Corporate Sustainability. Examples and strategies for sustainable economy
6 February 2025Corporate sustainability today represents one of the most relevant aspects in a company’s growth strategy. Businesses, increasingly aware of the impacts their activities have on the environment and society, aim to adopt practices that not only meet market needs but also reflect a growing social and environmental consciousness.
But how can companies become sustainable? What are the main techniques and strategies? How is sustainability linked to finance and economics? And which companies are making a difference, both in Italy and worldwide?
How can companies become sustainable?
A company’s path to sustainability involves several key steps: implementing policies and strategies that promote environmental efficiency, social responsibility, and economic transparency; innovating and designing new durable products that are easily recyclable and made from low-impact materials; improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions throughout the entire supply chain.
Moreover, companies should consider the social impact of their activities, adopting policies that promote diversity, inclusion, employee well-being, and community involvement in development projects.
This is a holistic approach that touches every aspect of the business, from product design and production processes to natural resource management and the promotion of a circular economy model.
What are the main techniques of corporate sustainability?
It all revolves around the integration of ecological, economic, and social practices at every stage of the production and commercial cycle.
The transition from a linear economy (produce, use, and discard) to a circular economy model is one of the most revolutionary techniques: businesses that embrace this model seek to reuse materials, recycle products, and minimize waste.
A typical example is the adoption of “design for disassembly,” where products are designed so that they can be easily disassembled and recycled.
This goes hand in hand with Green Supply Chain Management, a technique that involves selecting suppliers and partners who adopt environmentally and socially responsible practices. An example of a best practice would be choosing recycled or biodegradable materials for manufacturing and adopting green transportation to reduce the carbon footprint.
Another key technique for sustainability is the adoption of practices to improve energy efficiency, such as installing photovoltaic systems, recycling water, and using green building materials. Many companies are transforming their buildings into “green buildings,” which consume less energy and have a lower environmental impact.
Moreover, companies are increasingly integrating sustainability into their business models. This means not only offering eco-friendly products but also redefining the entire value chain toward a sustainable vision, from production to final consumption, including transportation and distribution.
Examples of sustainable companies in Italy
In Italy, a country historically at the forefront of research into alternative energy sources (among the world’s first in hydroelectric use), many companies are adopting sustainable practices to respond to environmental and social challenges.
Daviness, Italy’s first BCorp, has always been committed to having a positive impact on society and the environment through concrete practices: focusing on the presence of women in the company, hiring young talent, and aiming to become Net Zero (net zero greenhouse gas emissions) by 2050.
Enel is one of Italy’s leading companies internationally that has adopted a long-term sustainability strategy: it has heavily invested in renewable energy, with the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. The transition to renewable sources is a central part of its strategy and storytelling.
Luxottica, the Italian eyewear giant, has implemented eco-friendly practices throughout its entire production chain, from the design of its eyewear to waste management.
Barilla, with its commitment to a sustainable agri-food supply chain, has launched various initiatives for sustainability, such as using responsibly grown wheat and reducing energy consumption in its factories.
What is meant by sustainable economy or sustainable finance?
Sustainable economy refers to a development model that promotes all aspects of sustainability, such as the techniques mentioned above. It involves integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into financial decisions, evaluating not only the short-term profitability of a project but also its impact on the planet and people.
The concept of sustainable finance includes creating responsible financial instruments, such as green bonds, which allow financing of projects with a positive environmental impact, and integrating ESG principles into corporate policies. Companies that adhere to these principles tend to attract more stable and long-term investments, as investors are increasingly aware of sustainability practices.
Corporate sustainability strategies are now essential for all businesses looking to address the economic, social, and environmental challenges of the future.
Adopting techniques such as the circular economy, green supply chain management, and improving energy efficiency not only meets the expectations of an increasingly aware consumer base but also represents an opportunity for companies to reduce costs and improve their competitiveness.
For all this, high-level education is the essential starting point.
Bologna Business School is at the forefront of sustainability-related topics, aiming to turn theory into practical actions: through its Initiatives for Sustainable Society and Business, based on three strategic pillars, learning, dissemination, and impact, BBS can offer an integration between theoretical knowledge and the development of projects without comparison. Its international network and excellent faculty ensure a pragmatic approach that enables immediate entry into the workforce, which is reflected in its training programs.
Sustainability is central to many of BBS’s programs: from the MBA in Sustainability and Innovation, a full-time, 12-month English-language program accredited by EFMD, to the Professional Master in Business Management – Green Management and Sustainable Businesses, as well as the Executive Masters in Sustainability Transition Management and Sustainability and Business Innovation, these top-tier educational programs are among the most innovative in Europe on sustainability topics.
Alongside these, Bologna Business School offers vertical programs focused on market-relevant themes, aimed at providing knowledge and tools to quickly enter the business area of sustainability, such as the Open Program in ESG and Sustainable Finance and the Open Program in Sustainability Reporting, dedicated to essential aspects like sustainability reporting and ESG regulations.
Among others, the Open Program in Business Sustainability & Circular Economy, designed for a vertical immersion on the topic of corporate sustainability, is an example of a path that aims to delve into the most relevant issues of the sustainability theme, translating knowledge into pragmatic application.
Bologna Business School, always at the forefront of developing cutting-edge educational programs on sustainability, is now the best possible starting point for beginning a brilliant career that combines work ambitions with the desire to have a positive impact on our planet, society, and culture.
