Embedding Sustainability

About the Book

Move from purpose to implementation with this handbook for sustainability managers, leaders and change makers on how to effectively drive sustainability transformation in organizations.

Book Synopsis

Embedding Sustainability is a practical, solutions-focused guide for sustainability managers and leaders to embed sustainability in organizations and drive improved performance.

For organizations to truly embody sustainability, it must infuse all operations. Sustainability change agents need to be the conductors of the orchestra, making sure everyone has the same objective, is working with the same goals and is moving at the same pace. Embedding Sustainability charts the journey from purpose, scope and assessment to strategy, implementation and integration. It outlines the steps required to engage and commit employees to deliver to the same goals, creating a workplace where success is achieved through collective effort.

Drawing on impressive experience, the authors share valuable tools and tips, lessons and coaching, factoring in different organizational maturity levels, international contexts and cultural differences and stakeholder mapping.

It explores leadership principles, values, culture, strategies and engagement methods. Embedding Sustainability provides mid-senior sustainability professionals with guidance and encouragement to continue with their work and avoid common mistakes, while also prioritizing their own wellbeing. It will help sustainability change agents navigate the unique challenges of this role, find solutions to problems and maintain a positive outlook.

Review Quotes

"Embedding Sustainability is a vital read for anyone eager to weave together personal and collective transformations for a sustainable future. It has become increasingly clear that individual actions and mindsets need to evolve. Drawing on behavioural change, this book illuminates the many roles each individual can use to co-create a more resilient planet. This book not only guides readers through the complexity of these changes but also inspires the necessary courage and innovation to embed them into our daily lives."-- "Per Espen Stoknes, Psychologist and Associate Professor, BI Norwegian Business School"

"Pia Heidenmark Cook and Lisen Wirén have given every senior business executive a most timely gift - a clear, compelling and comprehensive playbook for operationalizing sustainability in ways that drive real impact for business and for people and the planet. They provide practical guidance for leaders but do so without pulling punches on the urgency to drive more change in the way business operates, given the existential threats of climate change, nature loss and inequality. An indispensable read for current and future Chief Sustainability Officers."-- "Chris Coulter, CEO, GlobeScan"

"Pia Heidenmark Cook and Lisen Wirén have written the go-to handbook for sustainability professionals. A key book for anyone that wants to help steer their organization to be people and planet positive."-- "Steve Howard, Vice Chair, Sustainability, Temasek"

"Embedding Sustainability is a crucial guide for any leader determined to intertwine social and environmental objectives within their organizational fabric. This book not only illuminates the interconnectedness of our global challenges but also showcases the transformative power of partnerships between corporates and social businesses. With urgency and clarity, it provides actionable insights and tools that empower businesses to lead with purpose and accountability in today's complex world."-- "Saskia Bruysten, Co-founder, Yunus Social Business"

"Every job is a climate job. The climate crisis is all-encompassing and our approach to addressing it needs to be the same. Every trade, every skill set, every job function needs to be brought to bear and this book is a groundbreaking and essential guide to doing just that. You don't need to find a new job to work on climate change. You can do the work from right where you are. This book will show you how."-- "Jamie Alexander, Former Founding Director, Drawdown Labs"

"Grounded in both practical wisdom and profound insights, Embedding Sustainability offers a compass for leaders embarking on the transformative journey toward sustainability. From fostering collaboration to nurturing personal resilience, it empowers leaders to navigate challenges with purpose and drive meaningful change within their organizations and beyond. An indispensable resource for anyone committed to creating a more sustainable and equitable world."-- "Barbara Martin Coppola, CEO, Decathlon"

"Implementing a sustainable business transformation is the challenge of our time. Embedding Sustainability is as thoughtful as practical in aiding sustainability champions to increase their impact. A must read! Lisen Wirén and Pia Heidenmark Cook's new book is a treasure trove of practical advice on how to make a difference on one of today's biggest challenges."-- "Florian Hoffmann, CEO, The DO Group"

"This is a very timely and practical book. Businesses are under growing pressure to transform to become sustainable, resilient and remain relevant. This book is a practical guide for leaders that draws on both theory and lots of invaluable experience."-- "Ben Kellard, Director of Business Strategy, Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL)"

"This is an essential guide that clearly delineates the complex interconnections between environmental degradation and social issues such as how climate change contributes to forced migration. This book provides practical strategies for organizations aiming to integrate sustainability and social impact deeply into their core operations, effectively navigating and addressing these multifaceted challenges."-- "Olga Dimytrow, Digital Transformation Officer, UNHCR"

"This is an exceptional book with clear guidance on how to embed sustainability and examples that should get CSOs and all leaders to think about their current and future business models. It's a roadmap for a successful journey! The world needs you to read this book and get inspired to leave a significant positive mark."-- "Helle Bank Jørgensen, CEO, Competent Boards"

About the Author

Pia Heidenmark Cook is a senior ESG leader and executive with over 25 years of global industry experience. Under her former tenure as IKEA's Chief Sustainability Officer, IKEA became one of the top three sustainability brands ranked by Globescan. Heidenmark Cook has been recognized by multiple outlets as a top sustainability leader and influencer. She is based near Höganäs, Sweden.

Lisen Wirén is a sustainable business leader with over 15 years of industry experience. Her leadership led IKEA to win the most sustainable retailer award and a nomination for Wirén for the prestigious Sustainability Manager of the Year award in the Netherlands. She is based in Helsingborg, Sweden