You're facing conflicting views on sustainability metrics. How do you find common ground?

Your co-workers are there for a reason. They are all qualified and add value. However, their track records are different and so is their experience with sustainability metrics. Therefore, it's natural that they may have opposing perspectives on that topic. It's important to value the different opinions and identify common grounds. Focusing on these will help getting to a solution much faster. As soon as you agree on a central framework it will be much easier to discuss the details.

Focus on shared goals like long-term resilience and regulatory compliance. By understanding different priorities and creating hybrid metrics that balance carbon reduction and cost efficiency, you can align your team for success. Keep the conversation open and adjust based on real-world outcomes.! #Sustainability #DataDriven #Collaboration

Here’s how you can align those perspectives: 1. Start by understanding the underlying concerns and priorities of each party involved. 2. Focus on common goals that all stakeholders value, such as long-term business resilience, regulatory compliance, or cost savings. 3. Create a balanced, hybrid set of metrics that addresses the priorities of all parties. For example, if one group focuses on carbon reduction while another emphasizes cost-efficiency, you can create a metric that tracks carbon savings alongside operational cost reductions. 4. Encourage continuous feedback loops. As sustainability efforts progress, revisit the metrics to make adjustments based on real-world outcomes and evolving stakeholder priorities.

There are multiple reporting frameworks and most organisations have to report to varied stakeholders (clients, regulators, rating agencies, shareholders) using different frameworks. As a result, it becomes tricky to adopt one particular set of metrics. One of the following can be done: - Adopt regulator mandated metrics (e.g. SEBI BRSR Report for Indian Companies) - Use widely accepted global systems - e.g. CDP, GRI, etc. - Use metrics used by key clients Have the objectives of sustainability metrics as: 1. Ease of measuring and monitoring 2. Avoids duplication of work 3. Effective to identify improvement areas 4. Consistency over the long term 5. Allows industry comparison; and the 'metrics solution' will automatically emerge

Think of it like navigating multiple paths to the same destination—the aim isn't to choose just one, but to integrate the best routes to ensure you reach sustainability goals efficiently. Finding common ground on conflicting sustainability metrics starts by focusing on shared goals. Bring the discussion back to the big picture—whether it's reducing emissions, improving resource efficiency, or meeting regulatory requirements. Emphasize the importance of data-driven decision-making, using metrics as a tool to measure progress, not as an end in themselves. Facilitate open dialogue where each perspective is heard, and look for overlaps in priorities. Sometimes, combining the best of different metrics can create a more holistic approach.