Final answer:
Companies adopt sustainability to reduce emissions, create greener products, and lessen environmental impacts across operations, with firms like Amazon and Walmart leading the charge. These moves are in response to consumer demands and economic advantages.
Step-by-step explanation:
Survey results indicate that the most common reasons that companies choose to adopt sustainability include a variety of motivated interests and strategic advantages. Companies opt for sustainability to measure and reduce emissions through energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy, and energy policy advocacy, and to develop greener products that last longer and are free of hazardous substances.
Furthermore, they aim to reduce environmental impacts across all company operations, from selecting production materials to global take-back programs. High-profile companies such as Amazon, Walmart, and Inditex (Zara) are pioneers in pursuing sustainable practices, often as a response to consumer demand for environmentally responsible products and to align with initiatives like the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action.
Moreover, firms recognize the need to adapt to sustainability as an economically advantageous move, with potential benefits including reduced business risk, conservation of resources, and laying groundwork for the future health of our planet.