Investors, CFOs, and CEOs are told by campaigners, NGOs, consultants, and sustainability teams that committing to sustainability is both the right thing to do and a business imperative. However, it can be hard to make the business case for sustainability action without articulating it in financial terms.
Brand Finance’s Sustainability Perceptions Index seeks to address this problem by quantifying the value of sustainability perceptions for the first time. Our research shows that even for individual businesses, there can be millions of dollars of financial value to be gained from enhanced action and associated communication. Equally, there can be millions at risk from insufficient action that leads to accusations of greenwashing, or even misallocated or excessive investments in sustainability communication that does not cut through.
We explored the business case for sustainability with experts from Brand Finance and global think tank, The Conference Board, in a discussion moderated by US Director at Ad Net Zero, John Osborn, at the Sustainability Perceptions Webinar on 18th April:
Watch a recording of the webinar here:
The Conference Board is the global, nonprofit think tank and business membership organization that delivers Trusted Insights for What's Ahead™. For over 100 years, our cutting-edge research, data, events and executive networks have helped the world's leading companies understand the present and shape the future.
Robert leads Brand Finance’s sustainability research and consulting practice, helping brands to understand the value of sustainability perceptions and how to manage these effectively.
Robert has a degree in Geography from the University of Oxford and an MBA from London Business School.
Robert began his career in marketing communications, later specialising in commercial strategy, due diligence, and insights.
John Osborn was recently appointed as the Director for Ad Net Zero (ANZ) in the United States in October, 2022.
Originally launched in the UK, ANZ has grown to over 100 supporting companies, and now counts over 50 supporters in the US, which officially launched in early February this year. Under John's leadership, ANZ's mission is to leverage the power of its supporters, alongside the ANA, 4As and IAB, to educate, set benchmarks & standards, measure and take action to lower the carbon emissions associated across all advertising-related operations.
Prior to ANZ, John was CEO of OMD in the US over five years from 2017 until August of 2022. John's experience also includes 25 years of service at BBDO NY, where he served as President & CEO for 13 consecutive years prior to moving to OMD. John has a wealth of non-profit board experience including the Red Cross of Greater New York, Global Dignity, Police Athletic League, AdCouncil, AAF and more.
Anuj Saush is Leader of the Environmental, Social & Governance Center, Europe at The Conference Board, working with Members in Europe, Asia, and North America to embed and enhance sustainable business strategies within their organizations.
Since joining The Conference Board in 2017, Anuj has led the sustainability research practice in Europe as well as served as Council Director for the Environment Strategy Council. He has published thought leadership on some of the most important issues in sustainability and business including the role of business in society, climate strategy, carbon pricing, biodiversity, circular economy, sustainable innovation, and ESG reporting.
Anuj started his career in sustainability consulting, focusing on strategy, innovation, and compliance, and then transitioned into corporate strategy roles, where he has experience in leading and delivering sustainability strategy, integration, and transformation programs. Anuj’s previous roles include positions at the international professional services firm, PwC, with the low-carbon energy group, EDF, and London South Bank University, one of the UK’s largest and oldest universities.
Anuj has a master’s degree in environmental policy from the London School of Economics and holds a civil engineering degree from North Maharashtra University in India. He has also attended the sustainability leadership program at the University of Cambridge. He is a trained coach and has completed a post-graduate diploma in behavioral psychology from the Henley Business School. Anuj is a Chartered Environmentalist and a member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment.
The Conference Board is the global, nonprofit think tank and business membership organization that delivers Trusted Insights for What's Ahead™. For over 100 years, our cutting-edge research, data, events and executive networks have helped the world's leading companies understand the present and shape the future.
