Society’s seat in the boardroom: The sustainability agenda

Ahead of his session at our BIMA Springboard event on 6 May we caught up with David Tuck, Group Chief Executive at Kin + Carta Europe. We asked him 3 quick questions about the challenges associated with making sustainability core to your business…

Sustainability isn’t purely about climate change. How should organisations be defining sustainability?

For us, when we look at sustainability we are looking at economic viability, social equity and environmental protection.  Businesses need a 360 view on how each of these is crucial to understanding their commitment to sustainability. The consequence of this is that digital platforms, products and experiences need to be designed and built with a moral compass at the centre.

What are the main barriers for any organisation wanting to make sustainability a part of its business?

As business leaders we all need to recognise that in order to truly embed sustainability into our business strategies, we need to assess how our investment decisions and activities impact the climate. That’s why we have elevated both people and planet alongside profit in our decision making framework.

Our recent Change Report found that 81% of people agree that “Brands and businesses have a responsibility to do good in the world – not just maximise their profits”

How can a focus on people and planet drive profit? What are the success stories?

Our recent Change Report found that 81% of people agree that “Brands and businesses have a responsibility to do good in the world – not just maximise their profits”. Triple bottom line companies are delivering profit and are viewed positively by the investment community. Future business casualties are the ones who are not focusing on people and planet at the moment.

David Tuck and Dr Gabrielle Walker will be live on stage 6 May at 3.15pm. Please join us here.