How Strategy, Resilience and Delivery Align in Leading Businesses
Our Global Corporate Sustainability Survey 2025 reveals where companies are making sustainability real — and where the gaps still lie.
Sustainability has become a strategic priority for most corporates. Today’s leaders are moving beyond high-level commitments to focus on delivery, investment returns and value chain collaboration. But the journey is far from complete.
The survey captures the latest thinking from senior decision-makers across sectors and geographies. This year’s results point to growing maturity in sustainability governance, rising demand for measurable outcomes, and a sharpened focus on Scope 3, supply chain emissions and tangible ROI.
About the survey
400 Respondents
C-suite executives and sustainability leaders
6 Countries
U.S., UK, France, Germany, China and Australia
5 Industries
Energy, Industrials, Healthcare, Consumer and Transport
$500 Million+
Minimum company
revenue
Key insights
C-suite integration
Sustainability is now led by CEOs, CFOs and CSOs, requiring full business ownership to drive impact.
KPI momentum
42% of firms track measurable KPIs, up from 27% in 2022, with energy and industrials most advanced.
Sustainability spend
Budgets have leveled off, but long-term intent remains strong despite political and economic uncertainty.
ROI-driven investment
Over half report positive returns, especially in energy, with focus shifting to proven value.
Scope 3 challenge
Supply chain emissions are the biggest hurdle, with most firms targeting net zero by 2050.
Green premiums
One-third see growing customer willingness to pay more, creating new pricing opportunities.
From ambition to action
The priority is converting long-term goals into near-term, outcome-driven initiatives.
Hear from the Experts
John Goddard
Vice Chair Sustainability and Partner
Our 2025 survey clearly shows an evolution in corporate sustainability. Companies are shifting from broad ambition to measurable execution, embedding sustainability deeply into their core business strategies. However, while ambition has advanced, execution remains inconsistent, highlighting the critical gap between strategy and implementation.
Connect with John.
George Woods
Partner
Scope 3 emissions are fast becoming the defining challenge in corporate sustainability. Many companies are now realizing that the bulk of their environmental impact lies outside their direct control, within their supply chains. Overcoming these challenges requires strategic prioritization, cross-industry collaboration, and a clear recognition of what initiatives are genuinely achievable and impactful.
Connect with George.
Rebecca Scottorn
Partner
Corporate sustainability requires strategic agility, balancing immediate pressures with long-term goals. Companies who build flexible governance, align sustainability initiatives with business objectives and adopt agile decision-making processes are better equipped to navigate the complexities of sustainability, turning potential trade-offs into enduring value creation.
Connect with Rebecca.
Infographic
Corporate Sustainability in 2025: Progress, Gaps and Priorities
Explore the headline findings in a single view.
L.E.K.’s Global Corporate Sustainability Survey 2025
Discover what sets sustainability leaders apart. Get the full report for a clear view on what companies are doing to drive measurable impact — from prioritizing Scope 3 and circularity to aligning investment with ROI and embedding accountability across the organization.
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Consumer
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Financial Services
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Healthcare Services
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Industrials
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Life Sciences & Pharma
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Travel, Transport and Logistics
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Data & Analytics
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Organisation & Performance
L.E.K. combines deep expertise with rigorous analysis to help business leaders navigate their markets, make the most of opportunities, and deliver better returns. Some of the world’s most sophisticated, innovative, and successful organisations choose us to help them maximise their potential.