Sustainability

Are you responding to the needs and constraints of the local markets in which you operate?

On average 55% of all global CEOs are investing in improving living and working conditions where they operate. Their efforts range from job training programs to infrastructure development, depending on the priorities of local stakeholders. In comparison, just over 40% of US CEOs say they are making such investments. But they are targeting specific areas where they see a greater role for the private sector; for example, 64% of US CEOs are increasing their commitment to maintaining the health of their workforce.

Featured sustainability insights

Technology Forecast: Building Sustainable Companies   This issue of Technology Forecast explores how sustainability can become an integral part of doing business and contribute to corporate reputation and financial results.
Carbon Disclosure Project 2011 Report: S&P 500   CDP responses from S&P 500 companies for 2011 show a significant shift in the way large US companies view and manage climate change. For the first time in CDP's 10-year history, a majority of S&P 500 responding companies report they now integrate climate change into core business strategy.
Factoring sustainability into IPO planning   Forward-thinking companies are anticipating sustainability issues up front, establishing a strategy, and building them into their business plans to steer the enterprise through the changing sustainability landscape for the long term. Those who have their sights set on an IPO can assess these trends and incorporate sustainability concepts early in their planning to set the right course for a successful offering.
Sustainable growth: 14th Annual Global CEO Survey   We asked more than 1,200 senior executives to share their perspectives on “good growth” - growth that is financially, environmentally, and socially more sustainable. From their responses, five key challenges emerged.
Creating value from corporate responsibility: Does your reported data get the respect it deserves?   Companies are disclosing unprecedented amounts of information about their corporate responsibility commitments and goals. But because they are newer disciplines, corporate responsibility and sustainability reporting efforts often don’t have in place the time-tested and rigorous processes that are ubiquitous in other areas of the business. This paper gives examples of what to look for and why companies should make sure they are reporting data that is investment grade.
Green products: Using sustainable attributes to drive growth and value   The demand for sustainable products is growing significantly and it is becoming increasingly clear that being sustainable can drive new growth that capitalizes on a rising demand for environmentally friendly and energy-efficient products.
A framework for greenhouse gas reporting   Regulatory and market pressures are forcing more companies to measure, disclose, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, there is inconsistency in the practice for reporting emissions,which challenges investors and other capital providers as they seek the information most relevant to them. To help address these demands, the following publication provides a framework and sets forth a vision of what our "statement of greenhouse gas emissions" could include.
The U.S.-China Cleantech Connection: Shaping a new commercial diplomacy   This paper discusses how the U.S. and China are initiating ambitious cleantech build-outs and the ways in which these two countries are working together to leverage significant growth opportunities within and beyond the U.S. and China markets.
10Minutes on Trust and Transparency   Business leaders and investors often lack visibility into the areas that present the greatest concern and risk: regulatory compliance, supply chain integrity and environmental and social responsibility.
View 12: The cleantech revolution   Businesses and investors have set their sights on the new smart-energy infrastructures. But some companies are missing out on opportunities they didn't know existed. Are you among them?
10Minutes on monetizing carbon   The EPA is taking steps toward regulating greenhouse gas GHG emissions. Businesses and environment planners can prepare companies now for a price on carbon emissions, in PwC's 10Minutes on Monetizing Carbon report.
Cleantech revolution: Building smart infrastructures   As part of the push for the US to gain energy independence, conserve energy and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, efforts are underway to build foundational infrastructures that will support a smart electricity grid and an electric vehicle ecosystem. This is creating opportunities for both large and start-up companies to have a role in the transformation.

Related sustainability & climate change insights

Smart grid growing pains  
CIOs, utilities and other stakeholders need to make sure their smart grid goals are in synch with their overall business strategy, keeping in mind that all smart grid solutions are not a one-size-fits-all proposition. So what are the lessons that industry players are learning as they move ahead in this rapidly transforming landscape?

Cleantech and opportunity in the new energy economy  
PwC sees opportunities for Cleantech investors, producers and adopters in the New Energy Economy Legislation signed by President Obama. This PoV highlights the urgency to ease the current credit squeeze, grow new energy infrastructure and extend tax incentives to boost investor confidence and drive job growth.

View: winter 09 - Fueling future growth  
A call for the US to create a long-term energy policy that will support economic growth and provide national security. In developing the policy it is the responsibility of businesses in all sectors (not just energy), as well as government, to play a role.