“Sustainability is Not an Add On, It Is a Strategic Businesses Advantage” Bringing along 15 years of experience in the business sector, Michael Mühlenbein has joined the CSCP to support sustainable transformation. With a focus on integrating biodiversity and circular economy strategies in businesses, he aims to drive innovation through a systemic approach. You have joined the CSCP after years of business experience. What motivated this move? My transition to the CSCP was driven by a strong motivation to use my business experience to make a meaningful impact in the field of sustainability. Over the past 15 years, I’ve held leadership roles where I focused on organisational development, operational excellence, and technical innovation. These experiences provided me with a solid foundation on how to transform business practices, which I believe is crucial to addressing the urgent environmental challenges we face today. I was motivated to join CSCP because I want to be at the forefront of making sustainable practices the norm, particularly in industries where the potential for positive environmental impact is substantial. In many cases, sustainability is still not placed as an integral part of corporate and business strategies. What’s the case for changing that? I believe sustainability is more than just a corporate social responsibility initiative; it’s a long-term strategic advantage. By integrating sustainable practices into the core of business models, companies can achieve greater efficiency, resilience, and competitive strength. For instance, sustainable practices such as reducing resource consumption and embracing circular economy principles lead to cost savings and create new opportunities for revenue. Furthermore, being proactive about sustainability prepares companies for future regulations and changes in consumer expectations, which ultimately makes them more agile and better positioned for long-term success. In your view, what are the key elements to leading successful transformation processes in companies? Based on my experience leading transformation projects, particularly in the energy sector, I see a systemic approach as crucial for successful change. This means integrating sustainable, digital, and social trends into holistic business strategies. A collaborative approach is essential, where companies engage with external stakeholders to generate innovative ideas and implement them effectively. Successful transformation also relies heavily on leadership commitment, active employee involvement, and a culture of continuous learning to navigate the complexities of sustainable transformation smoothly. One of your key topics at the CSCP is integrating biodiversity in companies. What’s the business case there? Integrating biodiversity into corporate strategies offers substantial benefits. It helps mitigate risks related to resource scarcity and environmental degradation while also fostering innovation by leveraging insights from natural ecosystems. Companies that focus on biodiversity often see an enhanced reputation, which can boost customer loyalty and attract investors who value sustainability. This approach aligns businesses with emerging market demands and regulatory trends, ensuring resilience and long-term success. By supporting biodiversity, companies not only contribute to environmental health but also position themselves as leaders in sustainable and responsible business practices. For further questions, please contact Michael Mühlenbein.