While a majority of North American firms in the survey (almost 60 percent) have a documented corporate-level sustainability strategy, just over one-third (36 percent) have adopted a formal sustainability strategy for the supply management organization — a crucial step in ultimately being able to deliver on their sustainability promises.

      Those are among the findings of a study by global management consulting firm A.T. Kearney, in conjunction with the Institute for Supply Management.  The study surveyed firms across a variety of industries to assess corporate sustainability practices and understand how sustainability is impacting businesses. Corporate sustainability is defined as the promotion of economic development (e.g., profits and job creation), environmental stewardship (e.g., energy conservation and pollution reduction), and social well-being (labor standards and community impact).

      The research revealed that most firms have recognized the value of adopting sustainable practices, whether to strengthen their brand or to differentiate products. Companies understand that sustainability management is a top-line issue, rather than just a compliance issue.  Sustainability provides companies with an opportunity to improve their corporate image and differentiate their products.

      Since most firms have not adopted a supply management sustainability strategy, it is not surprising that many do not have sophisticated internal organizational processes to promote sustainability management. Just over half of the companies in the survey provide written guidelines to...

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