Integrated sustainable development (ISD) is a new approach to corporate governance in organizations seeking to develop the ability to rediscover the value of their activities and to pursue innovation strategies that integrate environmental and social requirements.
Under this approach, the company seeks to minimize the amount of resources used, while maximizing economic value, social and environmental needs are met and the requirements of its stakeholders (“stakeholders”).
Many cases have shown that the incorporation of sustainable development into business strategy is translated into tangible benefits for the organization by achieving a strengthening competitive advantages and new business opportunities.
Specifically, some of the benefits accruing to companies are:
• Access to new markets
• Increased sales volumes to be able to show that takes place in a sustainable manner and to develop opportunities for sustainable enterprises
• Cost reduction, for example, for a better eco-efficiency
• Reduced risk of not meeting the requirements of stakeholders
• Strengthening the capacity for innovation and differentiation
• Generating new business opportunities
• Customer Loyalty
• Picture enhancement
• Improved productivity
• Establishment of a comprehensive management system that includes all dimensions necessary to run a business (economic, environmental and social).
The DIS is a new commercial approach to sustainability management of the enterprise, defined as the sustainability and competitiveness over time. Therefore, the implementation of the DIS requires that the approach is fully integrated into corporate strategy.