A recent analysis by A.T. Kearney found that companies committed to corporate sustainability practices are achieving above-average performance in the financial markets during this slowdown. The company advises that, before abandoning sustainability issues in the face of the current financial crisis, businesses should take another look. In 16 of 18 industries shown in the diagram below, companies that are recognized as sustainability-focused outperformed their peers over a three-month and six-month period, and were protected from "value erosion."
(Click on the image for a larger view.)

It seems that there is a link between sustainability practices and financial performance, therefore each company should examine all their "green" practices and initiatives to determine genuine commitment.

According to A.T. Kearney:

If the commitment is less than complete - where efforts are simply to improve public relations or catch up with industry leaders - there is little payback.

However if sustainability is transforming the business ... maintain this commitment and, where possible, even consider increasing investment to improve future positioning.

It is expected that the most sustainability-focused companies may well emerge from the current crisis stronger than ever.

For the details, get your copy and read the "Green Winners."