As sustainability becomes a core element of corporate strategy, a striking 88% of global companies now view sustainability value creation as a business opportunity rather than a cost, according to a recent Morgan Stanley survey. This shift signals more than a trend—it’s a transformation in how leaders approach ESG and long-term performance.

As someone who has worked in ESG consulting and training for over two decades, I find this development both encouraging and essential. For years, we’ve advocated that sustainability is not only the right thing to do—it is the smart thing to do. Now, the data is catching up with that truth.

The Rise of Strategic ESG Thinking

This year’s survey results from Morgan Stanley’s Institute for Sustainable Investing mark a turning point. Companies are no longer just reacting to regulatory pressure or stakeholder expectations—they are proactively integrating ESG principles into business models to drive innovation, risk reduction, and revenue growth.

In fact, 85% of executives surveyed said that sustainability initiatives have improved operational efficiency or opened new revenue streams. This aligns with what we’ve observed at the Centre for Sustainability & Excellence (CSE), where many of our clients now view ESG performance as a core driver of investor confidence and brand value.

A New ESG Leadership Mindset

True sustainability value creation requires more than checklists or reporting. It calls for a change in mindset—one that connects long-term environmental and social goals with financial resilience.

The leaders I’ve worked with who are succeeding in this space are those who embed ESG into boardroom discussions, integrate it into KPIs, and align it with purpose. They ask not only “How can we comply?” but “How can we lead?”

It is this mindset that will define the winners of tomorrow.

From Compliance to Competitive Advantage

This evolution also means companies need to invest in building ESG competencies internally. It’s no longer sufficient to rely on external reporting teams. Cross-functional ESG training is vital—for leadership, sustainability officers, supply chain teams, and financial departments alike.

That’s why training programs like Certified Sustainability (ESG) Practitioner Program are more relevant than ever. They help professionals not only understand frameworks like ESRS, GRI, and SASB, but also how to use them to generate competitive advantage.

Addressing the Implementation Gap

While the enthusiasm is clear, many companies still face challenges in execution. According to the same Morgan Stanley report, only 55% of companies say their sustainability strategies are fully integrated into operations. That’s a gap we need to close.

From our work across industries—from shipping and manufacturing to finance and tech—we know that implementation hinges on two factors: leadership commitment and ESG upskilling.

Consultants and in-house professionals who understand materiality, supply chain risks, and carbon accounting are in high demand. That’s why ESG expertise has become a strategic asset in itself.

Global Impact, Local Accountability

One of the most promising developments is how companies are aligning sustainability value creation with global goals like the SDGs and national climate targets. At the same time, localized accountability is rising—whether through mandatory disclosures in the EU, SEC rules in the U.S., or CSRD compliance.

This dual lens—global vision and local execution—is where ESG leaders are distinguishing themselves.

My Takeaway

This shift toward sustainability value creation is long overdue—but now that it’s here, there’s no turning back. Companies that embrace this new era will not only build stronger brands and attract better talent—they will also be more resilient in the face of climate, social, and economic disruption.

As I often say: ESG is no longer a department. It’s a mindset—and ultimately, a business model.

If you’re a sustainability professional, consultant, or business leader looking to turn ESG into strategic value, I invite you to explore our globally recognized ESG training programs at the Sustainability Academy.