Most businesses see sustainability as commercial opportunity: HSBC survey

A large majority (95%) of business leaders see sustainability as a commercial opportunity they are willing to invest into, according to an HSBC survey of more than 2,000 firms and investors.

The report highlights new levels of integration between sustainability and business strategy, with 99% of companies agreeing that the climate transition will be important for competitive advantage over the next three years and 72% saying the transition is key for their long-term resilience.

Institutional investors also recognise the opportunity: 79% are drawn to the commercial benefits of sustainability, and 96% believe that climate and environmental issues will be an important element of their organisation’s investment strategy within three years. 

“Sustainability is becoming an increasingly integral part of long-term business strategy, serving as a driver of resilience, innovation and growth,” said Julian Wentzel, HSBC’s Group Chief Sustainability Officer since February 2025.

Growing investments and positive returns

According to the survey, the share of companies allocating more than 10% of Capex to the climate transition is expected to double from 14% today to 29% within the next three years – showing that corporate investment is growing significantly.

Investment is supported by the fact that 79% of institutional investors identify a positive correlation between sustainability and long-term financial performance, while 73% report growth in assets aligned with sustainable criteria. 

Much of the investment is going to climate technology, with 90% of companies actively integrating it into their transition strategies.

Sustainability strategy has become business strategy

Overall, 85% of institutional decision-makers believe companies with strong sustainability strategies are better positioned to attract long-term capital.

Natalie Blyth, Global Head of Sustainable Finance and Transition at HSBC, added: “In 2025, sustainability strategy became business strategy: defining value creation, competitive advantage and risk management. Our survey tells us 95% of corporates view sustainability as a commercial opportunity, and for 99% it’s expected to drive differentiated competitive advantage over the next three years. This critical pivot is why we’ve launched our new ambitious strategy to support our clients with their transition.”

The report is based on a survey of 1,651 companies and 500 institutional investors in 12 markets.