The data has once again shown that stakeholders not only care about sustainability, but are demanding more from the companies they work for and/or buy from. Deloitte’s ConsumerSignals Survey released in January 2025 captured the responses of 20,000 people across 20 countries in September 2024.
While the report covered a broad spectrum of topics, we’ve identified the top takeaways underpinning the importance of sustainability in business and the value to be generated from implementing a strategy.
→ Consumers are changing their behaviors towards more sustainable products and solutions. More than half of the folks surveyed noted that they have altered personal activities or purchasing behaviors to help address climate change. Younger respondents (aged 18-34) were the most active, with 62% having changed their behavior to be more sustainable.
→ People are buying sustainable goods, even in the face of economic headwinds. A segment of consumers noted they will pay more and accept other tradeoffs (waiting longer for delivery, agreeing to participate in a special process to dispose, etc.) to support sustainable products. 47% even said they had purchased a sustainable good in the four weeks prior to being surveyed.
→ Employees are demanding more in terms of sustainability from their employers. 63% of respondents feel their employers are falling short in addressing climate change and building sustainability into their business models. Not only does the effort matter, but 39% of respondents also want to see their employers speak publicly on environmental issues.
→ The effects of climate change are impactful and widespread. 67% of respondents see climate change as an emergency and 56% have experienced an extreme weather related event in the last six months. As average global temperatures continue to rise, the number of people affected by extreme weather events and becoming increasingly aware of the impacts is expected to grow.
→ Prioritize sustainability as a strategic endeavor that generates enterprise value. With sustainability reporting requirements and necessary compliance taking the headlines, building in more sustainable business practices and assessing ESG risks and opportunities can feel like a check-the-box exercise. It’s important for companies to look beyond the red tape and realize the positive impact a sustainability strategy can have on growth, profitability, and culture.
→ Share your company’s sustainability performance publicly and with stakeholders. Current and prospective employees, consumers, customers, and investors continue to demand more from companies in addressing environmental issues. Showcase sustainability efforts using software that can help collect data as well as assured certifications that can verify the claims. Having the right systems in place and demonstrating quantifiable impact is critical to avoiding greenwashing.
→ Implement trainings and initiatives - find ways to engage your employee base. Building out an industry-specific sustainability program catered towards your business will not only present opportunities for your company to improve its impact on the environment / climate; it will also keep employees engaged. Performing a double materiality assessment - a core principle of the EU’s Corporate Sustainable Reporting Directive (CSRD) that assesses the financial and non-financial impacts your company has on society and the environment - can help steer efforts and train employees on what they can do to help.
At Clearyst, we help companies strategize, implement, and execute on sustainability strategies that will generate business value while also meeting stakeholder demands. Our software and advisory solutions are ready to meet your company where you are - no matter where in your sustainability journey.