Expert Advice in 5 Minutes or Less How to Move the Needle on Sustainability in Your Organization

Unlock the potential of sustainability as we welcome Sol Salinas, Executive Vice President and Sustainability Lead at Capgemini Americas, for an eye-opening conversation. Witness the remarkable transformation of sustainability from a side thought to a strategic powerhouse in the corporate world. With 75% of executives recognizing its dual role in environmental and financial success, Sol breaks down how innovation is at the heart of this shift. Discover how climate tech solutions like alternative fuels and energy storage systems are reshaping industries, from major truck manufacturers utilizing hydro-treated vegetable oil to solar companies boosting energy efficiency in California homes.

Embark on a journey through the evolving landscape of sustainable business practice. Sol shares the game-changing role of generative AI in providing actionable insights and stresses the importance of circularity in combatting climate issues. With only 7.2% of materials being recycled, there's a pressing need for a shift in resource management. Sol offers five key steps for companies ready to embrace change: prioritize measurement, invest in climate tech, prepare for regulatory changes, integrate water and biodiversity, and build consumer trust. Join us in redefining what it means to lead a sustainable future—it's not just smart business. It's essential.

Transcript

Speaker 0: 0:09

Welcome back to Sustainability Unveiled In today's episode. We're highlighting key insights from Sol Salinas, executive Vice President and Sustainability Lead at Capgemini Americas, who discusses how to truly move the needle on sustainability within your organization. Not long ago, sustainability was often overlooked in corporate strategies, but that's changed dramatically. Today, 75% of executives recognize that embedding sustainability into the business model drives better results, not just for the environment, but for financial returns as well. This shift is now creating new opportunities and competitive advantages for companies willing to take it seriously.

Speaker 0: 0:50

One major point Saul emphasizes is the role of innovation in advancing sustainability. He points to climate tech, a growing field of technologies and services designed to decarbonize the economy. Research shows that 67% of executives believe they can't meet their sustainability goals without these tools. Climate tech solutions, such as alternative fuels and energy storage systems, are already making a big impact. For instance, a major truck manufacturer is using hydro-treated vegetable oil HVO to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. Another example comes from a California solar energy company that has integrated energy storage solutions into homes, allowing homeowners to save on energy bills and have backup power during outages. Sol also highlights the role of generative AI in sustainability. This technology allows organizations to collect and analyze data on carbon emissions and energy consumption, providing better insights for decision-making. Nearly 70% of US executives agree that the benefits of generative AI outweigh its environmental impacts, making it a valuable tool in the sustainability toolkit.

Speaker 0: 2:04

A key takeaway is the importance of circularity. Only 7.2% of used materials are cycled back into the economy today. By adopting circular systems, recycling, resource conservation and minimizing waste, organizations can play a critical role in addressing climate and pollution issues. So how can your organization make a difference? Saul outlines five key actions. One make measurement and reporting a business imperative. Two invest in climate tech solutions and adopt circular practices. Three prepare for regulatory changes and geopolitical uncertainties. Four ensure water and biodiversity are part of your sustainability strategy. Five build consumer trust by avoiding greenwashing. Use real data and transparent outcomes. The decisions companies make today around sustainability will have long-term benefits both for the planet and for their bottom line. The path forward is clear Sustainability must be embedded in the core of your business, driving innovation and accountability. That's all for today's quick recap. Thank you for joining us on Sustainability Unveiled. Stay tuned for more insights on how to lead your organization toward a sustainable future. You.