A Stake in the Ground

Abstract

Companies aiming for sustainability leadership set a level of ambition and commitment based on how they can accelerate their positive impacts on planet and society and minimize negative ones. Priorities are shaped by what’s most material, or important, to the business and its stakeholders. Rallying key stakeholders like employees creates ownership for sustainability, as sustainable transport company Scania did in training all its employees in climate action on Scania Climate Day. Knowing the company footprint (the full range of sustainability impacts) is as fundamental as knowing the company’s income and balance sheet. To get traction internally, this needs to be integrated across every function. Robust metrics help to establish a baseline, set targets, improvement plans, and measure progress. Establishing accountability and reporting transparently on sustainability performance, revealing both upsides and downsides, will be important to build trust.