Sustainability

How Sustainability Plays a Key Role in Business Efficiency

Published

2 years ago

February 17, 2025

How Sustainability Plays a Key Role in Business Efficiency

67% of Gen Z and 62% of Millennials consider a company’s sustainability practices when choosing where to work. | Photo: CoWomen

The connection between sustainability and business efficiency has become increasingly clear in recent years, as companies across the UK and Europe adapt to meet both regulatory and consumer expectations. Far from being a purely ethical consideration, sustainability is now a core driver of efficiency, cost reduction, and resilience. According to the UK Green Business Council, businesses that embed sustainable practices into operations often achieve energy savings of up to 30%, while improving supply chain reliability and employee engagement. With governments tightening carbon reduction targets and consumers demanding responsible practices, companies that fail to prioritise sustainability risk not only reputational damage but also significant operational inefficiencies. Here Euronewsweek explores how sustainability and efficiency are closely interlinked and why firms that take a proactive stance are better placed for long-term success.

Improving Supply Chain Resilience

Sustainable sourcing strategies strengthen supply chains by reducing reliance on scarce or volatile resources. The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) found in its 2023 supply chain report that companies addressing climate risks in their supply chains saved nearly US$700 billion in combined costs globally. For UK businesses, securing suppliers who comply with environmental standards ensures continuity while avoiding reputational risks linked to unsustainable practices. In uncertain economic climates, this level of supply chain resilience is a major competitive advantage.

Lowering Energy and Resource Costs

Reducing energy consumption and waste is one of the most direct ways sustainability improves efficiency. The UK’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero reported in 2024 that businesses adopting energy-efficient technology, such as LED lighting and smart heating systems, reduced annual energy costs by an average of 24% (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-energy-security-and-net-zero). Efficient use of resources also reduces waste disposal costs, which have risen steadily as landfill taxes increase. This means businesses that cut their energy use and recycle more are not only contributing to climate goals but also building leaner, more resilient operations.

Enhancing Employee Productivity and Retention

Sustainability also has a strong connection to workforce efficiency. A survey by Deloitte in 2023 revealed that 67% of Gen Z and 62% of Millennials consider a company’s sustainability practices when choosing where to work. Employees who feel their employer aligns with their values are more engaged and motivated, which translates into greater productivity and lower staff turnover. Replacing employees is costly—CIPD research estimates that the average cost of turnover per employee in the UK is around £6,125. By focusing on sustainable business practices, companies create environments where staff are proud to contribute, reducing these costly inefficiencies.

Meeting Regulatory and Compliance Demands

Governments are tightening regulations around carbon reporting, waste management, and sustainable practices. Non-compliance is not only damaging to reputation but also costly in fines. For example, under the UK’s Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) framework, large businesses are required to report on energy use and emissions. Companies that adopt sustainability early streamline compliance processes, making reporting less burdensome while reducing legal and financial risks. This proactive approach saves time, money, and resources that might otherwise be spent correcting breaches.

Strengthening Brand Reputation

There are several actions you need to start taking to improve your business and keeping an eye on sustainable practices is one of them, as more and more consumers demand transparency about a company’s environmental impact. A 2023 survey by PwC found that 80% of UK consumers consider sustainability important when making purchasing decisions. Businesses that demonstrate genuine commitment to sustainable operations not only attract eco-conscious customers but also gain loyalty, reducing the cost of acquiring new clients. Loyal customers are proven to spend more and recommend businesses to others, directly boosting operational efficiency in marketing and sales.

Driving Innovation and Long-Term Growth

Sustainability challenges often push companies to innovate, whether through new technologies, product design, or business models. Innovating around resource efficiency or low-carbon alternatives not only reduces environmental impact but also opens new markets. Research by McKinsey highlights that companies leading in sustainability outperform peers financially in the long run. By embedding sustainability into efficiency goals, businesses are better positioned for growth while mitigating risks tied to outdated, resource-heavy models.

Sustainability is no longer an optional extra for businesses — it is a cornerstone of operational efficiency and long-term success. From cutting energy costs to boosting employee engagement, improving supply chain resilience, and meeting regulatory demands, the advantages of integrating sustainability into strategy are extensive. Companies that embrace these principles are not only reducing their environmental footprint but also building more agile, competitive, and profitable operations. In the 21^st century, the most efficient businesses will be those that recognise sustainability as a key driver of both resilience and growth.

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Esther Wenzel

Digital content consultant with over 10 years of experience writing about business and startups.

Sustainability

European Sustainable Energy Week to Kickstart in Brussels

Published

3 months ago

June 9, 2026

Olivia Miller

European Sustainable Energy Week Kickstarts in Brussels

Sustainable Energy Week 2026 will run until 11 June in Brussels. | Photo: Valentin Austier - ESW

The European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW) 2026 opens in Brussels this morning, marking the start of the event’s landmark 20th edition. Policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, innovators and civil society groups are converging on the Belgian capital for three days of debate, with a programme built around the theme “A clean, secure and competitive Energy Union”. More than 50 policy sessions, an Energy Fair and the annual EUSEW Awards are among the highlights of this year’s event, which will run until 11 June.

Milestone 20th Edition Focused on Europe’s Energy Future

EUSEW 2026 marks two decades of Europe’s flagship clean‑energy event. Since its inception, the week has grown into the continent’s largest annual gathering dedicated to renewables and energy efficiency. This year’s edition is hybrid, taking place both in Brussels and online, with sessions hosted at the European Commission’s Charlemagne building and the NH Brussels EU Berlaymont hotel.

The opening day features a panel bringing together former European Commissioners Andris Piebalgs, Günther Oettinger, Miguel Arias Cañete and Kadri Simson, alongside the current Commissioner for Energy, Dan Jørgensen. And over the coming days, themes such as energy efficiency, affordability and decarbonisation are set to ignite discussions.

Key Speakers and Programme Highlights

2026’s programme brings together a wide range of speakers shaping Europe’s clean‑energy transition. Alongside the Commissioners’ panel and keynote contributions from senior EU policymakers and leading industry voices, the agenda also features specialised debates. One of the 20 panels scheduled for the second day will examine how AI‑powered grids can secure Europe’s energy future. The momentum continues on Thursday, 11 June, when another full day of 20 panels will tackle some of the week’s most technical questions, including a session on how fair electricity taxation can support SMEs as they navigate the energy transition.

The EUSEW Awards Ceremony takes place on 9 June at 10:00 CET, celebrating outstanding achievements in three categories: Local Energy Action, Women in Energy and SMEs Driving Energy Efficiency. These awards recognise individuals and organisations driving meaningful progress in energy efficiency and renewable technologies.

A Europe‑Wide Celebration of Clean Energy

Although the main conference runs from 9 to 11 June, EUSEW extends far beyond Brussels. Sustainable Energy Days, held between March and June, bring the clean‑energy conversation to communities across Europe and beyond. These locally organised events allow citizens, businesses and public bodies to engage directly with the energy transition, making EUSEW a truly continent‑wide initiative.

The 2026 edition also marks the start of the mandate for the new cohort of 30 Young Energy Ambassadors, selected from across Europe to represent the next generation of clean‑energy leaders. Their involvement underscores the EU’s commitment to ensuring that young professionals play an active role in shaping the future of the energy transition.

Sustainability

Scandinavian Airlines wins sustainability award in Copenhagen

Published

7 months ago

February 7, 2026

EuroNewsWeek Staff

Scandinavian Airlines wins sustainability award in Copenhagen

The Aviation Challenge Awards were presented in Copenhagen on 21 January. | Photo: SAS

Scandinavian Airlines has been recognized in the category “Most Impactful Solution – Ground Operations” at The Aviation Challenge Awards.

The Aviation Challenge is a global collaboration initiative presented by SkyTeam, bringing airlines together to accelerate progress in one of the most complex industries to transform. Through shared learning, data exchange and real‑world testing, participating airlines develop solutions that are already in use and designed to scale across operations.

“SkyTeam has become a driving force in pushing sustainability forward across the industry, and this year’s results underline what is possible when airlines work together,” says Anko van der Werff, President and CEO, SAS. “It is inspiring to see airlines from around the world turn shared ambition into practical solutions that scale.”

The Aviation Challenge Awards were presented in Copenhagen on 21 January, bringing together airline leaders and operational experts from across the global aviation community.

New long‑haul routes to Dubai and Thailand

Scandinavian Airlines will be expanding its intercontinental offering for Winter 2026/27 with three new longhaul routes from Copenhagen to Dubai, Phuket, and Krabi.

The return to Dubai is SAS’ first operation to the UAE since 2011.

Thailand also receives a major boost, with more than 75 percent additional capacity compared with last winter. With the introduction of Phuket and Krabi, SAS becomes the only airline offering scheduled commercial nonstop services from Scandinavia to three destinations in Thailand: Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi.

“Dubai represents an important market for SAS, and at the same time we are proud to introduce Phuket and Krabi to our longhaul network,” says Paul Verhagen, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at SAS. “Re-establishing our presence in Dubai allows us to offer our customers direct access to one of the world’s most exciting cities, while the addition of Phuket and Krabi provides nonstop connections to Thailand’s most sought-after holiday destinations. Together, these routes strengthen Copenhagen as a global hub for Scandinavia and Northern Europe and expand the choices available to our customers for both business and leisure travel.”

The new routes have been scheduled to offer convenient timings to and from Dubai and maximize connecting opportunities from Europe to Phuket and Krabi.

Sustainability

Tata Power partners with LSE on Energy Insights lab for cleaner India

Published

8 months ago

January 15, 2026

EuroNewsWeek Staff

Tata Power partners with LSE on Energy Insights lab for cleaner India

Jonathan Leape, Executive Director IGC, HM Harjinder Kang, British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India, Dr. Praveer Sinha, CEO at Tata Power. | Photo:

Tata Power, one of India’s largest vertically integrated power companies, has launched the Energy Insights & Innovation Lab (EIIL). This strategic research initiative is designed to harness cutting-edge research, data and experimentation to support India’s clean energy transition.

EIIL is a collaboration with the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and the International Growth Centre (IGC), a global research centre based at LSE. The Lab aims to address pressing challenges in India’s power sector. These range from managing peak electricity demand to enabling deeper renewable energy integration in a way that is affordable and aligned with India’s net-zero goals.

The Lab was inaugurated by Dr Praveer Sinha, CEO & MD, Tata Power; Prof. Robin Burgess , Professor of Economics and Director of IGC and EEE Research Program, LSE; Dr. Jonathan Leape, Executive Director, IGC in the august presence of HM Harjinder Kang, Trade Commissioner for South Asia and British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India. Also, present at the ceremony, Dr. Chetan Ghate, Professor, ISI and IGC ISGH.

During a inaugural ceremony Tata Power, LSE and IGC have signed an MoU to co-develop scalable solutions for the power sector through evidence-based approaches and global best practices.

System-level modelling

Innovation Lab will leverage consumer behavioural science, data analytics, and energy systems modelling to test practical solutions at scale. It will focus on applied pilots that use smart meter and IoT data to improve demand-side management and grid resilience.

The initiative will explore how advanced analytics, and behavioural insights can help shift or smooth peak electricity demand in urban households, reducing stress on local networks while maintaining consumer comfort.