In a 2022 report, IBM explored the link between efficiency, sustainability and transformation, describing sustainability as a “transformation catalyst.” Moreover, they concluded “the closer integration between sustainability efforts and digital transformation translates into a more innovative technology focus.”

Too often sustainability is discussed as if it is opposition to growth and cost-cutting – seemingly increasing efforts and costs purely for the perceived social impact. However, sustainability and transformation aren’t opposing initiatives, and in focussing on how efficiency and sustainability are intrinsically aligned, organisations can take their performance and transformation initiatives to a whole new level.

A focus on sustainability is inherently a focus on efficiency – with energy and waste reduction being the mutual end-goal of both initiatives. Indeed, digital technologies have the potential to help drive sustainability outcomes by enabling more efficient resource use, reducing emissions, aligning your workforce, and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. Meanwhile, sustainability initiatives can have a host of cascading benefits for organisations. However, there are numerous challenges in driving this relationship.

Join this panel to explore the complexity of the relationship between efficiency and sustainability with performance and transformation.