Sustainable business and strategy

Support for the company’s sustainable policies and sustainability strategy

BDO:s ESG experts at work.

Sustainable business and strategy

We help our clients identify the most strategically significant sustainability priorities in their company’s operations and value chain. A double materiality assessment can be used as the basis for the identification of the priorities or, if such an assessment is not available, we can evaluate the most significant topics together with the client, reflecting the views of stakeholders and the industry.

A sustainability strategy can be defined as a distinct framework, allowing the company to sharpen its specific sustainability-focused strategic priorities. However, the sustainability strategy must be aligned with the company’s overall strategy. The best starting point is to integrate the sustainability strategy closely into the company’s overall strategy and remuneration system.

Our sustainability strategy work is based on company-specific analysis that involves examining the material sustainability topics and the company’s strategic starting points. We assess the company’s main objectives, potential changes in its business activities, the market situation, and expectations arising from legislation and sustainability frameworks. Typically, the sustainability strategy is created together with the client on the basis of an analysis carried out in advance in workshops. As the end result, we prepare the sustainability strategy and the key actions required for its execution, which will be implemented as a roadmap towards the set targets. Key performance indicators can also be incorporated into the project. 

  • Sustainability strategy and target setting
    We help to identify the most strategically significant sustainability priorities for you and your value chain, and to set impactful and measurable sustainability targets. The work is based on double materiality or, alternatively, stakeholder and industry perspectives, and the targets are linked to the company’s overall strategy and value creation.
  • Operating principles and policies
    We support the practical implementation of sustainability by drawing up clear and appropriate sustainability policies that support the practical execution of the strategy. The policies take into account the special characteristics of the company’s operations, its material ESG topics and the expectations set by regulation and frameworks.
  • Code of Conduct
    We help you to establish ethical principles and codes of conduct for your entire organisation and, if necessary, your supply chain. A Code of Conduct supports a common operating culture, responsible decision-making and consistent compliance with sustainability requirements.
  • Sustainable business models and financing
    We assess the opportunities presented by sustainability with regard to business models and investments, including solutions related to green finance and carbon neutrality. The assessment is based on the company’s strategic goals, market situation and future changes in its business operations.
  • Sustainability reporting manual and annual plan
    We build clear ESG reporting practices that support the systematic collection, analysis and reporting of sustainability information. The reporting manual and annual plan facilitate the management of sustainability efforts and support the monitoring and development of the sustainability strategy.

Whatever the stage of your company’s sustainability efforts, we offer strategic insight, practical solutions and a clear reporting framework to make it easier to implement sustainability as part of sustainable business. 

The demands placed on corporate responsibility are constantly increasing, and the legal obligations related to due diligence are a key part of sustainability strategy. It is important for companies to identify, assess and manage risks related to the environment, human rights and business practices in their value chain.  

We help you to build a practical due diligence process that takes stakeholder expectations into account and reduces the financial impact of sustainability-related risks. 

Our due diligence services

ESG due diligence related to restructuring

ESG due diligence helps to identify key environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks and opportunities in acquisitions, investment decisions and other types of restructuring. We assess material ESG factors according to the principle of double materiality and in accordance with the EU’s sustainable finance regulations. Our analysis supports strategic decision-making and helps to assess the company’s level of sustainability and risks from the perspectives of investors and stakeholders. In addition, we assess the differences in the level of sustainability between the acquirer and the acquiree in order to prepare for potential investments related to achieving the common target level (e.g. the sustainability aspects of the product portfolio and equipment fleet, processes, sustainability capabilities and human capital).  

The outcome of the ESG due diligence service is a report that identifies the target company’s key sustainability risks and opportunities and provides recommendations for reducing risks and improving sustainability. We also assess how the potential acquisition target would affect the acquirer's organisation and ESG targets.

Risk and impact survey

  • We survey the key ESG (human rights, environmental and governance) risks of your company and supply chain. 
  • We carry out supplier and business partner surveys to ensure the implementation of sustainability throughout the value chain. 
  • We conduct stakeholder consultations to identify material risks and impacts. 

Integrating due diligence into company processes

  • We develop a due diligence operating model that supports your company’s risk management in accordance with due diligence. 
  • We ensure the integration of due diligence requirements into procurement, production and risk management processes. 

Supervision and monitoring 

  • We develop indicators and reporting practices to monitor the fulfilment of due diligence obligations.
  • We conduct internal audits and assessments to ensure that the company and its partners operate responsibly. 

Consultation of value chain workers 

  • We assist with the consultation of value chain workers and monitoring compliance with the Supplier Code of Conduct. 
  • We assist in the processing and investigation of reports and observations so that any suspected misconduct can be properly investigated and action plans can be drawn up. 

Corrective actions and continuous development

  • We support the preparation of risk management plans so that identified sustainability risks can be prevented and mitigated. 
  • We help you to plan communications and training so that your staff and stakeholders understand the importance of sustainability in your business. 

We help you to identify sustainability risks, meet regulatory requirements and build a robust sustainability policy that supports the success of your business.  

Read more in the section Value chain sustainability.  

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Vesa Vuorinen

Partner, Head of Consulting
View bio