Executive understanding of sustainability, and its related risks and opportunities, is on the rise — in large part due to increasing regulation and mandatory reporting requirements.

      While some sectors have made more progress than others, sustainability risks and opportunities are not yet factored consistently into financial models and decision making in credible ways. As a result, sustainability programs can fail the business case test despite delivering a commercial return on investment when all factors are taken into account.

      Why is sustainability not yet integrated into financial models in a meaningful way? At KPMG, we believe it is because a commonly-accepted approach to translating the risks and opportunities into financial planning and enterprise value remains lacking. Quantification techniques, where they exist, are often fragmented and inconsistent.

      This report explores a critical issue facing organizations today: while sustainability is well understood at the executive level, it is not yet consistently reflected in financial decision making. Recent KPMG research shows that although most executives are familiar with their sustainability strategy, only a small proportion apply robust quantification methods to assess financial impact.

      This gap limits organizations’ ability to embed sustainability into capital allocation, valuation and strategic decision making.



      rowing team in boat

      Closing the sustainability valuation gap


      Our insights

      Unlock the power of ESG to transform your business. In today’s increasingly disruptive world of climate disasters, political conflict and societal inequalities, rapid ESG progress is crucial to achieving a more sustainable future.

      Sustainable value creation offers a framework for resilience, enhanced efficiency, and the ability to meet customer and regulatory expectations, making it a reliable goal amid shifting global economic landscapes.

      A practical guide for businesses in driving towards their sustainability goals.

      Our people

      Simon Weaver

      Global Head of ESG, Sustainability Advisory

      KPMG International

      Julie Vasadi

      Global Lead, Sustainability Deals & Value KPMG International, Sustainability in Deals

      KPMG Australia