Written by Marijn Overvest | Reviewed by Sjoerd Goedhart
Fact Checked by Ruud Emonds | Our editorial policy

Technological advancements are everywhere nowadays and through this people are increasingly achieving various feats in different fields. However, there’s a price to humankind’s technological progress. Have we ever stopped to wonder if it’s a price we’re willing to pay? 

Studies show and remind us how our trends and consumption are slowly depreciating the Earth’s resources and that in 27 years we may be completely out of supply. And the biggest cause of our downfall? Corporations and unsustainable business practices. What use is being successful in your trade when we are destroying the very thing that is keeping our species alive?

Sustainability Statistics: Figures Don’t Lie

Here are some alarming figures about the state of our world.

1. 50 billion tonnes of Greenhouse Emissions each year

As a collective, we emit 50 billion tonnes of CO2 each year. One tonne is 1000 kilograms which is more or less the weight of a Volkswagen beetle, meaning we produce about 50 billion Volkswagen beetle’s worth of gas emissions every year. This is almost 50% higher than emissions in 1990.

2. 11 million metric tons of plastic in the ocean

Plastic has become a leading global problem and it doesn’t show any signs of stopping 11 million metric tons of plastic from entering our oceans each year and that doesn’t even account for the 200 million tons that already flow within our marine environments. By 2050 it is estimated that there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish.

3.  The fashion industry is responsible for 20% of wastewater

Fast fashion continues to be one of the most wasteful industries in the world and if this doesn’t change then the industry’s global emissions will increase by 50% by the end of the decade. Fast fashion is also responsible for 20% of wastewater in the world and 10% of the microplastics in the ocean which is equal to 500,000 tonnes.

4. The Amazon has lost 17% of its forests 

Due to unsustainable agriculture practices illegal logging poses a threat to forest life which is concerning because forests are a natural and essential buffer to climate change. Forests purify air, prevent erosion, filter drinking water, and house a majority of the Earth’s biodiversity.

17% of the Amazon forest alone has been lost in the last 50 years. In 2019 the tropics lost an equivalent of 30 soccer fields worth of trees every single minute and in the next 15 years, we could lose forest landscapes twice as big as the state of Texas. 

5. 2 Billion people don’t have access to safe drinking water

At this moment 2 Billion out of the 7.8 Billion people in the world don’t have access to safe drinking water and this number is estimated to keep increasing. Roughly half of the world’s population already experiences severe water scarcity for at least part of the year.

All of these are from a mixture of climate change and population rise which is neither stopping nor slowing down any time soon. 

6.  42,100 species threatened with extinction 

Since the 1900s the native species of most land-based habitats have fallen by 20% while 40% of amphibian species, 33% of reef-forming corals, and around 34% of marine mammals are threatened. Even insects have a tentative 10% estimation of being threatened. At this moment The IUCN Red List has more than 150,300 species on it while 42,100 species are threatened with extinction.

7. 35% of the food supply is unsold or uneaten

In the United States alone 35% of their entire food supply was unsold or uneaten in the year 2019. This $408 billion worth of food was thrown away and discarded or was simply left to rot in the fields.

Food waste also means that other resources are wasted as the food industry uses 14% of all freshwater and 18% of cropland. Not to mention the people, machinery, and other sources involved.

8. 93% of children under the age of 15 breathe polluted air

The very air we breathe is contaminated and is endangering the lives of children all over the world. Every day 93% of children under the age of 15 breathe polluted air which can be detrimental to their health.

Since children are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution they are more likely to develop diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and respiratory infections among others. 

9. The world may be 4.1-4.8°C warmer by the end of the century

Without the implementation of specific climate policies, the planet may be 4.1-4.8°C warmer by the end of the century, however, if climate policies are to be followed then the world may only get 3.1-3.7°C warmer.

This means worse natural disasters and unbalanced ecosystems, creating more climate problems like increasing the dryness of already dry places, etc.

10. By 2100 there may be 11 Billion people on Earth

The rise in population coupled with the depletion of resources already sounds like a bad mix but it gets even worse when you look at the implications.  By 2100 there may be 11 Billion people on the planet yet there is no way to feed an additional 3 Billion, especially considering the food waste statistics mentioned previously. 

The harrowing numbers on the first list make the fight for sustainability feel hopeless but certain ways can make the best out of this dire situation. There are already various sustainable programs that set guidelines on how to live sustainably which can at the very least slow down the planet’s degradation.

What’s more is that the big players (e.g. corporations and the whole of the business sector) aren’t just sitting back and doing nothing. They too, are part of the change.

11. 60% of companies have a sustainability strategy

Sustainability is now a priority to keep businesses relevant and keep them in competition. As sustainability is needed to appease investor pressure, consumer demand, and regulation requirements 90% of executives accept the credibility and importance of sustainability and 60% of organizations have a sustainability strategy. 

12. 75% of organizations have increased their sustainability investments

Due to more regulations and an increased awareness of the state of our Earth 75% of organizations have increased their sustainability investments. About 59% of organizations are using more sustainable materials and are increasing their efficiency of energy use.

50% have also been training their employees on climate change and 49% have found ways for new climate-friendly products and services.

13. 3426 companies are working with Science Based Targets Initiative

3426 companies globally are working with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) towards decarbonization; reducing their carbon emissions in line with climate science. The goal is to split GHG emissions in half by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050.

14. There are over 4,500 certified B Corp companies all over the world

Being a B Corp company means the company has met the highest certified social and environmental standards of performance. This also accounts for public transparency, legal accountability, and the commitment to use the power of markets to solve social and environmental issues.

There are over 4500 certified B Corp companies globally as of February 2022.

15. 60% of total emissions could be cut globally by 2030

As part of the Paris Agreement by NDC (Nationally Determined Contribution) greenhouse gas emissions related to business could be cut globally by 3.7bn metric tons of CO2 equivalent a year. This is 60% of the total emission cuts promised by 196 Parties in the Paris Agreement.

But what benefits could businesses take from sustainability? Here are some answers to that question.

16. 90% of 200 studies concluded that good ESG lowers the cost of capital

90% of 200 studies on sustainability initiatives and corporate performance found that ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards lower the cost of capital. 80% of these studies also show that stock price performance and good ESG are positively correlated. 

17. 88% of 200 studies show that the incorporation of good ESG enhances operational performance

Good incorporation of ESG within the business strategy of an organization enhances operational performance as concluded by 88% of 200 studies on sustainability initiatives and corporate performance. In a McKinsey study, there was a significant correlation between a company’s resource efficiency and its financial performance.

18. Companies practicing sustainability have a 3.1% higher operating profit 

Between 2004 and 2013 General Electric saved $300 million because of the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 32% and the reduction of water use by 45%. Companies that are innovative with high sustainability and trust outperform their industry peers with 3.1% higher operating profits on top of having greater returns for shareholders.

19. 83% of consumers always choose a brand concerned with sustainability

Customers have strong feelings about sustainability nowadays and they need to find companies who validate these feelings. 88% of consumers show loyalty to companies who are active in social and environmental issues while 83% of consumers will always choose a brand with a better sustainability record.

20. 70% of purpose-driven shoppers pay 35% more for sustainable purchases

Consumers are willing to shell out more money for sustainable products as they see it as a way of investing in the environment, themselves, and a company that shares their concern for their planet. In fact, on average, 70% of purpose-driven shoppers pay 35% more for sustainable purchases.

Sustainability isn’t just one big thing made of incomprehensible parts that follow a theme. There are four pillars of sustainability, each one with its problems and goals and since we’ve already tackled some of the general figures in sustainability, let us now see the significant figures within each pillar of sustainability.

Human Sustainability

Human sustainability is the maintenance and improvement of human capital in society. Human capital means the skills development, capacity to support and improve function, and sustainability that promotes well-being in communities and society.

Investment in health, education, and public awareness are integral to human sustainability, but so are things like access to clean water, breathable air, and safe homes. 

Here are some of the key figures specific to the human sustainability sector:

21. In 2019 food insecurity affected 25.9% of the population

Moderate food insecurity means that a regular, healthy,  and balanced diet isn’t achievable because of income issues or other constraints. In 2019  alone 25.9% of the population went through moderate or severe food insecurity, which was already on the rise even before the pandemic.

22. 30% of children  had stunted growth in  2022

Although efforts have been taken to prevent this and stunting has had a steady decline since 2000 there are still 30% of children that experience stunted growth in 28 countries. To put this in a clearer perspective more than one in five or 148.1 million children under the age of 5 were stunted in 2022.

23. The pandemic kept 90% of all students out of school

Years of progress in education saw a major setback during the years of the pandemic and 90% of students were kept out of school. Meanwhile, remote learning was inaccessible to  500 million students rendering it a band-aid solution for a bullet hole wound. 

24. Over 1.7 billion people still lack basic sanitation

Poor sanitation significantly increases the spread of disease, exacerbates stunting, and strengthens the resistance of spreadable disease. Over 1.7 billion people lack any form of basic sanitation,  reducing human well-being and social and economic development due to its increasing anxiety, risk of sexual assault, and the loss of opportunities for education and work.

25. Nearly 7%  of the world’s population may still be  living in  extreme poverty by 2030

In the year 2020, 700 million, or 9.3%  of the world’s population was living in extreme poverty. Extreme poverty is described as those who live on less than  $2.15 a day. And by 2030 it is estimated that nearly 7% or 574 million people will still be living in extreme poverty.

26. 46% of individuals claim to lead a sustainable lifestyle

The action of one can indeed impact many, so holding yourself accountable as much as major corporations and other big players in the cause of environmental decay is important. Because of increased awareness at least 46% of individuals claim to lead a sustainable lifestyle.

27. Remote work cuts greenhouse gas emissions equal to 600,000 cars

On a global scale transportation is responsible for about 20.2% of carbon emissions. Working from home reduces greenhouse gasses as much as the reduction of 600,000 cars contributes to it.  These numbers prove that even one person can have a major impact.

28. 88% of business students want to learn about environmental issues

A whopping 88% of business school students find it a priority to learn about social and environmental issues. They aren’t all talk because 67% of them would prefer to get a job that incorporates environmental sustainability, proving that they take sustainability into account as they go forward with their future.

29. 63% of UK-based workers want to learn more green skills

In 2020  83% of UK-based workers felt that their companies and employers were not doing enough for the sake of sustainability. Because of this 63% of them wanted to learn more green skills to have higher value in the workplace, as sustainability has become something valued in the workplace.

30. 68% of people use their own shopping bags 

Global attitudes about sustainability have become more positive since 2021 seeing 68% of people using their own shopping bags, 59% of people recycling regularly, 51% avoiding products that they knew were bad for the environment, and 40% buying more organic or natural products.

Social Sustainability

The relationship among culture, communities, and globalization provides a larger view of how the world operates harmoniously when people accept one another and work together.

Social sustainability focuses on social equality through bonds, cooperation, systems, structures, and relationships among people which will extend beyond the present and into future generations, regardless of differences and disagreements in social, personal, and cultural beliefs.

Here are some of the key figures specific to the social sustainability sector:

31. 4 billion people did not have social protection in 2016 alone

Sustainability starts with people being able to access opportunities to better their living standards and social protection refers to the policies and programs set up to help people in protecting themselves against social and economic hazards. In 2016, 4 billion people did not have access to any form of social protection.

32. More than 250 million people worldwide face discrimination

Solely based on caste or inherited status more than 250 million people face discrimination. These people suffer things like a hidden apartheid of segregation, modern-day slavery, and other extreme forms of discrimination,

exploitation, and violence.

33. $160.2 trillion is lost in human capital wealth due to gender inequality

An estimated $160.2 trillion is lost in human capital wealth globally due to gender inequality. The gender wage gap persists and it doesn’t help to have 68 countries criminalize homosexuality. This affects quality of life and works against social sustainability.

34. Globally women earn 24 percent less than men

Living in a patriarchal society is an unfortunate condition that all women are born into. Women earn 24% less than men and hold only 25% of administrative and managerial positions in the business world. And in 18 countries women are required to have their husband’s approval to get a job.

35. $300 million spent on projects aimed against Gender-Based Violence

The World Bank has spent over $300 million on development projects aimed at addressing Gender Based Violence. 5,500 schools were built or rehabilitated, more than 4,600 water systems were constructed along with almost 13,000 kilometers of footpaths and access roads, and 8.2 million days of labor were generated (of which 36% was paid to women).

36. Investment in renewable energy amounts to $495 billion 

In 2022 alone the investment for renewable energy amounted to $495 billion. Aside from this, policies for renewable sources are also on the rise, contributing to clean energy investment worldwide. However, the highest investments in renewable energy go to solar and wind energy.

37. Over 100 countries have sustainability policies

If one individual can impact the world greatly with a single repeated action then imagine what an entire country could do to mitigate the effects of global warming. Over 100 countries put their beliefs into action and have policies on sustainable production and consumption.

38. 93% of employees are for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Corporate Social Responsibility is a means for organizations to self-regulate so that they may contribute to philanthropic, societal, or charitable causes. 93% of employees believe that companies should lead with purpose and 88% believe it is not right for companies to make money at the expense of society at large.

39. 95% of employees believe businesses should benefit everyone involved

Businesses usually split their value between 3 parties: customers, the firm, and suppliers. However, 95% of employees believe that businesses should include not just shareholders but stakeholders like employees, customers, suppliers, and communities in which the business operates.

40. The Top 3 reasons that impact an organization’s purpose are creating value for the customer, positively impacting society, and inspiring innovation and positive change

Some of the reasons that are most impactful to an organization’s purpose are: giving employees a sense of meaning and fulfillment, contributing to sustainability, and reducing negative impacts on the environment.

However, the Top 3 reasons that impact an organization’s purpose are creating value for the customer, positively impacting society, and inspiring innovation and positive change.

Economic Sustainability

Generally, the environment has been the main driver of economic growth since the Industrial Revolution. The Earth’s capacity remains the same while the population, economies, and resource demand grow.

Economic sustainability makes sure that economic practices support long-term economic growth without negatively affecting the environment and society. Overall, economic sustainability addresses global challenges humanity is facing and aims to develop sustainable future goals.

Here are some of the key figures specific to the economic sustainability sector:

41. Packaging is what consists the 40% of plastic produced globally

About 75% of plastics end up in landfills while only 8.7% of it is recycled. In 2018 alone about 14 million tons of plastic was produced and most of these plastics were for packaging. Packaging is 40% of all plastics produced worldwide. 

42. Extraction and processing of biomass is responsible for 80% of land biodiversity loss

The number one reason for the loss of biodiversity is inefficient production and use of natural resources. The extraction and processing of biomass like crops, crop residues, firewood, timber, black liquor pulp, wild catch of fish, etc. is responsible for 80% of land biodiversity loss.

43. GHG emissions increased by 50% over the past 30 years because of demand

In recent years the global population has continued to grow, economies continue to increase, production and demand of goods has increased, and energy demands have been higher than they have ever been. Due to this greenhouse gas emissions have increased by 50% within just 30 years.

44. 50% of air pollution damage in Europe from a small number of industrial facilities

Corporations have always been big players in sustainability, whether the pioneers of it or the detriment of it, and in this case it shows the latter. About 50% of the air pollution-related damages in Europe are caused only by a small number of industrial facilities. A lot of impact from only a small portion of facilities.

45. By 2026 the second-hand products market is predicted to grow by 127% 

People are becoming more environmentally aware which also leads to the awareness of product quality. A lot of the products produced before certain times are more durable and are even cheaper second-hand which led experts to estimate that by 2023 the second-hand market may grow by 127%.

46. Currently, the global economy is only 9.1% circular

The current dominant system of production and consumption is a linear economy which means products go through the supply chain only once and end up as trash after. A circular economy is a more sustainable system of production and consumption that reduces waste through innovative designs and reusing. Unfortunately, only 9.1% of the global economy is currently circular.

47. Sustainable practices could save $26 trillion by 2030

Sustainable practices don’t just lead to the preservation of natural resources but they also save organizations a lot of money. Sustainable practices are estimated to save $26 trillion by 2030, if taken on seriously and properly of course.

48. There are 1,880 fair trade-certified organizations

Fairtrade gives importance to improved working conditions and ethical practices. Fairtrade helps producers to be treated and paid fairly for products that are ethically and sustainably produced. Currently, there are 1,880 fair trade-certified organizations.

49.1/3rd of Europe’s corporations committed to achieving net-zero emissions

A third of Europe’s most prominent corporations have given their word on trying to attain net-zero emissions by 2050. So far only 9% of these companies are actually on the road to achieving this target but there is still room for hope as the number may yet to grow.

50. Sustainable packaging could reduce 3.8 million GHG emissions

One of the biggest wastes globally is packaging since they are typically for one use only but they don’t have to end up as waste. Sustainable packaging could reduce 3.8 million greenhouse gas emissions. A simple, elegant, and readily available solution to the problems of plastics while considerably cutting down greenhouse gas emissions as well.

Environmental Sustainability

Environmental awareness should come before wants and profitability as it is a deciding factor in our quality of life.  Environmental sustainability promotes improving human life quality while protecting and preserving natural resources ( land, water, air, minerals, etc.).

51. 23% of premature deaths are linked to environmental factors

Environment is very important to humanity, thus the phrase “nature, nurture.” The environment is so impactful that it can “make the man,” so to speak. With this in mind, the World Health Organization (WHO) says that 23% of premature deaths are linked directly or indirectly to environmental factors.

52. 2/3rds of the planet’s marine life and ecosystems are threatened

The depreciation of Earth’s resources means that ecosystems are being destroyed and their inhabitants also are slowly dying off. 2/3rds of the planet’s marine life and ecosystems are under threat and the biggest perpetrators are plastic pollution and overfishing.

53. 27,000 trees are chopped down every day

The number of trees on Earth is over 3.04 trillion. However, every day 27,000 trees are being cut down. Every year the amount of trees that are being cut is 9.8 million trees. This messes with the balance of ecosystems and causes a rise in Global Warming as trees naturally absorb greenhouse gasses.

54. Populations of animals have fallen by 68%

As shown in our current battle against Global Warming, the preservation of biodiversity is important as the slightest unbalancing of it causes harm to all kinds of species, including human beings. So far populations of animals, mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles have fallen by 68% just within the last 50 years alone.

55. 100 million tons of rubbish make the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

Our neglect of the ocean and our waste has caused a giant patch of garbage to accumulate in the Pacific Ocean. It is 1.6 million km2, an area that is three times the size of France and twice the size of Texas and it contains 100 million tons of rubbish.

56. 72% of waste that ends up in the landfill can be composted instead

Reducing food waste is a high priority at the moment and composting is a way that this can be done as it’s a way to recycle food waste. It is reported that around 72% of waste that ends up in the landfill can be composted instead.

57. Sustainable products have a 32% share of growth

As sustainable products have grown trendy they have also risen in market value with sustainable products having an overall 17% market share and a 32% share of growth. Furthermore, products marketed as sustainable grew 2.7x faster than products that weren’t.

58. World Bank Group is increasing climate financing to 35% of commitments

The World Bank is dedicated to sustainability as well, hoping to help by increasing their climate financing to 35% of all their current commitments by the year 2026. They have also been providing $25 billion in annual climate financing from the year 2021 to 2025.

59. An estimated 1.9 billion trees are planted yearly

To account for the 9.8 million trees that are being cut down every year there is an estimated 1.9 billion trees planted yearly as well. If only trees grew as fast as they were cut down then maybe we would have an abundance of trees instead of an abundance of greenhouse gas emissions.

60. Electricity from geothermal power plants is predicted to increase 47.7 billion kilowatt-hours

Alternative ways of sustainable energy are on the rise and one of them is geothermal energy. Geothermal energy is starting to pick up and because of this, it is estimated that electricity from geothermal power plants is to increase from 16 billion kilowatt-hours to 47.7 billion kilowatt-hours. 

Now that all the pillars of responsibility have been tackled it is time to talk about key figures relevant to Procurement specifically, regardless of which pillar they fall into. As this company is dedicated to uplifting procurement and procurement is an essential part of business, which in turn is an essential player in sustainability, it would be a missed opportunity not to discuss Sustainable Procurement.

Key Figures in Sustainable Procurement

Since we are, after all, Procurement Tactics, it would be a wasted opportunity not to tackle Sustainability within Procurement. Here are some key figures in Sustainable Procurement.

61. Irresponsible sourcing of materials alienates 82% of consumers

As discussed above, consumers are now more environmentally aware and they are concerned about sourcing materials, a job that falls on procurement. 82% of consumers feel alienated from a brand that is irresponsible with their sourcing of materials.

62. 80% of a consumer goods company’s GHG emissions come from its suppliers

Knowing who you work with and their business practices is needed in procurement as it is a betrayal of your organization to work with organizations who don’t uphold your vision and mission. 

63. 65% of procurement leaders in the manufacturing sector do not see beyond their tier-1 suppliers

An unfortunate reality of procurement is that 65% of procurement leaders in the manufacturing sector lack visibility beyond their suppliers. Procurement leaders may end up unknowingly working with suppliers who don’t practice sustainability. Tier 2 and beyond suppliers may be doing business practices that pose serious harm to the environment.

64. 46% of organizations see the commitment to sustainability as only important “on paper”

Although there is a rise in corporate commitments towards sustainability it is significant to note that 46% of organizations still see the consumers’ commitment to sustainability as important only on paper. This means that sustainability is not truly reflected in the way the organization practices business. 

65. Sustainable procurement programs improve brand reputation by 30%

50% of organizations show in a survey that when sustainability is embraced then brand reputation is elevated. It predicts that sustainable procurement programs improve brand reputation by 30%. Procurement serves as the operational backbone of many organizations and making sure that the procurement processes employed are sustainable causes a surge in environmental preservation and consumer approval.

67. Almost 60% of surveyed companies alleviate risk through sustainability

Knowing that almost 60% of surveyed companies alleviate risks from within their supply chain through the use of sustainability shows how sustainability is more than an environmental obligation but a way for organizations to bolster their supply chains and avoid potential risks.

68. 45% of public organizations have a sustainability criterion in their procurement policies

Almost half of the organizations within the public sector have a criterion for sustainability in their procurement policies. Organizations are already growing in the realization that sustainability within procurement is an invaluable asset as well as a way to preserve and protect Mother Nature. 

69. Around 85% of companies give importance to sustainable procurement

Organizations understand how important procurement is and they also understand how important sustainability is within procurement. 85% of companies give importance to sustainable procurement. Unfortunately, only 46% fully implement such practices.

70. 58% of organizations monitor sustainability performance

There is a growing industry expectation of sustainable procurement and this is shown in more than half, specifically 58%, of organizations who monitor the sustainability performance of their suppliers. Sustainability performance is easily becoming an industry standard for business relationships.

71. 75% of organizations say that procurement and sustainability are intertwined

In the year 2020 alone about 75% of organizations report that within their company procurement and sustainability are like two peas in a pod. Organizations are aware of how essential sustainability is in procurement and the data shows that this is already being put to practice.

72. 72% of companies believe that sustainability performance should be attained with procurement and other business functions

Procurement should work in tandem with other business functions to attain sustainability. This shows that procurement is not just an important cog in the business machine but a means to drive other business functions towards sustainability, as believed by at least 72% of companies.

73. 62% of companies in North America delegate sustainable procurement to specific teams

North America reveals itself as a pioneer in sustainable procurement by dedicating specific teams for the sole purpose of sustainable procurement. These corporations not only see the benefits sustainable procurement has on the world but also their organization as a whole.

74. Revenues from eco-friendly products increase 15% for 1/3rd of companies that practice sustainable procurement

Sustainability also has good financial implications for businesses, not just in terms of marketing, but also in terms of their products. Eco-friendly products increased by 15% in revenues from 1/3rd of the companies that practice sustainable procurement, showing that sustainability helps not just within the supply chain process but also after it. 

75. 90% of procurement professionals will require suppliers to exhibit carbon neutrality

By the year 2025 experts in the field of procurements no longer cut their supplies any slack when it comes to the environment. It is predicted that 90% of procurement professionals will require suppliers to exhibit carbon neutrality by the year 2025.

Conclusion

With this long list of numbers in mind, it is easy to conclude that integrating the 4 pillars of sustainability can slow the piling of sustainability issues. It needs proper guidelines, implementation, and solid support from the people, the government, and the private sector.

Furthermore, it is important to keep sustainability in mind in every aspect of our lives since it also impacts every aspect. And when it comes to business, especially in something as vital as procurement, it should be a number one priority as it is quite literally vital in saving the world.