INSIGHTS
Strategic priorities in modern sustainability management
The landscape of sustainability management is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by technological advancements, increasing regulatory pressures and evolving stakeholder expectations. Our research has identified three key themes that are shaping the strategic priorities of sustainability leaders across various industries.
B. Technological enablement of sustainability efforts
2. Leveraging digital solutions for environmental impact assessment
In most of our factories, we have installed detailed energy monitoring systems at multiple points along production lines, including compressors, chillers, and lights.
Ethan O'Brien
GLOBAL DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS SUSTAINABILITY, KLÖCKNER PENTAPLAST
The role of digital solutions in assessing and managing environmental impact has become increasingly important. These technologies enable more efficient and effective collection, visualisation, analysis, and intervention of environmental issues.
In the manufacturing sector, detailed energy monitoring systems have transformed sustainability efforts. "In most of our factories, we have installed detailed energy monitoring systems at multiple points along production lines, including compressors, chillers, and lights," explains Ethan O'Brien from Klöckner Pentaplast. These systems feed into digital dashboards, allowing for precise tracking and management of energy use.
Partnerships with specialised digital platforms have become a key strategy in property management. Carl Brooks from CBRE highlights their collaboration with Deepki, a sustainability intelligence platform, which has maximised efficiency in delivering their sustainability strategy since 2021.
We use the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP). It's a defined process for setting the baseline period, agreeing on how to model it forward, and accounting for operational changes.
Edward Barlow
DIRECTOR - CLIMATE, LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS LLP
The construction industry has seen significant changes in environmental impact assessment through digital solutions. "Environmental simulations and data visualisations allow us to anticipate and improve the performance of our designs in real time," notes Chris Mattock from Mace Consult. This proactive approach enables more sustainable design decisions from the start of projects.
Looking to the future, artificial intelligence is expected to play a crucial role in sustainability management. Philip Tamuno from Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust envisions AI-enabled systems that can predict a building's carbon footprint during the design process itself.
Standardised protocols are being employed to measure building energy efficiency more accurately. Edward Barlow from Local Partnerships LLP describes their use of the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol (IPMVP), which provides a nuanced assessment of building performance improvements.
Environmental simulations and data visualisations allow us to anticipate and improve the performance of our designs in real time.
Chris Mattock
HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY FOR INFRASTRUCTURE (UK&E), MACE CONSULTING
From real-time energy monitoring in manufacturing to AI-assisted design in construction, digital solutions are transforming how organisations approach environmental management. These tools not only help visualise current performance but enable sophisticated analysis of trends and patterns, allowing teams to make the right interventions when issues arise. As these capabilities continue to evolve, they will become increasingly central to achieving meaningful reductions in environmental impact while supporting strategic sustainability goals.
