Eric Block On Responsible Branding

24% of companies surveyed answered positively to three questions –

indicating they were fully embracing the business benefits of sustainability.

In their new report, MIT’s Sloan Management Review – nearly 49% of executives reported that “improving brand reputation” was the greatest benefit to their organization in addressing sustainability.  Brand reputation was the number one drive selected by all companies.

Other key findings in the survey included:

• 68% of companies plan to increase sustainability commitments in 2012.
• 57% say that sustainability related strategies are necessary to be competitive.
• 34% believe that sustainability related activities have added to their organization’s profitability.
• 45% report that top management responsible for overall business strategy are responsible for sustainability decision-making.

Even Cautious Adopters of sustainability initiatives report significant increases in

attention and investment over the past two years.

According to the report,”Companies that are moving most aggressively on the sustainability agenda are doing more than reducing their environmental impact. And yet by heading down one path – by taking the leap of faith – they are finding many unexpected benefits emerge.  Employees are more engaged in meeting environmental goals than had been anticipated.  Brand value is enhanced, often in unexpected ways.  Partnerships generate unanticipated sources of innovation.  In short, sustainability is revealing new paths that will enhance companies’ long-term ability to compete.”

The survey was conducted with more than 3000 business executives from around the world.  You can download a copy of the report here.

Sustainability- The ‘Embracers’ Seize Advantage