Report: Sustainability Integrating With Core Business Functions - PracticalESG
At PracticalESG. com, we’ve long been proponents of widespread sustainability across all business functions. While the CSO and sustainability department are important, their work shouldn’t be siloed. Anew. . .
At PracticalESG. com, we’ve long been proponents of widespread sustainability across all business functions. While the CSO and sustainability department are important, their work shouldn’t be siloed. Anew reportfrom the WeinrebGroup indicates that sustainability integration across core business functions is on the rise:“Board engagement and governance are strong. In 2026, 88% of CSOs said board engagement with sustainability has increased or stayed the same, and 87% reported that governance structures are firmly in place. External forces also are driving sustainability deeper into business. Customer pressure is the top driver (62%), followed closely by regulatory pressure (57%), with investor pressure and alignment with company values tied at 41%. Profit came in at 30%. When it comes to how sustainability is creating value inside companies, CSOs pointed most often to riskmitigation (62%), cost savings (52%), and brand reputation (38%). ”The report also notes that sustainability hires outside of core sustainability teams are up 42%. However, it’s not all good news. The report also found that CSO hires are down for the first time in 16 years. It also notes that CSOs are feeling the pressure of the chaotic markets. Market and economic uncertainty represented 62% of CSO’s top three challenges. There were also some bittersweet findings. Already overworked CSOs are reporting that the scope of their work is expanding while their allotted resources remain stagnant or are reduced. This indicates that the cross-functional role of CSOs is expanding and that CSOs are operating across core business functions outside of a silo. At the same time, being asked to do more with less is already a common experience among sustainability professionals. CSOs can only be stretched so far before burnout sets in. Our members can learn more about ESG staffing issueshere. If you’re not already a member,sign up nowand take advantage of our no-risk “100-Day Promise” – during the first 100 days as an activated member,you may cancel for any reason and receive a full refund. But it will probably pay for itself before then. Members also save hours of research and reading time each week by using our filtered and curated library of ESG/sustainability resources covering over100 sustainability subject areas– updated daily with practical and credible information. Practical Guidance for Companies, Curated for Clarity. Back to all blogsThe EditorZachary Barlow is a licensed attorney. He earned his JD from the University of Mississippi and has a bachelor’s in Public Policy Leadership. He practiced law at a mid-size firm and handled a wide variety of cases. During this time he assisted in overseeing compliance of a public entity and litigated contract disputes, gaining experience both in and outside of the courtroom. Zachary currently assists the PracticalESG. com editorial team by providing research and creating content on a spectrum of ESG…View Profile