Buried Treasure

• Access the Business Case Discussion Area

About the report

Buried Treasure outlines our mapping approach and the conclusions of our work to date.

In Chapter 2, we assess the state of the business case as we find it today. Based on our Sustainable Business Value © Model, we offer a user-friendly map of the state of evidence linking ten dimensions of sustainable development performance with ten more traditional measures of business success, including financial results, such as shareholder value and financial drivers, such as attractiveness to customers and corporate reputation. This map presents a brief interpretation of the existing relationship between each of the sustainability dimensions and each of the business success measures, supported by formal research, case studies or powerful arguments. The Sustainable Business Value ©Matrix summarises these relationships in a visual and comprehensive format. Following up on our latest report, The Global Reporters, the first international survey of corporate sustainability reporting, we also profile some of the companies that are convinced of the growing convergence between business success and societal value added, and are taking strategic steps to adapt and prosper.

In Chapter 3, we explore where the business case might be headed. We identify ten reasons for believing that the links between sustainable development performance and business success will grow stronger, and survey some of the events supporting this trend.

In Chapter 4, we offer our conclusions and recommendations, and explain how interested readers can join and contribute to the business case debate through our website.

The E-volving Report

The business case question is broad and rapidly evolving. For this reason, we have decided to publish Buried Treasure in parallel with the launch of Buried Treasure Online , which:

• Supplements the summary conclusions presented in the printed report. The website features numerous additional studies and examples, and lists additional references.
• Provides a focal point for debate and research around the business case. The site is designed to be an open access resource, and we encourage visitors to share their own insights and experiences.

Allows periodic updates of our analysis. Over time, as conditions change and more research becomes available, we aim to update our conclusions to reflect new developments.

• Access Buried Treasure Online (www.sustainability.com/business-case).
• Order the Buried Treasure report.