Forbes just published a few tidbits from its 2025 Forbes Research State of Sustainability Survey, which gathered responses from 1,100 executives between January and March. Here’s a good one:
“Fewer leaders say they have built a solid internal case for their sustainability programs this year, down six percentage points to 61%.
And only 40% of respondents say their organizations consistently measure and prove the ROI of their sustainability initiatives, a steep drop from 59% in 2024. The erosion highlights a central challenge: While confidence in technology and outcomes is rising, the frameworks to validate and communicate results don’t seem ready for prime time.
The survey suggests that optimism about sustainability initiatives is real. Companies that anchor their ambitions in verifiable returns can turn them into a durable advantage.”
There has been a definite shift in sustainability conversations within the past 12 months, with a growing emphasis on business realities. In line with Forbes findings, our own research into how/if companies disclose sustainability financial benefits found only 27% of companies do so in 10-Ks with a mere 34% doing so in sustainability/ESG reports. Our report which also contains excerpts from over 100 US company reports and pragmatic recommendations on developing and disclosing sustainability ROI is available here.
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