Sustainability has moved beyond a corporate buzzword. Today, it’s a critical consideration for long-term business success. Customers, investors, regulators, and employees are all paying closer attention to environmental and social impact – and companies that fail to act risk falling behind.

Finance teams are uniquely positioned to lead on this agenda. With visibility across operations, access to data, and a mandate to manage risk and create value, they can drive meaningful change from the inside out.

In recent years, sustainability has climbed rapidly up the corporate agenda. This shift is driven by several factors:

• Regulatory change: Governments and regulators are tightening requirements, from mandatory climate disclosures to green finance frameworks.
• Investor expectations: Environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors now influence major investment decisions. Firms must demonstrate strong sustainability credentials to attract capital.
• Consumer demand: Buyers are more conscious of the ethical and environmental implications of their purchases, particularly among younger generations.
• Operational risk: Climate change, supply chain disruption and resource scarcity are real threats to business continuity and profitability.

For many organisations, integrating sustainability is no longer optional – it’s essential for long-term resilience and growth.

Finance’s role in sustainable transformation

Sustainability may sound like the remit of environmental experts or CSR teams, but finance professionals have a central role to play. Here’s how they can lead the way:

1. Embedding ESG in decision-making

Finance teams influence strategic decisions across the organisation. By integrating ESG considerations into budgeting, forecasting, and investment appraisal, they help ensure sustainability is factored into core business activities – not treated as an afterthought.

2. Improving data and reporting

Robust sustainability reporting relies on high-quality data. Finance professionals already have the skills to collect, analyse and interpret complex information. They can bring rigour and transparency to ESG reporting, making it more meaningful for stakeholders and compliant with evolving standards like the ISSB and EU CSRD.

3. Managing risk and scenario planning

Climate-related and social risks can have serious financial implications. Finance teams can use their expertise in scenario planning and risk modelling to assess potential impacts and build resilience into the organisation’s strategy.

4. Enabling green investment

Sustainable innovation often requires upfront investment – whether it’s new technology, low-carbon infrastructure or process improvements. Finance plays a key role in evaluating these opportunities, securing funding, and demonstrating the business case for change.

5. Championing culture and accountability

Finance leaders have the credibility and cross-functional reach to drive accountability across departments. They can champion sustainability goals, track progress, and align performance incentives with ESG outcomes.

Building the skills for a sustainable future

As the sustainability agenda grows, so too does the demand for finance professionals with the knowledge and confidence to lead in this space. Upskilling is essential – not only to meet regulatory requirements, but to contribute to the bigger picture of ethical, responsible business.

At Kaplan, we offer a range of qualifications and training options that support sustainable finance, ESG reporting, and long-term value creation. Whether you’re starting out or looking to specialise, all of our courses can help you build the capabilities the future demands. We can offer tailored in-house ESG training. And if you’re working in an investment role, and want to get up to speed with ESG investing and understand its application, check out our Sustainable Investing Certificate.

Learn how Kaplan is embracing ESG principles in our own operations by visiting our corporate responsibility page.