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Sustainability Remains a Top Priority for Business Executives in 2025

Despite a decline in external pressures, sustainability continues to hold a key place on the agendas of corporate leaders, according to a recent Deloitte survey of over 2,100 C-suite executives.

Key Survey Findings

• Sustainability’s Standing: For the fourth consecutive year, sustainability and climate change rank among the top three business challenges, alongside technology adoption and AI.
• Increased Investment: A significant 83% of executives reported that their organizations boosted investments in sustainability initiatives over the past year.
• Technology Integration: Implementing new technologies to meet sustainability goals is the top executive priority. Notably, about 80% of respondents are leveraging AI to improve sustainability, primarily to enhance operational efficiency and reduce emissions.
• Business Motivation: Driving sustainability efforts is chiefly about generating revenue, followed by regulatory compliance. About one-third of companies have already felt the operational impact of extreme weather events tied to climate change.

Shifts in Sustainability Actions and Pressures

• While enthusiasm for sustainability remains high, certain actions have diminished since 2024. Fewer companies link executive compensation to sustainability targets or enforce sustainability criteria on suppliers.
• Other decreases include purchasing renewable energy, launching sustainable products, adopting sustainable materials, and deploying related technologies.
• Pressure from key stakeholders—shareholders, boards, governments, customers, and employees—has softened significantly since 2022. Shareholder pressure, for example, dropped from 71% to 58%.
• A small minority of executives now advocate for reducing sustainability efforts.

Executive Insight

Amelia DeLuca, Chief Sustainability Officer at Delta Air Lines, highlights the lasting business value of sustainability:
“We’re not just doing it for sustainability’s sake, we’re doing it because it actually makes sense for the business, and that means it’s going to be stickier.”

Why This Matters for Sustainable and Organic Industries

The Deloitte survey illustrates that corporate sustainability priorities are evolving but remain firmly embedded in business strategy. The strong focus on AI-enabled sustainability solutions underscores the growing role of innovation in reducing environmental impacts. For organic and sustainable product sectors, this signals continued demand for environmentally responsible practices supported by technological advancement.

Source: Deloitte Survey, November 2025; Morning Brew Inc.

Design Delight Studio curates high-impact, authoritative insights into sustainable and organic product trends, helping conscious consumers and innovative brands stay ahead in a fast-evolving green economy.