Sustainable development: objectives, enablers and challenges for Spanish Companies

Abstract

This report presents the results of a research project focusing on Spanish companies’ views on sustainable development. Based on a literature review, definitions, objectives, benefits and requirements of sustainable development are presented. Also, some of the best sustainable practices are introduced. Then, based on the results of a questionnaire survey, the Spanish companies’ opinions are presented and compared to a previous international study. This study carried out examines existing and emerging sustainable development challenges facing Spanish companies from an organizational point of view. It explores how Spanish companies can work to address these challenges, in a manner that will simultaneously contribute to sustainable development in a broader societal perspective. In this study, surveys were conducted as the primary source of information collection. Specifically, thirty-eight Spanish companies from various fields were surveyed. The questionnaire finding identified several current sustainable development challenges facing the Spanish companies. These included: improving stakeholder engagement, increasing sustainable development performance disclosure, incorporating voluntary initiatives into company strategies, improving value chain management, measuring sustainability performance, managing and adapting to climate change, and in general, developing and implementing a sustainable development strategy. Spanish companies are currently focused on improving the well-being of the employees with safe and healthy work environments, worker job security, human rights and affordable quality health care programs. Furthermore, in order to ensure future success and competitiveness, Spanish companies must also address the needs of developing and integrating clean technologies into their operations, and facilitate the continual improvement of pollution prevention techniques. In fact, the results suggest that the Spanish companies must make an effort in implementing best practices from the environmental point of view. Therefore, the results clarify the companies’ current state and expectations to assist both industry and academia on the way towards sustainability.