The Sigma Project

Introduction How to use Foreword Executive summary Opportunities Risks & threats Helping take action Guiding principles Management framework Improving performance SIGMA Principles Management Framework Views on the Guidelines

Growing evidence of a business case

There is an increasing body of evidence that companies that take a more sustainable approach enjoy positive benefits.¹ The nature of these rewards varies for different organisations and is dependent on their particular sector, strategy and stage of development.

Business benefits²
Improved operational efficiency	Preservation of licence to operate
Enhanced brand value and reputation	Promoting and increasing innovation
Customer attraction and retention	Improved access to capital
Enhanced human and intellectual capital	Building and sustaining shareholder value
Improved management of risk	Generating increased revenues
Attracting and retaining talented staff	Identification of new opportunities

A values case

More responsible business practices often deliver traditional business benefits. A more fundamental driver for action is the prospect of being architects of a better future for ourselves, for others and for generations to come.

footnotes

1	See for example: Sustainability Pays, Brian Pearce, Patrick Roche, Nick Chater (2002) Co-operative Insurance Society, which draws on almost 400 separate research papers dedicated to developing or measuring the business case.
2	This is based on: Uncovering the business case for corporate sustainability produced by Sustainability with the support of the United Nations Environment Programme, 2001. Although described as business benefits they are relevant for other sectors.

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