FUTURE PROOFING
Steve Haskew, Group Director of Sustainability and Growth at Circular Computing
Strengthening consumer sentiment, business imperatives such as investor and stakeholder demands, and changing supply chain expectations are likely to explain this push. This is especially the case as UK sustainability budgets are projected to grow at an annual rate of 12 % from 2022 to 2025, an increase from 8 % between 2018 and 2020.
Sustainability efforts lacking digital integration
Traditional sustainability models that fail to utilise advanced technologies such as AI are becoming obsolete. Digitalisation is becoming vital, not only for adhering to strict reporting requirements but also for yielding effective outcomes today and in the future.
Talk around AI will shift to action and implementation as it becomes an essential addition to corporate sustainability efforts. IBM reports that 90 % of executives believe AI will enhance sustainability goals, and businesses are being urged to invest in tools to lower emissions and achieve climate targets.
As companies face increased scrutiny of their ESG objectives, incorporating technology into sustainability initiatives will be essential for staying on course.
Voluntary ESG commitments without financial returns
Many businesses will continue to feel themselves squeezed in 2025, with tightening budgets and increased costs. Two in five businesses with over 10 employees expect staffing costs to rise over the next three months, up 13 % points from late August, according to the ONS.
Because of these economic pressures, companies will increasingly prioritise ESG strategies that offer strong ROI and operational efficiencies over sustainability initiatives focused only on compliance or reputation. Strategies will include sustainable supply chain practices that reduce logistics costs and carbon footprints, as well as waste management programs that minimise unused resources and promote a circular economy.
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