How does a leading energy player leverage sustainability to win more business?

In collaboration with Implement Consulting Group, a prominent energy company embarked on a transformational journey to redefine sustainability in the renewable sector. In response to increasing demand for eco-friendly energy solutions and pressing environmental and social challenges, the company sought to integrate a robust sustainability framework at the core of its operations.

Making sustainability a value driver in the energy sector

As demand for renewable power grows globally, price remains a critical decision factor. However, sustainability has emerged as a key differentiator in the renewable energy sector, which has seen rapid expansion. In Denmark, wind power already generates around 60% of the country’s electricity. And the UK, for example, aims for wind power to supply up to 50% of its electricity by 2030, underscoring the sector’s vast growth potential. The company, with extensive wind and solar operations, recognised this shift and committed to embedding sustainability deeply within its business model, enhancing its long-term competitive edge.

Initial assessments revealed that despite a strong foundation, there was significant potential to streamline sustainability practices across different regions. A cohesive strategy was needed, one that addressed environmental impacts while leveraging social sustainability as a competitive tool.

Taking action to build competitive advantage

The company mapped out a multi-tiered approach, targeting key strategic areas to reinforce its sustainability commitment:

• Sustainability strategy integration: Developing a unified strategy across all business units was critical. The aim was to set industry-leading targets, supported by transparent metrics, to drive consistent performance across markets. This included aligning with global sustainability standards such as the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
• Circular economy and biodiversity initiatives: Recognising the increasing focus on circularity and biodiversity, the company invested in advanced R&D to pioneer initiatives that enhance biodiversity and minimise waste. This approach aimed to transform sustainability from a regulatory requirement into a distinct competitive attribute.
• Local community engagement: Building strong, mutually beneficial relationships with local communities was paramount. By fostering initiatives that supported local economies and promoted community ownership of projects, the company sought to translate environmental stewardship into social goodwill.

The transition to enhanced sustainability involved restructuring internal processes to embed these priorities deeply within the corporate ethos. This included:

• Integrated commercial value propositions: The company developed tailored value propositions that featured sustainability as a core differentiator alongside classic differentiators for different stakeholders and customer segments.
• Strategic stakeholder engagement: Emphasising partnerships with local and regional stakeholders ensured alignment with regulatory expectations and fostered collaborative innovation.
• Operating model redesign: A sustainability-centric operating model was established to ensure strategic goals were translated into actionable initiatives across all levels of the organisation.

Leveraging the updated foundation and targeted strategies, the company envisions a future where it leads the renewable energy sector in sustainability performance, not just in capacity. With proactive stakeholder engagement and strategic partnerships, it aims to meet evolving market demands and set new industry benchmarks.

As the company progresses towards becoming a sustainability leader in renewable energy, it stands poised to enhance its market position, driven by a commitment to environmental and social responsibility. By aligning operational practices with sustainability imperatives, it ensures that growth is synonymous with ecological stewardship and community empowerment.