What are some of the advantages and disadvantages for a company that pursues a sustainability strategy?

Advantages:
1. Savings from energy conservation, material efficiency and labour savings.
2. Brand reputation improved amongst consumers, investors and partners due to social responsibility.
3. Employee engagement and loyalty increased due to aligning company values.
4. Access to new customers or markets due to innovative sustainability programs or initiatives that set your organization apart.

Disadvantages:
1. Higher upfront costs associated with implementing sustainability strategies such as research & development or purchasing more expensive products/services that are eco-friendly or energy efficient in nature.
2. Potential reputational risk if stakeholders view the company’s efforts as inadequate or not meaningful enough in comparison to other companies doing similar work in the industry sector.
3. It is difficult to compete with large organizations who have achieved economies of scale by taking sustainability measures.
4. If environmental laws and regulations aren’t followed, there may be fines or penalties.