5 Things Sustainable Companies Do: The Power of Principles

Feb 5, 2015 5:45 PM ET

According to the UN Global Compact's Guide to Corporate Sustainabiliy, to be sustainable, companies must do five things, which starts with a company’s value system and a principled approach to doing business. This means operating in ways that, at a minimum, meet fundamental responsibilities in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.

Responsible businesses enact the same values and principles wherever they have a presence, and know that good practices in one area do not offset harm in another. By incorporating the Global Compact principles into strategies, policies and procedures, and establishing a culture of integrity, companies are not only upholding their basic responsibilities to people and planet, but also setting the stage for long-term success.

Download the full guide: https://www.unglobalcompact.org/resources/1151