As sustainability increasingly becomes a legal mandate rather than a voluntary effort, industry leaders like Adam Bergsveen are helping businesses navigate this transformation. Adam, a Senior Advisor at Goodpoint, has spent over two decades at the forefront of sustainability, advocating for a shift from sustainability as an afterthought to an integrated part of business strategy. In this article, Adam shares his perspectives on how companies can not only meet new regulations like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) but also use these frameworks as tools for innovation and growth.

Adam’s experience working across different sectors provides valuable insights for sustainability managers who are grappling with how to adapt to this rapidly changing landscape. His message is clear: the future of sustainability is about much more than compliance—it’s about leveraging sustainability as a strategic advantage.

The New Legal Landscape: Sustainability as a Core Business Requirement

Adam begins by emphasizing the monumental shift in sustainability's role within companies, thanks to frameworks like the European Green Deal and CSRD. He highlights that what was once a voluntary, feel-good exercise has become a legal requirement. "What the Green Deal and the CSRD specifically do is mark a shift from sustainability as something companies do voluntarily...into a legal framework where everyone must prioritize sustainability in a structured and strategic way," Adam explains. His extensive career in the field gives him a unique vantage point to observe how this shift is bringing sustainability from the sidelines into the core of business strategy.

Adam’s insight captures a critical moment in the evolution of corporate sustainability. Today, sustainability managers can no longer operate in isolation; they must work closely with the C-suite and financial departments to ensure sustainability is not only a compliance checkmark but also integrated into the company’s strategic vision. According to Adam, those companies that embrace this shift and align sustainability with their broader business development "will gain a competitive edge," while others risk falling behind.

Beyond Compliance: Sustainability as a Catalyst for Growthape

One of Adam’s most compelling arguments is his assertion that sustainability should not be viewed merely as a regulatory burden but as a catalyst for growth. He states, "It’s essential for those of us who work with businesses to frame CSRD not merely as a compliance task but as a tool for growth." With decades of experience advising companies, Adam has seen firsthand how sustainability, when strategically applied, can drive innovation and open new markets.

This shift in perspective is crucial for sustainability managers, who are often tasked with convincing upper management of the value of sustainable business solutions. Adam argues that sustainability-driven innovation and resource optimization can reduce costs, improve financial performance, and create new opportunities. His focus on intelligent sustainability software and automated sustainability reporting is particularly relevant here. By leveraging tools such as carbon footprint tracking and decarbonization software, companies can identify areas for efficiency and drive their sustainability efforts forward.

The Power of Data and Collaboration Across Value Chains

Adam also sheds light on the importance of data and interconnections in driving sustainable innovation. He emphasizes that sustainability managers need to focus not just on compliance but also on how departments within their companies and businesses along their value chains can collaborate more effectively. "CSRD is not just about connecting businesses with their suppliers and customers; it's also about fostering collaboration between different departments within a company," he says, highlighting the role of data in this transformation.

As a strategic advisor, Adam is acutely aware of the challenges companies face in gathering accurate sustainability data. He points out that while the first rounds of CSRD reporting may be challenging due to data gaps, the quality and availability of data will improve over time. "In a few years, we will have more accurate and complete data all together," Adam predicts, suggesting that the initial burden of compliance will ultimately lead to more efficient and transparent sustainability practices.

This is where environmental management and corporate sustainability software come into play. Adam advocates for businesses to use these tools to streamline the data collection process and improve the accuracy of their sustainability reports. As Adam points out, companies will soon be able to assess the full impact of products, from manufacturing to end-of-life, providing them with the insights needed to make more sustainable choices.

Vision for the Future of Sustainability

Adam Bergsveen’s insights offer sustainability managers a roadmap for navigating the new regulatory landscape. With decades of experience in the field, Adam argues that sustainability is no longer just a legal requirement—it is a strategic opportunity. From leveraging innovative technologies to fostering collaboration across departments and value chains, Adam’s vision is clear: those who view sustainability as a tool for growth will not only comply with new regulations but thrive in a competitive market.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not reflect the official policy or position of any company.