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Many companies are adopting strategies to minimise their environmental impact and make a positive contribution to society. This effort responds to the demands of consumers, investors and governments for a real commitment to sustainability.
In recent years, investment in corporate sustainability has increased considerably. According to the UN Global Compact Progress Report, more than 11,000 companies worldwide are taking action to reduce their environmental footprint and promote social responsibility.
In this article, we will look at what a sustainable company is, the advantages of corporate sustainability and examples of organisations leading the way to a greener future.
If you want to be part of this transformation, programs such as the Master in Sustainability at Universidad Europea are the first step to obtain the necessary training.
A sustainable company is one that manages its resources responsibly to minimise its environmental impact and promote social and economic well-being.
Corporate sustainability includes the adoption of environmentally sound practices and the creation of long-term social and economic value for all stakeholders (employees, users and society at large).
For example, a company that decides to reduce its carbon footprint can start by optimising energy consumption in its facilities, using renewable energy sources or promoting the use of environmentally friendly transportation for its employees. In addition, it can choose suppliers that meet ESG criteria and thus ensure that their entire production cycle respects the environment.
Sustainable companies balance their short-term profits with the long-term impact of their decisions on the environment and society. In this way, they contribute to the health of the planet and ensure that future generations can access the same resources.
Companies that adopt sustainable practices experience tangible and intangible benefits, including:
To be sustainable, companies adopt certain strategies ranging from production to logistics. Below, we have highlighted some inspiring examples:
Ikea has established itself as a benchmark for sustainable strategies thanks to its commitment to the sensible use of materials. The company sources about half of its wood from sustainably managed forests and collaborates with suppliers that meet high standards of organic agriculture.
In terms of energy, Ikea invests heavily in renewable energy, implementing solar panels in its stores and warehouses, and participating in wind energy projects.
All these initiatives position Ikea as a leader in adopting sustainable practices that other companies seek to emulate.
Unilever has made sustainability the centrepiece of its strategy through its Sustainable Living Plan. Its goal: to address ecology at every stage of the production cycle, from the sourcing of raw materials to the distribution of its products.
Unilever emphasises sustainable sourcing, ensuring that the natural resources it uses come from reliable and verified sources. It also works on energy efficiency and water management to reduce its ecological footprint during production. In line with these efforts, the company also promotes the circular economy, encouraging recycling and reuse of materials to minimise waste.
Thanks to all this, Unilever has positioned itself as a role model in the business world. It has shown that sustainable practices are not only beneficial for the environment but can also be a key competitive advantage for companies today.
Corporate sustainability has become central to Nike's business strategy, especially through the eco-friendly design of its products. The brand has developed innovative technologies that minimize material waste during manufacturing and promote the recycling of products at the end of their useful life, seeking to extend the life cycle of its items.
In addition, Nike promotes a culture of environmental responsibility among its employees and customers. This includes initiatives to raise awareness of the importance of ecological balance and encourage good practices.
Through these strategies, Nike seeks to reduce its environmental impact and positively influence the sports industry, setting a model that other brands are beginning to follow.
The Master in Sustainability at Universidad Europea offers a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead and innovate in sustainability practices across industries.
The curriculum covers critical areas such as ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles in an international context, environmental challenges, and the corporate environmental footprint. Students will also delve into cutting-edge topics like green finance, sustainable production, and circular economy strategies, equipping them to drive eco-friendly innovation. Additionally, the program addresses the social impacts of business, corporate governance, and marketing tailored to sustainable organisations.
Universidad Europea stands out for its practical, global approach to education, offering students a robust platform for career growth. The program’s modular structure, paired with small class sizes and hands-on learning opportunities, ensures personalized attention and a focus on applied knowledge.
The university's strong ties to the industry provide valuable networking opportunities and exposure to real-world projects. With its state-of-the-art facilities and a commitment to fostering innovation, Universidad Europea empowers students to become leaders in sustainability, prepared to tackle the pressing environmental and social challenges of today and tomorrow.
Business commitment to the environment has generated a growing demand for specialists in corporate sustainability. Among the most in-demand profiles are:
In short, environmental resilience is no longer a trend but an obligation for companies. As social and environmental impact gains prominence, organisations that adapt to this change will be better prepared for the future and will also contribute to a greener world.
With the right sustainability training, you will acquire the knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of an increasingly conscious and engaged business environment and lead this environmental transformation.