Sustainability transformation: moving from intent to action

Bridging the gap between sustainability goals and measurable impact

Welcome to our first-of-its-kind research on sustainability transformation. We’ve gathered insights from 160 organisations and conducted interviews with over 50 business leaders across 27 countries to bring you an in-depth look at how businesses are navigating this critical journey.

Produced by The Transformation Alliance, a coalition driving transformation with European roots and global reach, this report brings together expertise from consultancies such as Q5, H&Z, Cordial, MBS, Kea, and rpc.

Reading time: 3 minutes

In this report, you’ll discover:

• The urgency of transformation: Organisations are feeling the pressure to address sustainability meaningfully, yet many struggle to understand the “how.” With growing demands from employees, customers, and governments, the time for tangible action is now.
• Beyond the environment: Sustainability encompasses Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG), and financial aspects. This report explains how managing these together—rather than in silos—creates a resilient, sustainable organisation.
• New types of transformations: Unlike traditional changes, sustainability transformation impacts entire communities, sectors, and even society. Leaders need to master new capabilities, from handling complex data to building support for ambitious sustainability goals.
• Customer expectations lead the charge: With 85% of respondents naming brand reputation and customer demand as key drivers, it’s clear that consumer influence is reshaping sustainability efforts. Understand how regulatory pressures also play a role.
• Custom strategies for every ambition level: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to sustainability. Discover our three ambition levels—Purpose-driven, Competitive Advantage, and Beyond-Compliance—to determine your unique path forward.
• The SPRING Framework for action: This actionable guide provides practical steps and insights to accelerate your sustainability journey. From setting realistic targets to building passionate leadership, our framework will help you make real progress.
• Building accountability and culture: While 60% of organisations assign sustainability accountability to leadership, our findings reveal that meaningful cultural integration is still lacking in many. Discover strategies to fully embed sustainability in your culture.
• Quick wins to build momentum: Learn how to secure early wins to build support, gain momentum, and gradually increase your organisation’s sustainability maturity.
• The power of shared responsibility: Empowering employees and sharing responsibility for sustainability has proven to drive significant transformation. Yet, only 36% of organisations have made it a collective goal. See how your organisation can take this crucial step.
• Engaging wider stakeholders: Local communities and academic institutions are key partners in reaching sustainability goals. Find out how engaging beyond standard stakeholders can drive success.

Are you ready to move from intent to action? Download the full report at the bottom of this page to explore these insights and more, and get practical steps to kick-start or accelerate your sustainability transformation.

If you have any questions about this report, we’d love to chat!

Claire Hamlin

Director of Purpose and Sustainability

claire.hamlin@q5partners.com 

Isla Mackenzie

Senior Consultanct

isla.mackenzie@q5partners.com

Chris Labrecque

Principal Consultant

chris.labrecque@q5partners.com