Sustainability Initiatives That Deliver: ROI, Resilience and Results

In this exclusive interview, Alain Borri—Cofounder & CEO of Sightness and logistics AI expert—explains how sustainability initiatives can shift from cost centres to growth drivers. As economic pressures intensify, companies must focus on pragmatic, measurable approaches that reduce emissions and unlock ROI. From collaborative logistics to precise emissions tracking, Borri shows how to make sustainability initiatives both impactful and profitable.

How can companies prioritise sustainability despite cost and profitability pressures?

Economic pressures often delay sustainability efforts, as seen during past crises like 2008. Deferring action, however, has long-term consequences. Many perceive sustainability as inherently costly, but this often stems from a lack of understanding and a focus on simplistic solutions.Switching to electric vehicles, for example, isn’t always feasible.Companies need innovative, pragmatic approaches that reduce both costs and emissions.Sustainability should be viewed not just as an expense, but as an opportunity to build efficiency and resilience. Identifying “win-win” solutions that offer both financial and environmental returns is key.

With only 36% of companies having net-zero roadmaps, how can ambition turn into action?

Creating a roadmap is the crucial first step, yet most companies lack one. While execution is more complex, the absence of a plan is a major impediment. Legislation, like the European CSRD directive, plays a vital role in driving systemic change, creating a level playing field, and incentivising responsible behavior. However, implementing regulations in challenging economic climates requires political will. Without effective legislation, progress will likely remain fragmented and insufficient. Clear, long-term regulatory frameworks are essential to provide businesses with the certainty they need to invest in sustainable solutions.

How can businesses justify high up front costs for sustainability?

The most effective strategy is to link sustainability initiatives to demonstrable cost savings. When businesses can show a clear financial return alongside envionmental benefits, the barriers to investment decrease significantly. Mutualisation, as pioneered by FM Logistic, offers a compelling example. By collaborating, even with competitors, to optimise logistics, companies can achieve economic, operational, and eco-logical gains. However, such initiatives require strong leadership commitment and a willingness to rethink traditional corporate strategies. Demonstrating the long-term value and ROI of these investments is crucial for securing buy-in from stakeholders.

How can cost and efficiency gains drive deeper environmental commitments?

Cost and efficiency are powerful motivators for businesses, often even more so than regulatory pressure. The key is identifying economic models that facilitate decarbonisation while simultaneously delivering measurable cost reductions. Many companies struggle to find these solutions within their existing structures, requiring them to either adapt their operations or embrace innovation, often with the help of external expertise. While cost-driven sustainability is a good starting point, companies must avoid abandoning their commitments in the face of external pressures. Leadership support and systemic changes are essential for translating initial cost savings into sustained environmental progress.

How can companies quantify the ROI of sustainable practices?

Accurate measurement of CO₂ emissions is fundamental. Historically, many emissions reports have been unreliable, hindering accurate assessment of sustainability initiatives. Improved tools are now providing more precise data, enabling better tracking and analysis. Beyond emissions, robust ROI method-ologies, similar to those used for other business investments, are essential. While external factors can introduce uncertainty, businesses must act on the best available data and adapt their strategies as needed. Combining accurate measurement, established ROI frameworks, and a proactive approach to evolving conditions will help companies effectively demonstrate the financial and environmental value of sustainable practices.