In 2025, sustainability remains a key topic shaping political, business, and personal decision-making on a global scale. For years, climate change felt like a distant threat, one that seemed to only impact far-off communities, with little tangible effect on decision-makers’ lives. The consequences of lax government regulations and corporate inaction appeared far removed from daily reality. But times are changing, and fast. In just the first two months of this year, two major Western countries, the UK and the USA, have felt the direct impacts of the environmental damage caused by poor decisions and compliance. The UK experienced some of the worst flooding on record, and who could forget the catastrophic wildfires that ravaged LA for weeks this January?
Unfortunately, these events are becoming alarmingly frequent, marking a turning point in our natural environment’s decline. Once distant from the effects of climate change, communities in the Global North are now experiencing the harsh reality firsthand.
Given that the impact of the climate emergency can no longer be ignored, more and more people begin to look for the cause. Often, that can be traced back to corporations that have carelessly polluted the environment for decades, turning a blind eye as long as governments permit it. Increasingly, consumers are taking a stand, voting with their wallets and choosing to support brands that align with their values for a more sustainable future. As this shift grows, the pressure on governments and regulators to enforce stricter business practices will intensify. For investors, prioritising businesses with low-impact practices will soon become the norm, as these companies are poised to thrive in the future. Already, over half of UK businesses have found they have been impacted by extreme weather events. With immediate threats to supply chains, increases in operation and logistics costs, and even physical damage, organisations across all industries need to consider how they can mitigate these challenges through embedding sustainable business practices.
Navigating the transition to a more sustainable business model can be highly challenging and complex. So why should a business embark on a journey towards real positive change and prioritise sustainability at all levels of their organisation? Not only can creating sustainability strategies within business help with customer acquisition and retention. It can also help with differentiation. Businesses that focus in on their sustainability can stand out from competitors and help drive business by attracting new customers who are tired of companies putting profit over planet time and time again. According to Deloitte (2024), one-third of customers would be willing to pay more for products and services which prioritise sustainability.
Businesses can also hope to see internal benefits of reprioritisation. We’re consistently seeing growth in job seekers prioritising businesses with greater interest in sustainability. Employers that showcase their commitment to a greener future can often see reap the benefits of larger interest in job openings. In fact, a KPMG report found that 20% of UK office workers would turn down a job if they though the company was not prioritising ESG.
As a sustainability consultancy at the heart of one of the most environmentally damaging industries, events and hospitality, we have seen first-hand the challenges and difficulties of transitioning to more sustainable business models. Sustainability guidelines are inherently complex and often incredibly time-consuming to implement within established businesses. They often require significant restructuring of long-standing processes and procedures and a long-term and ongoing commitment from the business’s key stakeholders.
Another barrier often discussed are the cost implications of pivoting a business or bringing in support to transition processes. Now, we’re not going to sit here and disagree with this sentiment, in fact quite the opposite. In all our partnerships with businesses looking to change their business functions for the better, some form of investment, whether that’s time, money or resource, is required in order to successfully transition to a more sustainable business. However, these investments should be viewed as long-term commitments to the longevity of your business and the planet we call home. This coupled with the added incentive of possible sales increases, initial investment in the right places here can be the key to a thriving, low-impact business. The trick is strategic investment in the right areas, at the right time. Creating and developing a clear pathway to sustainability will play a critical role in ensuring the successful transition.
As we continue to witness the growing impacts of climate change on communities around the world, the need for businesses to adopt sustainable practices has never been more urgent. Sustainability is no longer a choice; it’s an essential part of future-proofing your business. Consumers are demanding it, employees are prioritising it, and governments are increasingly enforcing it. While the transition to more sustainable models can be challenging, the long-term benefits, ranging from enhanced brand loyalty to better job attraction are clear.. With the right investments and a clear sustainability plan, businesses can not only reduce their environmental footprint but also unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.
About From Now
From Now is a sustainability consultancy with years of experience with supporting businesses through the transition to a more sustainable future. From Now is becoming one of the leading consulting firms within the hospitality and events industry, helping major corporations create low impact experiences.
From Now is a key partner for businesses looking to invest in their future and the planet. We provide expert guidance and direction to support businesses with integrating sustainability strategy within the core of their company. From Now offers flexible and customisable solutions for clients, from reducing environmental impacts to obtaining certifications such as B Corp & ISO standards. From Now guides businesses through every step of a sustainability journey. The team has worked with dozens of influential brands and businesses, introducing transformative strategies in businesses of all sizes.
References
Deloitte (2024) The Sustainable Consumer: Understanding consumer attitudes to sustainability and sustainable behaviours. [Online]
edie (2024) Majority of businesses believe they can grow while decarbonising. Available at: https://www.edie.net/majority-of-businesses-believe-they-can-grow-while-decarbonising/
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (2024) Half of UK businesses already impacted by climate change. Available at: https://www.ajg.com/uk/news-and-insights/half-of-uk-businesses-already-impacted-by-climate-change/
