Feb. 20, 2008 - Global companies that have delivered strong share price growth over the past three years are more proactive on corporate sustainability issues than those that have seen their share price stagnate or decline, according to new research from the Economist Intelligence Unit. While the report stops short of making a causal connection between corporate sustainability and financial performance, the results belie to the assertion that social and environmental leadership inevitably cuts into profits.

Companies in the survey that saw their share price rise by at least 50% in the last three years (share price climbers) place a greater importance on social and environmental goals than companies with share prices that have declined by more than 10% (share price losers). Share price climbers also put a greater emphasis on social and environmental considerations at board level, according to the survey.

The majority of executives surveyed (57%) say that the benefits of pursuing sustainable practices outweigh the costs. Key benefits cited include cutting costs, opening up new markets, and improving the company's reputation. Respondents also indicated a shift away from a defensive stance toward more active exploration of the business opportunities presented by sustainability.

Download the entire report here (PDF).