2025 CFO Sustainability outlook survey
Original content provided by BDO USA
CFOs see benefits of corporate sustainability
Will sustainability be your company’s big growth opportunity?
Organisations are at a critical juncture in their sustainability journeys. While many organisations still treat corporate sustainability as a discrete initiative focused on meeting stakeholder expectations, companies taking a more strategic approach are seeing dramatically better results.
According to BDO’s 2025 CFO Sustainability outlook survey, a survey of 500 CFOs at US businesses across the life sciences, healthcare, manufacturing, retail and technology industries, companies that integrate sustainability into their core business strategy are significantly more likely to project increased revenue and profitability compared to their peers.
The message is clear: sustainability is a key driver of business growth and competitive advantage.
Explore how CFOs plan to tackle sustainability initiatives and ESG risks by reading the 2025 CFO Sustainability Outlook Survey: follow the download link on the right-hand side.
Report highlights (taken from the full Report)
The business case for sustainability91% of organisations that are integrating sustainability strategically expect increased revenue in 2025, compared to just 74% of their peers.
- Organisations report measurable returns from their corporate sustainability initiatives, from revenue growth to improved access to financing. These tangible benefits are reshaping how businesses view sustainability investments, shifting the conversation from ‘whether to invest’ to ‘how much.’
How can sustainability uncover new competitive advantages?
Read this Insight from BDO in the USA to learn how sustainability can help address business challenges.
State of sustainability strategy
21% of organisations are working to integrate sustainability initiatives into business strategy.
- -While companies pursuing a holistic approach to corporate sustainability project better business outcomes, most organisations still treat it as a siloed initiative. The difference in how companies approach corporate sustainability represents both a challenge and competitive risk.
Pave the way for a sustainable, resilient future by reading this Insight from BDO in the USA
Sustainability in the new administration
47% of CFOs believe their involvement in ESG strategy and execution will increase in the next 12 months.
- Businesses plan to maintain their corporate sustainability investments, despite expectations that federal climate policies will stall. They will focus on initiatives that deliver clear business value and provide tangible returns regardless of the political environment.
Who should be steering the ESG ship?
Learn more about the CFO’s role in ESG strategy: read this Insight from BDO in the USA
“A sustainable business is stronger, more responsive to stakeholder expectations and more resilient to economic headwinds. When businesses move sustainability off the side lines and integrate it into core business strategy, they create a strong offence - unlocking innovative growth pathways while defending against shifting market conditions”.
Karen Baum
Managing Principal; Sustainability & ESG Center of Excellence, BDO USA;
Sustainability Services & Solutions, BDO Global