Sustainability and decarbonization are “the top global business investment priority,” according to a new study published online.
The environmental survey, conducted by Forrester on behalf of building supply services company Johnson Controls, claims that over 70% of respondents had identified sustainability as an increasing priority over the past two years.
“The survey clearly shows that business leaders see sustainability as the number one business priority,” said Katie McGinty, Vice President and Chief Sustainability and External Relations officer at Johnson Controls.
“We also see a clear trend of customer demand for unique service and partnership models that allow them to focus on their core business while we drive customized, scalable steps for planning, execution, financing and reporting for their sustainability journeys.”
Over 2,000 sustainability strategists were surveyed and interviewed across 25 countries and 19 industries to try and determine specific trends and developments in the field of sustainability, including decarbonization.
Among their findings of sustainability priorities were transparent roadmaps that offer more environmentally-friendly operations, and more effective measurements of progress along said roadmaps and other initiatives.
“To lead in the race to decarbonization, companies must align priorities to the demands of many stakeholders, work with partners to develop transparent sustainability roadmaps, and identify metrics and adopt tools to measure progress,” said Mark Reinbold, Vice President of Global Sustainability Services & Solutions at Johnson Controls.
More than 80% of respondents recognised sustainability as not only a moral good but also a positive economic force, reporting benefits including improved brand reputation and decreased costs.
By investing in decarbonization, companies said they were better able to attract new customers and reduce their own expenditures.
“It’s crucial for governments and the private sector to come together to drive meaningful emissions reductions by the end of this decade to avoid the disastrous effects of climate change,” continued McGinty.
“During the [COP26] Summit Johnson Controls clearly demonstrated that with innovative technology already existing today, we can put ourselves and others solidly on the pathway to net zero before 2050.”
