About 34 percent of business executives say that their firms' immediate financial goals were the most pressing priority that prevented the incorporation of sustainability into company strategies and goals, according to the "Managing for Sustainability" report from the Economist Intelligence Unit.
The survey of over 200 finance and corporate social responsibility executives showed that about 27 percent of executives also cite a lack of consensus on sustainability goals as an impediment. About 24 percent cite a lack of funding as an impediment.
When asked how, if at all, their company integrates sustainability goals into business practices, more than half (54 percent) said it took the form of "strong statements from top management."
About 38 percent cited improving energy efficiency across global operations. (see chart below)
