Elevating your company’s value through sustainability

‘Sustainability’, one of the most currently over-used notions, is often invoked by governments and businesses alike to curry favour with stakeholders. Alas, as a result, its currency has now been greatly devalued.

Yet, genuine sustainability remains the only viable way forward for businesses to thrive. As markets develop, customers become more informed and investors insist on more sophisticated instruments, companies are realising that sustainability, environmental health safety and good governance issues are no longer optional for business. They are a must.

Additionally, regulations and directives are also moving in this same direction. The EU Directive 2014/95/EU requires large companies to include non-financial statements in their annual reports, as from 2018 onwards.

The case for companies to seriously engage in sustainable practices is now stronger than ever. It is believed that such a strategic operational overhaul increases growth prospects, minimises future risk, attracts finance and gives a higher purpose to businesses. Nevertheless, much of these benefits only materialise when the company manages to signal to the market (customers and investors) such changes in...