The value in creating a world- class sustainable business

摘要

Sustainability is a complex web of interrelated issues embedded in the way businesses run on a daily basis. Far from the tree-hugging image of the past, sustainability is now measured via the triple bottom line of profit, environmental footprint and social impact. Companies with the highest sustainability profile seem to embrace it for reasons of enlightened self-interest rather than out of an altruistic desire to savethe planet For GE the motive was profit; for Marks & Spencer, the restoration of a battered reputation; for Dell, further product innovation and differentiation; and for Nike, differentiating itself ethically from competitors. Whatever the underlying motive, sustainability is now a prerequisite for excellent performance. For many of our industry's customers, sustainability is a clear differentiator between suppliers that understand its importance and those that do not. Some within the industry are already good at sustainability, working at the cutting edge of new projects. But in comparison to the broader corporate world, the UK construction industry, including Interserve, has much further to go to catch up with the leaders. Value challenge Taking an example from above, Ecomagination is GE's business strategy to create new value for customers, investors and society by solving energy, efficiency and water challenges.