In recent years, sustainability has become a central topic in both business and society. Although political sentiments may fluctuate and the green transition can seem like a wave that rises and falls, one thing is certain: sustainability is a strength for the company. However, the companies that succeed are those that make sustainability a strategic advantage, not just a marketing campaign. Sustainable operations are the basis for long-term success and core business competitiveness.
ESG offers a broader perspective on a company’s operations
ESG (environmental, social, governance) – that is, adherence to these principles – is no longer just the routine of large enterprises. There is growing recognition of the potential for smarter company management through consideration of sustainability-related impacts, risks and opportunities. While the European Green Deal may not have met all expectations, its spirit lives on in the Clean Industrial Deal, focusing on economic sustainability – resource efficiency, circularity and access to clean energy.
EU green policy regulations inevitably bring sustainability onto business agendas. Sustainability reporting is an opportunity to communicate your activities clearly to investors, customers and partners. Reflecting the management of sustainability topics relevant to the core business in the annual report can therefore broaden financing opportunities and strengthen international competitiveness.
Sustainability practices should be viewed as a guiding principle, helping companies advance in a direction where competitiveness and responsibility go hand in hand.
Enefit as a partner and thought leader
The past few months have been turbulent in the energy sector, both among policymakers and major producers. Debates over the Climate Act are intense, but consensus is still in the making. In uncertain times, it is important for a company to consciously consider the long-term perspective of its business model. Meeting the requirements alone does not guarantee competitiveness.
Enefit is not only an energy producer for its customers, but also a versatile partner in implementing sustainable and smart energy solutions. At every step, we cannot overemphasise the importance of ethical business conduct. That is why we have established ethical standards for all our partners – not merely a formality, but a core value – as we believe this benefits every company and partner in our value chain. In addition, we are placing increasing emphasis on sustainability-related aspects of our partners’ operations in procurement processes, which supports the management of supply chain risks.
Sustainability can be commercially viable
Few companies are willing to invest in sustainability if it fails to deliver returns within the conventional payback period. Environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient technologies, as well as ethical conduct, are not only possible, but also beneficial to the core business in the long run. This may, as a first and simple step, involve purchasing green certificates in proportion to the energy consumed to boost competitiveness, or making strategic investments in storage systems and solar panels to increase energy efficiency.
Sustainability must be an integral part of the strategic management of the company’s core business. Depending on the company’s level of ambition, sustainability reporting can serve both as a valuable management tool and as a means of fulfilling regulatory requirements. If we want long-term business success, attractive jobs and a clean natural environment, we must act responsibly towards both the environment and people – today and in the future. Sustainability is a means to keep your house in order and be ready for the future.
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