By Sphera’s Editorial Team | January 25, 2023

Challenges and Opportunities in Growing a Green Economy

To slow global warming, governments and businesses need to take immediate action to curb greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and limit their impact on the environment. So must consumers, and businesses can play a key role in encouraging greener behavior among them.

To understand the roles that businesses and consumers play in the effort to build a greener economy, Sphera conducted two studies: one on operations managers and a second study on consumers. Read on to learn more about them and how to access them.

Operational Landscape:

The Inside View on Industrial Decarbonization from Operations Managers

We surveyed 300 operations managers across the U.S., U.K. and Germany—the three Western economies with the largest carbon footprint—to understand their views and responsibilities with respect to corporate decarbonization.

As you explore the report, you’ll see some interesting findings:

Corporate Net-Zero Strategies Are Not Reflected in Day-to-Day Practices

Only 41% of companies have made significant changes in daily operational practices to support decarbonization.

Responsibility for Corporate Sustainability Is Not Shared with Operations Managers

95% of operations managers say net-zero accountability sits solely with the C-suite and board of directors and responsibilities are not shared with them.

The Corporate Effort to Achieve Net Zero Is Underway

85% of U.S., U.K. and German companies now have a net-zero strategy.

Green Economy Outlook: Attitudes to Sustainability Among Consumers and Operations Managers

While many companies acknowledge that they must participate in the effort to achieve net zero, it appears many have not taken the next steps: translating their net-zero strategies into operational practices and assigning responsibility for the execution of their strategies.

Our report indicates that operations managers could accelerate the corporate drive to net zero. They clearly see the need for change in operational practices. In fact, 40% of them want carbon targets included in their KPIs. With their enthusiasm and commitment, operations managers could help deliver visible progress toward corporate net-zero goals. Learn more about this untapped resource in our report.

Consumer Landscape:

The State of Ethical Consumerism

We surveyed 1,200 consumers across the U.S., U.K. and Germany—the three Western economies with the largest carbon footprint—to understand their views and behavior with respect to sustainability.

As you dig into the report, you’ll see some surprising findings:

Fewer Consumers Are Willing to Pay Extra for Green Products

Only 20% of respondents would definitely pay extra for green products, and only 13% see sustainability as the deciding factor in product choice.

Amid Record-Breaking Inflation, Young Consumers Have the Lowest Level of Extreme Concern About the Climate Crisis

Only 20% of 18-24-year-olds are extremely concerned about climate change and the need for greater sustainability and net zero emissions – the lowest proportion among all age groups.

Consumers Say It’s Hard to Find Reliable Sustainability Data

Only 10% of respondents find it very easy to get sustainability data, and just 10% completely trust brand promises on climate change.

Green Economy Outlook: Attitudes to Sustainability Among Consumers and Operations Managers

As indicated by the findings above, the limited availability of sustainability information is an issue for consumers. So are the costs associated with sustainable behavior, with 31% of consumers pinpointing the high cost of green products as the biggest barrier to sustainable behavior change.

There’s much more to learn about the consumer landscape, and you’ll find it in our report. Read it for valuable insights about consumers and their commitment to sustainable buying behavior.