Research shows that sustainability initiatives and the level of sustainability development in Northern Europe lead to competitive advantages. Many positive results have already been achieved in the area of energy and waste reduction.
Autodesk, the leader in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software, conducted the survey of 600 respondents, in collaboration with international consulting partner Frost & Sullivan. They conducted quantitative interviews with 600 business decision-makers and 24 in-depth qualitative interviews with sustainability leaders in construction and manufacturing in Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland), the Benelux countries, the United Kingdom and Ireland. In addition to sustainability initiatives and the level of sustainability development, the research also examines new areas of digital preservation.
The report findings show that in the sectors surveyed, there is general recognition of the need to improve sustainability and that companies are working hard on it. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Scandinavian countries. There, the majority of respondents (91%) have a dedicated sustainability team. In the Benelux, this percentage is 81%, followed by the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland (78%).
Major driver
This difference may be the result of increased organization and strategic direction from leaders in Scandinavia. Almost three-quarters of companies in that region (73%) see this as the main driver of the sustainability agenda. With more regulation in the pipeline in the rest of northern Europe and mounting macroeconomic pressures, the Scandinavian countries are likely to best practices It will also be taken there.
The research shows that there are clear winners for sustainability policy:
- Better use of resources (Less waste) for the construction sector (70%) and more (73%) for the manufacturing industry;
- Low energy consumption (64%) in construction and 74% in manufacturing.
Half of the respondents from the construction sector also believe that sustainable methods improve project quality. These results indicate that the use of renewable energy, better material choices and a circular approach can reduce the environmental impact of projects or products.
Competitive advantage
When asked why companies embrace sustainability, 86% answered that customer loyalty plays an important role, followed by customer expectations (84%). The growing demand for sustainability is also seen as an important competitive advantage, with 76% saying it is a major driver.
Focus on sustainability through regulation and market forces is highest in Scandinavia (73%) compared to the UK (48%) and the Benelux countries (only 29%). After customers, employees are the second most important Effect In terms of embracing sustainability (63%). Then follow Suppliers And partners (61%) and management (61%).
In terms of the investments identified for additional sustainable entrepreneurship, Autodesk lists this data:
- Improved workflow (Less waste and energy consumption): 85% of businesses
- Technology and software: 74%
Investments in information technology to overcome challenges towards a sustainable future are more important by those surveyed in the Benelux (92%) than in the UK and Ireland (77%) and Scandinavia (66%).
While the benefits of sustainability are clear, companies still face challenges in implementing the strategy. Access to skills and training (33%) and lack of financial resources (39%) are among the most common challenges.
“Our research results demonstrate the need to improve sustainability in the construction and manufacturing industry,” says Sander Leggers, Autodesk’s Benelux and Eastern Europe region manager. commitment It should meet the climate goals. Digital transformation is accelerating cooperation and innovation in all sectors, enabling companies to realize their shared ambition for a sustainable future. “
The full report from Autodesk and Frost & Sullivan is Here Downloadable.
Text and images source: Autodesk at Frost & Sullivan
