In this Policy Liaison Group roundtable, the panel examined the findings of the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership’s (CISL) Competitive Sustainability report, which argues that the UK’s future prosperity will depend on better aligning economic success with environmental sustainability. The discussion explored how government policy, business leadership and financial markets can work together to encourage investment in the transition to a more resilient economy. Participants also considered whether existing ESG approaches are sufficient to drive meaningful change, or whether a more fundamental shift in incentives is required.
Key contributors:
This roundtable focused on the role that policy and market mechanisms can play in embedding sustainability into the UK’s economic model. Participants argued that while ESG reporting has helped raise awareness of environmental and social risks, disclosures alone are unlikely to deliver the scale of change required without stronger incentives and clearer strategic direction. Discussion highlighted the need for a long-term industrial strategy that gives businesses the confidence to invest in sustainable innovation and compete on environmental performance. The conversation also addressed the practical challenges associated with ESG reporting for SMEs as well as the opportunity for the UK to strengthen its position as a global leader in green finance and transition planning.
