Creating value through sustainability

Creating value through sustainability

How can consumer companies approach sustainability and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) from a risk and opportunity standpoint to ensure their brands remain viable, even preferred, in the future? And how are these sustainability trends shaping business strategy?

In this episode, podcast host Sam Loughry, Deloitte & Touche LLP’s US Audit & Assurance Consumer industry leader, is joined by Kristen Sullivan, Deloitte & Touche LLP’s US Audit & Assurance partner and Sustainability and KPI Services leader, and Ron Voglewede, Whirlpool Corporation’s Global Sustainability director. They discuss how consumer companies are responding to changing stakeholder expectations and accelerating environmental and societal trends. Listen in as they share practical insights on how organizations can develop business sustainability strategies that optimize investment, capture value, and drive accountability.

Defining the role of the audit committee in overseeing ESG

While 2020 has been a challenging year for many companies, the pandemic has provided a reason to spotlight the importance of a purpose-driven strategy to drive business and societal value and highlighted the interrelationship between long-term corporate strategy, the environment, and society. Many companies have also reevaluated their corporate purpose and ability to drive the long-term sustainability of their enterprise by addressing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies and challenges.

ESG and corporate purpose in a disrupted world

Even before the world was disrupted by COVID-19 and current events calling for a greater focus on social justice, corporate America was already at an inflection point with respect to its role in society, facing louder and more widespread calls for businesses to consider a broader range of stakeholders. From the groundswell of support for shareholder proposals on environmental and social matters starting in 2017, 1 to the August 2019 statement of the Business Roundtable, 2 to continuing pressure from prominent members of the investment community, the conversation on the purpose of the corporation has continued to gain momentum.

About consumer speaks

On the Consumer Speaks accounting and reporting podcast series, you’ll hear from our Deloitte leaders and professionals as they share their experiences and insights on timely topics across the automotive, consumer products, retail, wholesale and distribution, transportation, hospitality, and services industries. Stay informed on the hottest topics facing these industries and how they can affect your business.

Subscribe today and visit the Consumer Speaks library for the full collection of episodes.