For years, businesses have strived for sustainability, aiming to minimise their environmental impact. But what if we could go further? What if companies could contribute more to the planet and society than they take? This is the core concept behind the growing movement towards “Net Positive”.   

Net Positive goes far beyond compliance. It’s about actively creating positive impacts that enhance long-term sustainability and contribute meaningfully to societal and environmental well-being, exceeding the negative impacts of business operations. This approach drives cost transformation, strengthens supply chains, builds brand and reputation, and drives innovation. As Paul Polman, former CEO of Unilever, and author of Net Positive, states: “It’s the most compelling case in existence for why business and government should tackle climate change and widening inequality.”

But how do organisations know where to start, and what actions to take? That’s the driver behind Fujitsu’s innovative collaboration with Economist Impact to develop the Advancing Net Positive Agenda, including the Net Positive Index (NPI). 

What is Fujitsu’s Net Positive Index?

Fujitsu’s Net Positive Index is a comprehensive tool designed to quantify an organisation’s overall impact. It goes beyond traditional Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) metrics by focusing on the net effect – the balance between positive contributions and negative impacts. The index considers a wide range of factors, including:

• Environmental Stewardship: Reducing carbon emissions, conserving resources, promoting biodiversity, and minimising waste.
• Social Impact: Promoting fair labour practices, investing in communities, ensuring ethical sourcing, and fostering diversity and inclusion.
• Economic Value Creation: Driving innovation, creating jobs, supporting local economies, and ensuring responsible financial management.

By assigning quantifiable values to these factors, the index provides a clear and actionable roadmap for organisations to improve their overall Net Positive score.

Data and Evidence: The Power of Positive Impact

The shift towards Net Positive isn’t just about altruism; it’s a smart business strategy. Studies have shown a strong correlation between sustainability performance and financial success. Companies with robust environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices often outperform their peers in terms of profitability, innovation, and risk management.

For example, a 2020 study by McKinsey found that companies with high ESG scores had a 10% higher valuation multiple than companies with low ESG scores. This highlights the growing investor demand for sustainable businesses. And consumers are increasingly choosing brands that align with their values, driving demand for products and services that contribute to a positive impact.

Case Studies: Net Positive in Action

Leading organisations are already embracing the Net Positive approach. Interface, a global flooring manufacturer, has been a pioneer in this space, striving to create a restorative enterprise that leaves a positive footprint on the planet. Through initiatives like closed-loop manufacturing and carbon-negative products, Interface is demonstrating the potential for businesses to actively regenerate ecosystems.

Another example is Patagonia, a clothing company known for its commitment to environmental activism. Patagonia’s Worn Wear programme encourages customers to repair and recycle their clothing, reducing waste and extending the lifespan of their products. These examples illustrate how businesses can integrate Net Positive principles into their core operations and create a positive impact across their value chains.

These examples demonstrate that Net Positive is not just a theoretical concept; it’s a practical approach that can be implemented across various industries.

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Course Spotlight

CISL: Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions

The Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero Emissions online short course from the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) provides a comprehensive understanding of how to mitigate the business risks of climate change and oversee a transition to net zero emissions for long-term resilience and overall value. Learner will gain insights into the organisational risks and opportunities posed by climate change, and learn to lead a transition to net zero emissions and rewire your business model for long-term value and resilience

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Recommendations for Accelerating Your Net Positive Journey

For organisations looking to embrace the approach, here are some recommendations:

1. Assess Your Current Impact: Use tools like Fujitsu’s NPI to understand your current environmental, social, and economic footprint.
2. Set Ambitious Goals: Define clear and measurable Net Positive targets that align with your business strategy.
3. Integrate Sustainability into Your Core Operations: Embed sustainability principles into all aspects of your business, from product design to supply chain management.
4. Adopt advanced technologies for sustainability: Explore technologies that improve decision-making, optimise supply chains and drive greater efficiency. Implement guidelines for its ethical use.
5. Build a future-ready workforce: Ensure sustainability responsibilities and opportunities are accessible across your organisation and supply chain while developing a workforce with the skills prepared for evolving challenges.
6. Transparency and Reporting: Publicly report your progress towards your Net Positive goals to build trust and accountability.

Building the Skills for a Net Positive Future

To accelerate progress towards Net Positive goals, organisations must invest not only in strategy and tools, but in people. During the recent AI for Good: How Businesses Utilise AI for Sustainability webinar, fellow sustainability leaders to explored this critical link. It was highlighted how addressing sustainability challenges requires both technical skills such as data analysis and AI fluency, as well as soft skills such as systems thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving. Empowering employees through targeted upskilling ensures sustainability isn’t siloed, but embedded across all business functions. 

An example of this in action is Hydro, one of the world’s largest aluminium companies, which has embedded sustainability into its workforce development strategy. “Driving sustainability by becoming a net‑zero company, protecting biodiversity, and reducing our environmental footprint are key strategic ambitions for us,” says Jeanine Lerdahl, Global Lead Learning at Norsk Hydro. In partnership with edX, Hydro launched a global learning initiative that upskills thousands of employees on key sustainability topics, thereby enabling them to drive innovation, cut emissions, and contribute to long‑term environmental goals. This investment in people ensures sustainability is not just a top‑down mandate, but a shared responsibility across the organisation Read more ›

Conclusion

The journey towards Net Positive is a challenging but rewarding one. By embracing this approach, organisations can not only mitigate their environmental and social risks but also unlock new opportunities for innovation, growth, and long-term success. Fujitsu’s Net Positive Index provides a valuable framework for navigating this journey and building a more sustainable future for all.

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