CEOs Becoming Champions of Corporate Sustainability Initiatives

CEOs are the leading corporate champions of sustainability initiatives, according to a survey by Frost & Sullivan, an industry analyst firm.

The survey evaluated senior corporate managers’ perceptions of current and future sustainability initiatives. While executives offered widely varying reasons for their interest in sustainability, they identified the primary drivers as competitive advantages (69 percent), growth opportunities (67 percent) or corporate social responsibility (62 percent). Ironically, vice presidents or directors perceive sustainability as more of a growth opportunity than CEOs (34 percent vs. 23 percent).

It would have been interesting to learn what percentage of executives are aware of the benefits that sustainability investments can generate. Based on my interactions, that number is growing steadily, but still represents a small percentage of corporate decision makers. We need to work harder to get that message out.

Add comment December 10th, 2008