Archived Content
The following content is from an older version of this website, and may not display correctly.There is a growing pressure for companies across industries to incorporate sustainable practices into their business strategies, but they would like to move beyond simply responding to external pressure.
New European research released by international information technology servicescompany Atos Origin reveals that proactive environmental strategies deliver business value through cost reduction, new revenue streams and improved competitive positioning while at the same time reducing the environmental footprint.
In conjunction with global market intelligence provider, IDC the research based on a survey of 165 senior executives in the manufacturing and retail sectors shows that companies with more mature sustainability programs enjoy higher profit margins - at least 2% or higher.
Despite the current economic malaise, the survey indicates that companies are planning to stay the course as they expect to reap above average returns as a result of their sustainability efforts. Information technology is identified as a key tool for driving sustainable initiatives with 70% of those interviewed saying that IT will play a role in reducing their businesses' environmental impact. Effectively implementing operational transformation requires consideration of the people, process and technology.
"Organizations, which embed environmental sustainability at the core of their strategy and operations, future-proof their organization in these uncertain times," declares Thierry Breton, CEO of Atos Origin.
Key conclusions include that to succeed organisations must walk the talk. Sustainability must be embedded within the very DNA of an organisation so that the business model becomes future-proofed. A Maturity Model can be used to evaluate the existing progress efforts. Most companies are anchored in a state of responding to external requirements such as regulatory compliance. However the report's findings show that leading companies are now moving from reactive approaches to proactive environmental excellence strategies.
The report is expected to serve as a benchmark for European companies to see what sustainability strategy best fits their situation.
New European research released by international information technology servicescompany Atos Origin reveals that proactive environmental strategies deliver business value through cost reduction, new revenue streams and improved competitive positioning while at the same time reducing the environmental footprint.
In conjunction with global market intelligence provider, IDC the research based on a survey of 165 senior executives in the manufacturing and retail sectors shows that companies with more mature sustainability programs enjoy higher profit margins - at least 2% or higher.
Despite the current economic malaise, the survey indicates that companies are planning to stay the course as they expect to reap above average returns as a result of their sustainability efforts. Information technology is identified as a key tool for driving sustainable initiatives with 70% of those interviewed saying that IT will play a role in reducing their businesses' environmental impact. Effectively implementing operational transformation requires consideration of the people, process and technology.
"Organizations, which embed environmental sustainability at the core of their strategy and operations, future-proof their organization in these uncertain times," declares Thierry Breton, CEO of Atos Origin.
Key conclusions include that to succeed organisations must walk the talk. Sustainability must be embedded within the very DNA of an organisation so that the business model becomes future-proofed. A Maturity Model can be used to evaluate the existing progress efforts. Most companies are anchored in a state of responding to external requirements such as regulatory compliance. However the report's findings show that leading companies are now moving from reactive approaches to proactive environmental excellence strategies.
The report is expected to serve as a benchmark for European companies to see what sustainability strategy best fits their situation.