Sustainability Meets Growth 2025

Sustainability meets growth: A roadmap tailored to SMEs and mid-sized manufacturers to embed sustainability into their operations and strategyFIGURE 3 —Participate in training programme and conduct self- assessment toidentify keyareasof impr ovement opportunity (e.g. energy use, water consumption) —Setsustainability goals and strategies (e.g. impr oveenergy efficiency by10% by2030) —Engage inter nal stakeholders (e.g. operations lead, senior leadership)—Identify themost resour ce-intensive process steps with higher impact on operational costs —Evaluate project attractiveness interms of thereturnoninvestment and complexity to addr essmetrics —Prioritize theprojects with high returnand low complexity tostart asa pilot project—Setupdashboar dsfor monitoring important metrics such asenergy use, waste reduction and carbon emissions —Regularly review and update sustainability goals accor ding to progress —Publish sustainability reports forkey stakeholders (e.g. employees, customers, senior leaders)—Incorporate efficient design (eco-design) into product and process development toreduce waste —Redefine procur ement criteria and leverage local suppliers toreduce transportation emissions and build resilient supply chains —Drive ecosystem collaboration throughout thevalue chain—Foster agrowth mindset, promoting learning, creativity and agility atall levels —Engage exter nal stakeholders by highlighting sustainability efforts and success stories oncorporate websites and social media —Use sustainability wins inrecruiting strategy toattract toptalentUnderstanding current envir onmenta limpact and setting sustainability goals and strategies KeyactionsObjectives Pursuing “low-hanging fruit” projects with both sustainability and operating expenditur ebenefitsEstablishing procedur es totrack progress, reporting status and refining strategiesBuilding forwar d-looking and long-term planning tomitigate risk, impr oving efficiency and aligning with sustainability and profitability goalsUsing sustainability as acompetitive advantage toattract talent, customers and investorsBuilding the foundationsSTAGE 1 Identifying and implementing quick winsSTAGE 2 Measurement, reporting and improvementSTAGE 3 Embedding sustainability into long-term planningSTAGE 4 Drivingacultural shift and communicating achievementsSTAGE 5 Building the foundationsIdentifying and implementing quick winsMeasurement, reporting and improvementEmbedding sustainability into long-term planningDrivingacultural shift and communicating achievementsStag e1 Stag e2 Stag e3 Stag e4 Stag e5 Source: SME Sustainability Accelerator, the World Economic Forum Sustainability Meets Growth: A Roadmap for SMEs and Mid-Sized Manufacturers 12