Our Top 10 Articles of 2018

As 2018 draws to a close, we are counting down our top 10 articles from this year for your holiday reading!

10. How Has Political Divisiveness Impacted Corporate Sustainability?

"Issues like gun control in the United States and marriage equality in Australia are largely controversial issues, but they have become part of corporate sustainability agendas as many who head up these companies feel like their role as a leader is to take action towards a more sustainable future. This major shift towards more controversial topics when it comes to corporate sustainability could continue well into the future with companies taking on more activist roles as political polarisation increases."

9. What is the Relationship Between Social Enterprises and Big Business?

"As big business becomes more and more concerned with the overheads of not-for-profit organisations, they are looking towards more meaningful partnerships with social enterprises."

8. What Effects Have Activism and Advocacy Had on Corporate Sustainability?

"Sustainable development activists within the corporate world are executives who push the boundaries, set new standards of responsible business and require their suppliers to adhere to these standards. They may not be on the street holding signs and chanting, but they are activists nonetheless, making tangible changes to our society."

7. Why Should Your Business Be Aiming for Inclusion, Not Diversity?

"The nature of the term 'diversity' is one of siloing people based on certain characteristics. Inclusion, on the other hand, looks at including people within your organisation, without first pointing out that they may be different from others."

6. What are the Five Most Important Trends in Sustainability for Executives?

"A business' commitment to sustainability often falls into the hands of company executives. This responsibility requires these executives to understand the top trends in sustainability. "

5. Should Sustainability be Taught in Business School?

"With almost 20,000 students globally enrolling in an undergraduate program in business school per year, there are a large number of students being exposed to the importance of moral corporate governance and the impact businesses can have on the planet."

4. Small Business Leaders: Should You Be Addressing the Issues That Matter?

"The idea of sustainability in business is becoming less of a political issue and more of a basic standard of good business practice. With an increasing number of the world's top companies publishing sustainability commitments and producing sustainability reports, small business owners are feeling empowered to take a stand on protecting our economic, social and environmental future."

3. How Can Corporate Sustainability Impact Heritage Conservation?

"Our heritage is a key part of our economic, social and environmental sustainability. In fact, the United Nations' Global Goals for Sustainable Development outline a commitment to natural and cultural heritage in Target 11.4 of the 2030 Agenda: 'Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.'"

2. What has the Royal Commission into Financial Services taught us about Corporate Sustainability?

"The findings of these hearings thus far have shown that corporate social responsibility alone does not make an impact - an organisation needs to make a commitment to sustainability as a part of its core organisational and operational values in order to make genuine progress towards economic, social and environmental sustainability."

1. How is Sustainability the Responsibility of More than Just the Executive or the Sustainability Team?

"With corporate social responsibility beginning to be phased out and organisations with core values around economic, social and environmental sustainability gaining more stride, employees are understanding that sustainability cannot just be an after-thought when it comes to business; it must be at the forefront of all organisations' agendas."

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On behalf of the team at Strategic Sustainability Consultants, I would like to wish all of our clients and readers a safe and happy holiday season and all the best in 2019! We will see you back on the 7th of January.

This article was originally published on the Strategic Sustainability Consultants website.