Agree & Join LinkedIn

By clicking Continue to join or sign in, you agree to LinkedIn’s User Agreement, Privacy Policy, and Cookie Policy.

Skip to main content
LinkedIn
  • Articles
  • People
  • Learning
  • Jobs
  • Games
Join now Sign in
Last updated on Dec 18, 2024
  1. All
  2. Sustainability
  3. Corporate Sustainability

You're torn between short-term profits and sustainability goals. How do you find a middle ground?

In the tug-of-war between immediate profits and sustainability goals, striking a balance ensures your business thrives now and in the future. Consider these strategies:

- Reassess and align your business model with sustainable practices that also cut costs.

- Invest in renewable resources or energy-efficient technologies that pay off over time.

- Engage stakeholders by highlighting the long-term value of sustainability initiatives.

How do you balance short-term profitability with long-term sustainability? Share your strategies.

Sustainability Sustainability

Sustainability

+ Follow
Last updated on Dec 18, 2024
  1. All
  2. Sustainability
  3. Corporate Sustainability

You're torn between short-term profits and sustainability goals. How do you find a middle ground?

In the tug-of-war between immediate profits and sustainability goals, striking a balance ensures your business thrives now and in the future. Consider these strategies:

- Reassess and align your business model with sustainable practices that also cut costs.

- Invest in renewable resources or energy-efficient technologies that pay off over time.

- Engage stakeholders by highlighting the long-term value of sustainability initiatives.

How do you balance short-term profitability with long-term sustainability? Share your strategies.

Add your perspective
Help others by sharing more (125 characters min.)
24 answers
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Aasim Hameed Khan عاصم حميد خان

    Sustainability I ESG I Decarbonization I CCU+S I Carbon Credit I Carbon Modelling I Climate Change I Circular Economy I Strategic Planning I Asset and Facility Management I Operation and Project Management I Drive Change

    • Report contribution

    Striking a balance between immediate profits and sustainability goals requires a strategic approach that aligns financial performance with long-term impact. Start by identifying cost-saving opportunities through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and resource optimization. Invest in sustainable innovations that drive both revenue growth and environmental benefits, such as circular economy models or green product lines. Use data to quantify the financial risks of inaction, like regulatory fines or reputational damage, and emphasize how sustainability can mitigate these risks. Foster stakeholder collaboration to co-create solutions that meet both financial and environmental objectives.

    Like
    9
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Wesley H.

    Sustainability Executive | Ex-Amazon | Ex-BCG | PhD | MBA

    • Report contribution

    It's frustrating that many of these collaborative articles frame sustainability as somehow in opposition to profitability. Instead of looking for a "middle ground", perhaps it's time to think about sustainability as an investment in long-term profitability. No other investment is treated this way, there aren't endless articles about "trade offs" between other CAPEX investments and the long-term profitability of the business. Thus the "middle ground" is the same as any other strategic investment.

    Like
    7
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Alfonso Castillo

    Solar Energías Alternativas | Purificación de Aire en Interiores con Tecnología Doble Germicida: Ozono y Luz UV | HVAC | Ozonización de Albercas | Calentamiento de Agua en Grandes Volúmenes | DIRECTOR COMERCIAL

    • Report contribution

    Lograr el equilibrio entre beneficios inmediatos y sostenibilidad es clave para un crecimiento rentable y responsable. Estas estrategias han sido efectivas para nosotros: Optimización de recursos: Utilizamos tecnologías como ozono y luz UV para purificar aire y agua, reduciendo costos y promoviendo prácticas sostenibles. Eficiencia energética: Calentadores solares disminuyen el consumo de gas, beneficiando tanto al medio ambiente como al balance financiero. ROI sostenible: Analizamos el retorno de inversión a largo plazo, destacando cómo las prácticas sostenibles generan ahorros y valor. Colaboración estratégica: Involucramos a socios y partes interesadas para integrar sostenibilidad en nuestras operaciones.

    Translated
    Like
    4
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Ronny Croymans

    ISO Auditor & Training Specialist | Championing Quality, Environmental, and Safety Compliance through Audits and Education | Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Advisor.

    • Report contribution

    Balancing profits and sustainability is a real challenge, but it’s possible! Start by identifying ‘quick wins’ initiatives that reduce waste or energy costs immediately while supporting sustainability. Leverage these savings to fund longer-term projects like renewable energy investments. Communicate the ROI of sustainable practices, not just in financial terms but also in risk mitigation and brand value. How do you align sustainability goals with your financial KPIs?

    Like
    3
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Nadia Taha

    Consultant @ AESG | LEED AP BD+C | Building Sustainability & Commissioning for Healthcare, Transportation, Retail, & Office Buildings | Greener Built Environment

    • Report contribution

    To balance short-term profits and sustainability goals, I focus on integrating sustainability into profit generation. I identify initiatives, like energy efficiency or waste reduction, that yield immediate cost savings while advancing long-term goals. By framing sustainability as a strategic investment rather than a trade-off, I demonstrate how it drives profitability today while building resilience and competitive advantage for the future. This ensures both priorities reinforce, rather than compromise, each other.

    Like
    3
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Luiz Goi

    Governança e estratégia ESG / Sustentabilidade | Gestão de negócios | Gestão de riscos | Cultura empresarial

    • Report contribution

    O lucro e a sustentabilidade em sua base, estão do mesmo lado do balcão. Se o entendimento de sustentabilidade passa a ser focado em práticas ou ações que sua estrutura está baseada apenas em gerar custos, jamais se sustentará. A sustentabilidade está muito mais no pensamento de quem decide em tomar decisões que são ambientalmente corretas, socialmente justas e economicamente viáveis. Com isso, empresas que tem menos práticas, podem por vezes ser mais sustentáveis, principalmente porque alinham melhor seus esforços naquilo que realmente gera valor.

    Translated
    Like
    2
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Dan Sherrard-Smith

    CEO | Dragons' Den best ever deal | Founder → Impact Creator: Follow for how to leverage LinkedIn to grow quality leads, income & impact | Founder → MotherTree: moved £1bn into the Green Economy

    • Report contribution

    Balancing short-term profits with sustainability goals is a challenge many businesses face. The key is viewing sustainability as an investment, not a cost. Start by identifying easy wins e.g. initiatives like energy efficiency or waste reduction that save money and align with green goals. Engage stakeholders to co-create solutions that benefit both the bottom line and the planet. For example, sustainable packaging can reduce costs and appeal to eco-conscious customers. Measure impact through both financial and environmental metrics. Gradual, strategic shifts allow you to maintain profitability while laying the groundwork for long-term success.

    Like
    2
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Gourav Giri

    IIM Shillong PGPEx CO'25 I Past Role-Operation & Maintenance Engineer - Green Venture Ltd (Renewable Power)I PGDC (Power Plant Engineering) National Power Training Institute Faridabad (Ministry of Power, Govt. Of India)

    • Report contribution

    Assess the Impact: Evaluate the financial and environmental implications of both choices to understand trade-offs. Prioritize Hybrid Solutions: Identify initiatives that drive short-term profits while contributing to sustainability goals. Engage Stakeholders: Collaborate with stakeholders to align on a balanced approach that satisfies both priorities. Implement Phased Strategies: Pursue sustainability in stages, ensuring profitability is maintained during the transition. Measure and Adapt: Monitor outcomes, reassess strategies, and refine plans to achieve long-term alignment.

    Like
    2
  • Contributor profile photo
    Contributor profile photo
    Anirudh Kumar (अनिरुद्ध कुमार)

    Born at 354 ppm Simplifying ESG & Climate

    • Report contribution

    Start Small: Implement pilot programs to test initiatives before scaling up, allowing for proof of concept and stakeholder buy-in. Leverage Technology: Utilize digital tools to enhance efficiency and track progress, which can lead to cost savings. Engage Stakeholders: Involve employees and partners in sustainability efforts to foster a culture of responsibility and innovation. Focus on High-Impact Areas: Prioritize initiatives that offer the greatest return on investment, such as energy efficiency and waste reduction.

    Like
    2
View more answers
Sustainability Sustainability

Sustainability

+ Follow

Rate this article

We created this article with the help of AI. What do you think of it?
It’s great It’s not so great

Thanks for your feedback

Your feedback is private. Like or react to bring the conversation to your network.

Tell us more

Report this article

More articles on Sustainability

No more previous content
  • You're leading sustainability efforts. How can you ensure long-term success?

    6 contributions

  • You're facing pushback from stakeholders on sustainability integration. How can you win them over?

    11 contributions

  • You're leading a sustainable project with tight budgets. How can you secure stakeholder buy-in?

  • Investors doubt the reliability of your sustainability reports. How can you regain their trust?

  • Key stakeholders are divided on the sustainability vision. How will you unite them towards a common goal?

    8 contributions

  • Key stakeholders are divided on the sustainability vision. How will you unite them towards a common goal?

    12 contributions

  • Key stakeholders are divided on the sustainability vision. How will you unite them towards a common goal?

    19 contributions

  • Key stakeholders are divided on the sustainability vision. How will you unite them towards a common goal?

    27 contributions

No more next content
See all

More relevant reading

  • IT Services
    How can IT professionals contribute to a more sustainable world?
  • Sustainability
    What are the best ways to develop a long-term sustainability vision?
  • Entrepreneurship
    How do you prove your business is socially and environmentally responsible?
  • Leadership
    How can you influence sustainability in your field?

Explore Other Skills

  • Environmental Design

Are you sure you want to delete your contribution?

Are you sure you want to delete your reply?

  • LinkedIn © 2025
  • About
  • Accessibility
  • User Agreement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Copyright Policy
  • Brand Policy
  • Guest Controls
  • Community Guidelines
Like
2
24 Contributions