Additionally, transparent reporting can help avoid issues like greenwashing, where companies overstate their environmental efforts without backing them up with credible data.

Step 4 – Incorporate sustainability into product design and innovation

Sustainability doesn’t stop at operations – it should also be integrated into product design. Companies need to consider the life cycle of their products, from sourcing raw materials to end-of-life disposal or recycling. This could involve designing products that use fewer resources, are easier to recycle, or have a longer life span.

For example, many companies are shifting toward circular economy models, where products are designed for reuse, repair, and recycling. This reduces waste and creates new business opportunities in refurbishment, parts harvesting, and innovative recycling technologies.

Step 5 – Build a sustainability team

The strategy should be led by a dedicated team that includes sustainability professionals who can:

  • Drive initiatives
  • Track progress
  • Ensure accountability

This team is typically led by a Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) or a sustainability manager, but it should also involve members from different departments such as operations, human resources, and supply chain management to ensure cross-functional collaboration.

The team’s role is to champion sustainability, foster innovation, and make sure the company remains on track to meet its goals.

Step 6 – Integrate sustainability into corporate governance

A successful sustainability strategy is deeply embedded in the company’s corporate governance structure. This means that sustainability goals should be considered in executive decision-making, strategic planning, and risk management processes.

The board of directors and senior leadership need to prioritize sustainability by ensuring that it is factored into financial planning and long-term strategy development. For example, aligning executive compensation with sustainability performance can motivate leaders to prioritize these efforts.

Step 7 – Foster a culture of continuous improvement 

Sustainability is a dynamic field, and companies must continually adapt and evolve their strategies as new technologies, regulations, and market expectations emerge.

Leaders should encourage a mindset of continuous improvement, where employees at all levels are empowered to identify new ways to enhance sustainability practices. This could involve:

  • Regular sustainability audits
  • Benchmarking against industry leaders
  • Staying updated on new environmental regulations to follow, or certifications that could benefit the company

The importance of ESG reporting

ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting has become a vital tool for companies to demonstrate their sustainability performance to investors, stakeholders, and the public.

Unlike traditional corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, which were often more philanthropic in nature, ESG reporting focuses on measurable impacts and holds companies accountable for their environmental, social, and governance practices.

ESG reporting is essential for avoiding greenwashing. With increased stakeholder scrutiny, companies must be transparent about their sustainability efforts. By providing accurate data and metrics, companies can showcase their commitment to sustainability while building trust with consumers and investors.

One notable example is Nestlé, which has integrated ESG reporting into its corporate framework. By publishing detailed reports on its efforts to reduce plastic waste, improve water management, and address human rights issues in its supply chain, Nestlé has strengthened its reputation as a leader in sustainability.

How sustainability boosts business performance and growth

Companies that adopt sustainable practices often see tangible benefits, such as:

  • Reduced operating costs
  • Enhanced brand reputation
  • Increased customer loyalty

A 2020 Nielsen report found that 66% of consumers are willing to pay more for products from sustainable brands, further reinforcing the connection between sustainability and business growth.

Tesla has capitalized on this by making sustainability a core part of its brand identity. Its focus on clean energy and electric vehicles has disrupted the automotive industry and positioned the company as a leader in sustainable innovation.

This shows how committing to sustainability-focused practices can translate into market success and long-term growth.

Overcoming challenges in sustainability leadership

Despite the clear benefits, companies often face challenges when implementing sustainability initiatives. One common barrier is balancing profitability with environmental goals.

For example, investing in renewable energy or more sustainable materials might have higher upfront costs, but these investments often pay off in the long run by reducing operational costs and enhancing the company’s resilience.

Another challenge is avoiding greenwashing (making false claims about a company’s sustainability efforts). To overcome this, businesses must be transparent and focus on measurable outcomes.

The evolving nature of sustainability leadership means companies need to be agile, adapting their strategies as new technologies and regulations emerge.

The CSO’s role in the C-suite

The CSO works alongside other executives, like the CFO, to fully integrate sustainability into the company’s business strategy. The leadership team must collaborate to align sustainability initiatives with financial objectives so that the company can achieve sustainability transformation without sacrificing profitability.

By embedding sustainability into financial decision-making, the CSO can help the company navigate risks associated with climate change and evolving regulations. This level of collaboration is essential for creating a business strategy that is both environmentally responsible and financially sustainable.

Sustainability is a business imperative

Appointing a CSO or sustainability manager is a strategic decision that can drive long-term business success. By integrating sustainable practices into the core of the business, companies can reduce their environmental impact, improve stakeholder relations, and position themselves as leaders in their industry.

At IMD, we believe that strong leadership is at the heart of any successful sustainability strategy. Our “Leading Sustainable Business Transformation” program is specifically designed to equip leaders with the tools and knowledge to drive sustainability initiatives within their organizations.

This program focuses on integrating sustainability into business strategy, fostering innovation, and creating long-term value for both the company and society. Participants learn how to lead transformational change, engage stakeholders effectively, and measure sustainability performance using real-world case studies.

By making sustainability a priority, your company can not only contribute to a healthier planet but also unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.





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