Global Sustainability Services Survey 2025

BDO Ireland
Insights
2025
Global Sustainability Services Survey 2025

In a year marked by regulatory rollbacks and political pressures, businesses face an increasingly uncertain sustainability landscape. At the same time, climate-related losses have surpassed $100 billion, underscoring the urgency for action.

Our inaugural Global Sustainability Services Survey reveals that sustainability remains a strategic priority for companies worldwide:

87% of respondents say sustainability is important to their business strategy
83% report a competitive advantage from an embedded sustainability program

The report explores:

Regional dynamics – from CSRD uncertainty in Europe to capital constraints in AsiaPac and long-term versus short term pressures in LatAm
Strategic insights – why companies continue to invest despite short-term challenges

As a global professional services organisation, we are committed to helping clients lead confidently in a complex and shifting environment.

Our inaugural global sustainability survey highlights how you can turn roadblocks into results:

Quick wins with long-term impact: Identify initiatives that show immediate ROI (e.g., energy efficiency upgrades) while contributing to long-term decarbonisation.
Regulatory roadmaps: Create simplified, visual guides to help teams understand upcoming regulations and their implications. Break down sustainability initiatives into manageable phases to reduce overwhelm.
Training & capacity building: Offer targeted workshops on environmental, social, governance and other sustainability fundamentals.
Centralised data platforms: Invest in digital tools that consolidate data across business units and geographies.
Cross-functional collaboration: Involve IT, finance, and operations teams to ensure data accuracy and relevance.

Key regional insights:

EUROPE:

42% of European companies are still evaluating their company’s approach to sustainability.
Only 25% of European companies have a mature sustainability programme embedded into their business.
However, 53% of European companies have published a sustainability report.

ASIAPAC:

The current primary focus for companies in ASIAPAC is complying with legislation (primarily driven by Australia)

47% of respondents have published a sustainability report (lower than Europe (53%).
36% of respondents are primarily focused on compliance with sustainability regulations.
31% are integrating sustainability into their business operations.

LATIN AMERICA:

Despite regulatory and political setbacks, LATAM companies are progressing their sustainability programmes

68% of the companies surveyed have published a sustainability report
42% of respondents report having a mature sustainability programme
37% of respondents are working to integrate sustainability into their business strategy