KEY ESG Founders Heleen van Poecke and Anne-Marie Schoonbeek recently attended GreenBiz 25 in Arizona. These are their key learnings from the event.
1. The business case for sustainability has never been more crucial
At GreenBiz 25, it became clear that sustainability professionals must sharpen their ability to build internal and external buy-in. With increased scrutiny on time and resources spent on sustainability, presenting a strong business case backed by data is essential. Professionals must embrace collaboration, even with sceptics, to ensure sustainability initiatives align with broader business priorities.
2. Aligning sustainability with business goals is non-negotiable
A key theme from the conference was the importance of integrating sustainability within overall business strategy. Rather than framing discussions in moral terms, sustainability leaders must focus on materiality—helping business leaders prioritise what truly matters. Sustainability goals must work in tandem with financial and operational objectives.
3. Constructive engagement with sceptics yields better results
Dismissing scepticism outright can be a missed opportunity. Some concerns, such as frustrations with complex reporting standards, do not necessarily indicate opposition to sustainability itself. Instead, they highlight the need for regulations that are fit for purpose. Sustainability professionals should advocate for streamlined, effective policies that support—not hinder—progress.
4. The future of sustainability lies in smart software solutions
A major takeaway from the conference was the growing role of software in supporting sustainability teams. Companies would never manage financial reporting through spreadsheets, so why do the same for sustainability? Centralised data, audit trails, and cross-functional collaboration tools are key to ensuring efficient and effective ESG reporting.
The event underscored both the challenges and opportunities facing sustainability professionals today. With the right strategies and tools, businesses can navigate the evolving landscape while driving meaningful impact.
Find out more
If you’re interested in learning more about how KEY ESG can help you improve your sustainability processes and align with business goals, have a look at our customer testimonials from companies like Resolve Surgical Technologies or Urban Remedy.
If you’d prefer a personalised introduction to the KEY ESG platform, book a chat with us.
KEY ESG Founders Heleen van Poecke and Anne-Marie Schoonbeek recently attended GreenBiz 25 in Arizona. These are their key learnings from the event.
1. The business case for sustainability has never been more crucial
At GreenBiz 25, it became clear that sustainability professionals must sharpen their ability to build internal and external buy-in. With increased scrutiny on time and resources spent on sustainability, presenting a strong business case backed by data is essential. Professionals must embrace collaboration, even with sceptics, to ensure sustainability initiatives align with broader business priorities.
2. Aligning sustainability with business goals is non-negotiable
A key theme from the conference was the importance of integrating sustainability within overall business strategy. Rather than framing discussions in moral terms, sustainability leaders must focus on materiality—helping business leaders prioritise what truly matters. Sustainability goals must work in tandem with financial and operational objectives.
3. Constructive engagement with sceptics yields better results
Dismissing scepticism outright can be a missed opportunity. Some concerns, such as frustrations with complex reporting standards, do not necessarily indicate opposition to sustainability itself. Instead, they highlight the need for regulations that are fit for purpose. Sustainability professionals should advocate for streamlined, effective policies that support—not hinder—progress.
4. The future of sustainability lies in smart software solutions
A major takeaway from the conference was the growing role of software in supporting sustainability teams. Companies would never manage financial reporting through spreadsheets, so why do the same for sustainability? Centralised data, audit trails, and cross-functional collaboration tools are key to ensuring efficient and effective ESG reporting.
The event underscored both the challenges and opportunities facing sustainability professionals today. With the right strategies and tools, businesses can navigate the evolving landscape while driving meaningful impact.
Find out more
If you’re interested in learning more about how KEY ESG can help you improve your sustainability processes and align with business goals, have a look at our customer testimonials from companies like Resolve Surgical Technologies or Urban Remedy.
If you’d prefer a personalised introduction to the KEY ESG platform, book a chat with us.
