Helping Organizations with Small Sustainability/ESG Teams Translate Sustainability Goals into Action
If your organization has publicly committed to climate action and environmental sustainability but is still waiting to see the desired results, you're not alone.
Many businesses with smaller sustainability or ESG teams struggle to turn their goals into measurable outcomes.
Our focus is helping companies get back on track with their sustainability goals, future-proof their business, and make their impact vision a reality.
Sustainability and ESG are Top Priorities for Companies Worldwide
Environmental sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) are no longer optional but essential for long-term success. As more businesses face mounting pressure from both consumers and regulators, the stakes have never been higher:
• 90% of companies with annual revenues over $100 million expect climate change to significantly impact their business model by 2050. (Morgan Stanley)
• 96% of board directors anticipate a stronger focus on ESG in the next five years, signaling that companies not prioritizing sustainability risk falling behind. (Diligent Institute-SpencerStuart)
• 94% of US consumers actively incorporate sustainable practices into their lifestyle and purchasing decisions. (Simon-Kucher)
• 77% of consumers will quit brands that are guilty of greenwashing. (NielsenIQ)
The momentum behind sustainability is undeniable. Failing to keep up can lead to reputational damage and a potential loss of investment, customers, and employees.
But Achieving Sustainability Goals Is Challenging
Despite the widespread recognition of the importance of sustainability, many organizations struggle to translate their ambitions into action:
• 75% of executives admit they have not effectively integrated sustainability into their core business strategies. (Bain & co.)
• Only 3% of large company executives feel confident they are on track to meet their sustainability targets. (Bain & co.)
• The growing complexity of regulatory requirements, coupled with limited resources, leaves ESG teams feeling stretched too thin, leading to potential burnout.
Without a clear strategy and cross-departmental collaboration, even the best-intentioned sustainability efforts can fall flat. Businesses that fail to integrate sustainability into their day-to-day operations risk facing regulatory issues, capital loss, and customer attrition.
Without a clear strategy and cross-departmental collaboration, even the best-intentioned sustainability efforts can fall flat. Businesses that fail to integrate sustainability into their day-to-day operations risk facing regulatory issues, capital loss, and customer attrition.
What’s Possible When You Achieve Your Sustainability Goals?
Imagine a future where your company not only meets but exceeds its sustainability goals. By embedding sustainability into every aspect of your business, you could:
Increase customer loyalty as more consumers choose environmentally and socially responsible companies.
Attract investors who are increasingly prioritizing ESG metrics when making investment decisions.
Reduce operational risks by staying ahead of regulatory changes and capitalizing on savings.
Boost employee retention by fostering a culture of purpose and responsibility, a key factor for today’s workforce.
The positive impacts extend beyond the business metrics. By hitting your sustainability goals, your company contributes to a healthier planet, reduced carbon emissions, and a future where businesses are part of the climate solution.
By taking bold steps now, your organization can move from ambition to action, achieving meaningful progress toward its sustainability and climate goals. With the right approach, even small ESG teams can deliver significant results. Let’s bring your vision for a sustainable future to life.
Why It Matters Now More Than Ever
As of 2024, more than 65% of consumers expect brands to act with greater transparency regarding their sustainability initiatives. (GlobeScan)
Companies that fail to act face a growing disconnect with their customers, investors, and employees.
Future-proofing your business through sustainability isn't just good for the world—it's critical for your company’s long-term resilience.
Let's turn your sustainability goals into a competitive advantage and ensure your organization is prepared for the future.
TESTIMONIAL
"Thanks to this process, we’ve seen real progress on our sustainability initiatives without sacrificing our business goals. Our team is more motivated, and we’ve built a culture that values innovation and responsibility."
– J.H., Sustainability Manager
Tackling the Sustainability Challenge: How to Turn Goals into Action
Let’s face it—being a sustainability leader today means managing a to-do list that could keep an army busy for years.
Yet, with only a small ESG team, the gap between setting ambitious sustainability goals and achieving them is often overwhelming.
The problem?
Your team is expected to move from goal setting to success, often without the proper support or resources.
Where Does the Gap Come From?
…Your small sustainability team is expected to… be magicians and jump from goals to success without any additional support.
Progress reports & goal achievement
… but how does it often feel like in practice….
Despite good intentions, many organizations find that sustainability initiatives struggle to get off the ground.
Consider the following efforts, which may sound all too familiar:
• Launching company-wide sustainability programs
• Motivating employees to engage in eco-friendly practices
• Starting volunteer-led green teams
While these actions are crucial, sustainability often takes a backseat to everyday business pressures.
The result?
Progress stalls, burnout rises, and day-to-day operations push sustainability to the periphery.
According to McKinsey, only 3% of executives believe their company is on track to meet sustainability targets.
Why It Didn’t Work: A Simple Venn Diagram
Our process addresses this challenge by gradually moving sustainability from a separate, siloed initiative to an integrated approach that aligns with your broader business objectives - without breaking your business.
This shift allows companies to use existing resources effectively, build enthusiasm among staff, and, most importantly, make tangible progress.
The Key to Success: Fully Integrating Business & Sustainability
You can achieve your sustainability goals by embedding sustainable practices across every layer of your organization. When sustainability becomes everyone’s responsibility, it becomes part of your company’s DNA.
Here’s how we help you bridge the gap and future-proof your business:
Assessing Your Progress: We evaluate where you currently stand on your sustainability journey and identify roadblocks.
Defining Integrated Strategies: We help you craft realistic and right-sized sustainability goals for your company’s unique situation.
Engaging Stakeholders: Our approach involves a wide spectrum of stakeholders designing and implementing high-impact initiatives.
Tapping into Team Genius: Your team is your greatest asset. We help unlock their potential by building excitement and buy-in.
Developing Roadmaps for Success: We create clear, actionable plans for both short-term wins and long-term vision.
Cultivating a Culture of Innovation: We ensure your company remains agile and competitive in a changing world by embedding sustainability across all departments.
Ready to Start Achieving Real Results?
Sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
With the right strategy, you can align everyone in your company with your sustainability goals without jeopardizing your business objectives.
Together, we can turn your company into a sustainability leader that meets regulatory requirements and drives positive environmental and social impact.
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Doleshal Consulting Group
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