Even Amid Changing Political Climate, Sustainability Remains Essential to Smart Business Strategy

Drawdown Georgia Business Compact outlines the business case for climate commitment ahead of its presentation at Super South Summit

As some companies step back from their public-facing stance on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) amid the evolving political environment, new data from 2025 shows that a whopping 76% of business leaders plan to increase their investment in CSR efforts in the year to come. Even more, the executive survey finds that companies are shifting their strategies away from a siloed model, where CSR stands on its own as a discrete pillar within the company, to a more integrated approach, where social responsibility initiatives like environmental and equity programs are more seamlessly incorporated into an organization’s overall operations.

These executive level commitments align with what the Drawdown Georgia Business Compact (Compact) reports that their members’ continue to prioritize. “What we’re consistently hearing from Compact members across industries is this need for a balancing act for all of their stakeholders,” says David Eady, director of industry engagement for the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business. “Companies aren’t only concerned with shareholders but with constituencies inside and outside their companies, including investors, communities, consumers, employees, and brand advocates (or detractors) in the marketplace.”

With an increasingly complex relationship between the political climate, market demands, and technological advancements, companies have to look beyond mere mandated regulatory compliance. “Navigating the current political landscape can be complex for companies,” says Allison Bridges, program manager for the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business. “But regardless of industry, no corporate leader likes uncertainty. Even if environmental regulations get pulled back from various governmental entities, companies are already working to meet a mixture of state, national, and global standards, so that means they often have well-established processes for regulatory compliance.”

While some organizations may view initiatives such as carbon reduction as a cost center rather than a revenue generator, the reality is that the sustainability space can spark business opportunities. For example, advances from artificial intelligence (AI) are powering ways for businesses to optimize energy and lower carbon footprints at the same time, according to IBM’s exploration of AI and energy efficiency. Companies increasingly recognize that sustainability programs are essential drivers of innovation, operational efficiency, brand reputation, and long-lasting profitability for business.

There are four core ways businesses benefit by continuing their climate commitments. The business case for maintaining sustainability standards includes:  

1. Increased Competitive Advantage

• Studies from across the globe show that sustainable practices are associated with enhanced performance and better financial outcomes

• Products featuring environmental benefits experience average cumulative sales growth of 28%, compared to 20% for products without such claims

• Consumer behavior is shifting towards sustainability, with 72% of global consumers willing to pay more for sustainable products 

• Using tools to reduce carbon emissions means companies can translate those learnings into other areas of their business to increase efficiency

2. Better Brand Reputation

• 70% of consumers prefer buying from brands supporting causes that matter to them

• 74% of consumers say they would boycott businesses with opposing stances

• 79% of Gen Z say it is more important than ever to trust the brands they buy from – more than any other generation surveyed

• A purpose-driven brand study finds a large majority of consumers are committed to sustainable living, with more than 50% willing to invest more in eco-conscious brands and 67% actively seeking socially responsible brands

3. Enhanced Employee Engagement 

• Not only are consumers seeking out environmental brands, employees are too, as more than 70% of job seekers consider a company’s social impact before accepting an offer

• 69% of employed adults want their companies to invest in sustainability efforts, like reducing carbon emissions, using renewable energy, and minimizing waste with this sentiment strongest among employees aged 18 to 34

• Companies committed to sustainability experienced a 16% increase in engagement among employees – an impact felt across all demographics

4. Managing & Mitigating Risk

• Sustainability initiatives reduce corporate exposure to financial risks associated with environmental liabilities such as cleanup costs 

• Businesses with core sustainability commitments stay ahead of environmental regulations and minimize the risk of legal and financial penalties from non-compliance

• Sustainability standards mitigate climate-related risks, enhancing resilience and ensuring long-term profitability​

Most forward-thinking businesses are drawing insights and inspiration from best practices of other companies both inside and outside their respective industries. “We’re always eager to see how our Compact members meet their sustainability goals with fresh thinking and innovative climate solutions,” says Titiksha Fernandes, program manager for the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business. “By leveraging the power of collaborative networks like the Compact, companies can share resources, learn from each other, and even foster cross-sector cooperation.” These efforts amplify collective impact, steering the state toward a net-zero future.

Stay tuned for a roundup from Super South, where the Compact will lead a panel on industry efforts in supply chain decarbonization. Taking place from April 15-17 in Atlanta, this “Summit for Climate Innovation and Impact” will bring together innovators, experts, and visionaries to advocate for a circular economy, spotlight sustainable technologies, and amplify efforts for climate action. Registration for the event is open to professionals, academics, early-stage small and medium-sized businesses, students, and groups.

If you are interested in learning how to achieve net zero carbon emissions in the state by leveraging the collective impact of the Georgia business community, email David Eady, director of industry engagement for the Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business. Are you a business leader in the state committed to sustainable solutions? Join other leading companies by becoming a member of the Drawdown Georgia Business Compact.