Case for sustainability remains strong

New Zealand companies are not sidestepping sustainability in the tougher economic climate, suggests a new report from the Sustainable Business Network.

A 40% increase in membership over the last year is revealed in the network’s latest report, 2008 Sustainable Business Review, which sets out some of the recent developments in sustainable business practices among New Zealand companies.

Chief executive Rachel Brown, who founded the Sustainable Business Network in 2002, says she has not seen a drop-off in commitment to sustainability from among the 800-plus members, but is aware of companies wanting to be more cost effective in the way they achieved their sustainability goals.

“Any effect from the recession has been to encourage a smarter approach to sustainability,” Brown said.

“Sustainability remains a must-do for business. If they haven’t already, now is the time for businesses to shift their focus towards how they can become strategic and effective in their investment and to make long-term plans. The global recession is a call for a better way to do business, in general.”

Brown says the network’s new members draw from a broad range of business sizes and industries, demonstrating the increased diversity of business participation in sustainability initiatives.

“The service sector is where we’ve seen the most growth. It used to be that it was easier to see a role for sustainability in the manufacturing sector as opposed to services, but certainly these businesses are now well represented among our membership,” Brown said.

The 2008 Sustainable Business Review demonstrates this and other trends through a series of case studies from members who have been tackling sustainability challenges.