The link between sustainability and profits remains unclear to businesses in short term, according to new research

Only half of companies currently report their progress toward meeting environmental and social sustainability goals.

Just 24% of executives in an Economist Intelligence Unit survey believe there is a strong link in the short term (1-2 years) between financial performance and commitment to sustainability. However, 69% believe the link is strong in the long term (5-10 years), and companies worldwide are moving sustainability principles into their core policies and practices. Most will increase that emphasis over the next three years.

The survey, carried out in December 2009 and January 2010 among over 200 finance and corporate social responsibility executives, explores how companies view sustainability and how they are incorporating these principles into their daily operations. The study defines sustainability as operating in a way that preserves the long-term productive capacity of the natural and social environments. The survey, which was sponsored by Enel, produced the following key findings:

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