The man from Saatchi’s department S: corporate sustainability the key for future business growth

Adam Werbach, chief sustainability officer of Saatchi & Saatchi S, which claims to be the world’s largest sustainability organisation, and a leading international expert in corporate sustainability, has called on corporate Australia to lead the way in the sustainability movement.

Speaking at an Australia & New Zealand Sustainability Circle forum yesterday in Sydney, Werbach emphasised how sustainability has moved beyond the quaint notions of saving the planet, to a key business model which gives companies a competitive advantage while delivering meaningful change.

“Today, consumers and employees are looking for more; they’re looking for companies who go beyond the green movement and deliver social, cultural, economic and environmental change,” said Werbach.

“Essentially they’re looking for a more environmentally sustainable product at a reasonable price and in order to be successful companies need to recognise the public’s shift in thinking and work towards achieving this goal”.

Detailing the success stories of companies that Saatchi & Saatchi S have worked with, such as Walmart and Toyota, Werbach outlined the valuable changes that companies should consider when implementing sustainability practices.

“Engaging employees and giving them the opportunity to contribute to change within the company can make a difference to their motivation and profits,” said Werbach.

“Companies should also look for opportunities to work with like-minded groups to create sustainability practices and promote change.”

John Foley, CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi Australia agreed demonstrating a commitment towards sustainability is an imperative issue that is facing Australian businesses.

“Saatchi & Saatchi has been working internally with our employees to develop their own sustainability plans for the past two years. We are now committed to engage businesses locally who want to take a holistic approach to brand management and who are keen to promote their sustainability practices,” said Foley.

According to Werbach, Australia has an opportunity to lead the world given our contradictory focus on the environment and dependence on the resources sector. If Australian businesses can develop good sustainability practices, then the rest of the world will follow.

“Businesses need to step up and meet this challenging commitment to meet the consumer’s needs and create a better future,” said Werbach.

Werbach’s visit highlights the move towards adopting more sustainable practices in Australian businesses, which have a positive impact on environmental, social and cultural trends.

Visit Saatchi & Saatchi’s Do-One-Thing program, where individuals are encouraged to pursue one sustainable practice regularly. So far over 32 million people have pledged to make a difference.