In 1987, the United Nations defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Today, there are almost 140 developing countries in the world seeking ways of meeting their development needs, but with the increasing threat of climate change, concrete efforts must be made to ensure development today does not negatively affect future generations.
Sustainable development requires an integrated approach that takes into consideration environmental concerns along with economic development. The Sustainable Development Goals form the framework for improving the lives of populations around the world and mitigating the hazardous man-made effects of climate change.
The sectors that stated that they needed the most assistance from external digital transformation consulting services with digital and technology advisory knowledge were the Manufacturing sectors (42%) and Digital and Technology (41%) sectors. Concerns over digital deployment also featured highly within the Financial Services as well as within the Retail and Leisure sector.
What are consultants doing with clients on sustainability?
Impacts on products and services, supply chains, loss of asset values and market changes are already being caused by more frequent and severe climate-related events. These are in addition to increasing policy and regulatory change in the UK as more recognition is given to the challenge faced and the drastic and rapid actions businesses and individuals must all take in order to protect both the planet and livelihoods.
Examples of work being undertaken in this sector include:
- Identifying risks. This includes physical risks, in terms of liability and asset risks as well as climate change risks that impact on financial stability
- Finding solutions to mitigate climate change both internally and externally
- Helping companies and cities develop resilient solutions for freeze/thaw, flooding and water shortage events
- Working with companies to review business models to ensure sustainability has been factored in
- Helping companies understand the complex landscape of new green regulations and incentives
- Reviewing international and national developments in green initiatives
- Identifying revenue generation opportunities, helping to enter new markets with the development of green products
- Identifying investment opportunities in relation to both sustainable business and projects
- Researching how the future will change due to climate change initiatives and the impact on businesses
- Focussing on how companies generate, distribute and consume energy and how it can be improved
- Helping organisations to quantify, measure and set targets around particular areas of sustainability
Thought Leadership on Sustainability
Find out more about the MCA Sustainability Working Group
The MCA’s members work together with clients across the public and private sector to drive greater progress on sustainability goals and are undertaking major projects with clients as climate change drives some of the most profound changes to businesses in our lifetime. The MCA’s Sustainability Working group brings together experts from across the sector to share best practice and the latest emerging trends. The group is chaired by Phil Spring from IBM Consulting.
To find out more about the sustainability working group please email: james.sibley@mca.org.uk.