From Strategy to Spend: The State of Sustainability in Business


BDO Global Sustainability Services Survey 2025

In a year marked by regulatory rollbacks and political pressures, businesses face an increasingly uncertain sustainability landscape. At the same time, climate-related losses have surpassed USD 100 billion, underscoring the urgency for action.

BDO Global’s first Global Sustainability Services Survey reveals that sustainability remains a strategic priority for companies worldwide:

  • 87% of respondents say sustainability is important to their business strategy

  • 83% report a competitive advantage from an embedded sustainability programme

The report explores:

  • Regional dynamics – from CSRD uncertainty in Europe to capital constraints in Asia Pacific, and the balance between long-term and short-term pressures in Latin America

  • Strategic insights – why companies continue to invest despite short-term challenges

As a global professional services organisation, BDO Global is committed to helping clients lead confidently in a complex and shifting environment.

Download the full report to uncover actionable insights and see how businesses are turning sustainability into a driver of value and resilience.

👉 [Download Report]


Turning Roadblocks into Results

BDO Global’s inaugural sustainability survey highlights practical ways companies can build resilience and deliver sustainable outcomes:

  • Quick wins with long-term impact: Identify initiatives that provide immediate ROI (e.g., energy efficiency upgrades) while supporting long-term decarbonisation.

  • Regulatory roadmaps: Create simplified, visual guides to help teams understand upcoming regulations and their implications. Break down sustainability initiatives into manageable phases to reduce complexity.

  • Training and capacity building: Offer targeted workshops on environmental, social, governance (ESG), and other sustainability fundamentals.

  • Centralised data platforms: Invest in digital tools that consolidate data across business units and geographies.

  • Cross-functional collaboration: Involve IT, finance, and operations teams to ensure data accuracy and relevance.


Key Regional Insights

EUROPE

  • 42% of European companies are still evaluating their approach to sustainability

  • Only 25% have a mature sustainability programme fully embedded in their business

  • 53% have published a sustainability report

ASIA PACIFIC (ASIAPAC)
The current primary focus for companies in Asia Pacific is compliance with sustainability regulations, primarily driven by Australia.

  • 47% of respondents have published a sustainability report (lower than Europe’s 53%)

  • 36% are primarily focused on compliance

  • 31% are integrating sustainability into their business operations

LATIN AMERICA
Despite regulatory and political challenges, companies in Latin America are advancing their sustainability programmes.

  • 68% have published a sustainability report

  • 42% report having a mature sustainability programme

  • 37% are working to integrate sustainability into their business strategy