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58% of Organisations Expect Sustainability to Influence Strategy—Bureau Veritas Survey Reveals the Path to Competitive Advantage

Mar. 18 2026

New research shows C-suite ownership is accelerating, but a critical maturity gap persists. Here's how to close it.

Sustainability has become a boardroom imperative. Our 2025 survey of 600+ business leaders reveals that 58% of organisations expect sustainability to be even more important to their success over the next three years yet only 25% have fully embedded it into their operations.
 

The gap between ambition and execution is real. And it's costing organisations competitive advantage.
 

The momentum is undeniable. Nearly three-quarters of organisations (74%) now have the C-suite making sustainability decisions. 46% of large companies have embedded sustainability into governance and decision-making. And the narrative has shifted: 29% cite improved financial and operational performance as their primary motivation not compliance.


But beneath this momentum lies a stark divide. 46% of large companies have embedded sustainability into decision-making, compared to just 12% of small companies. Limited budgets (18%), data measurement challenges (16%), lack of internal expertise (15%), and supplier engagement difficulties (14%) are holding smaller organisations back.
 

David Murray
David
Murray

Sustainability Business Unit Manager

Bureau Veritas

This is a watershed moment, organisations recognise that sustainability isn't a cost centre it's a value creator. The C-suite is driving these decisions. But here's the challenge: the gap between ambition and execution is widening. Companies know what they need to do. The question is how to do it credibly, at scale, and with measurable impact.

Three Core Priorities Are Reshaping Investment


🔴 Decarbonisation (27%) – Science-based targets aligned with SBTi
🟡 Supply Chain (20%) – Multi-tier transparency and traceability
🟢 ESG Reporting (17%) – Verified data and regulatory compliance
 

Together, these represent 64% of all sustainability investment globally.

  • The Data Gap Is Undermining Credibility

    Whilst 44% of companies prioritise data collection, 38% still collect data manually and 7% collect no data at all. Investors and regulators increasingly demand verified, audited data. The most in-demand features for new tools: automated data collection (14%), GHG emissions calculation (15%), and ESG dashboard management (13%).

  • Third-Party Audits and Certifications Are Now Essential

    15% cite audits and certifications as a top-three investment priority. 27% prioritise supply chain audits. External assurance is no longer optional it's a licence to operate. Management systems, audits, and certifications translate pledges into tangible outcomes, ensure data traceability, and meet rising investor expectations.

  • Regulatory Complexity Demands Strategic Response

    Over 75% cite regulation as a primary driver. The landscape is fragmented:


    •    Europe: SRS, CSRD, CBAM, EU ETS, new rules on packaging, batteries, deforestation, nature restoration
    •    China: Mandatory ESG disclosures for listed companies
    •    Japan: First mandatory sustainability standards (phased 2025-2029)
    •    Middle East: Expanding ESG frameworks and net-zero strategies
     

How Bureau Veritas Supports You


We help organisations close the maturity gap through:
✓ Sustainability Strategy & Governance – Embedding sustainability into C-suite decision-making
✓ ESG Data Management – Automated platforms with integrated dashboards and real-time GHG tracking
✓ Carbon Management – GHG inventories, verified emissions tracking, and science-based targets
✓ Supply Chain Audits & Certifications – Multi-tier transparency and traceability frameworks
✓ Compliance Gap Assessments – Identifying regulatory requirements and developing tailored roadmaps
 

The Bottom Line


The organisations winning today are those investing strategically in verified data systems, third-party audits, and C-suite governance. They're moving from ambition to audited outcomes. From compliance to competitive advantage.
The next three years will be decisive. Those that act now will lead their industries.
 

DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT HERE