TIME and Statista Have Identified the Most Sustainability-Minded Companies of 2025
- mrafi5
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
Brought to you by IBEC Intelligence
In an era defined by climate change and corporate responsibility, the question of whether companies can achieve financial success while prioritizing the environment has become increasingly pertinent. While there are still some unconvinced doubters, the answer to this question is a resounding “Yes,” as highlighted by a recent collaboration between TIME and Statista. The two organizations teamed up and identified the world’s best companies in sustainable growth for 2025.
Breaking the trade-off mentality is still a relevant issue on the agenda. Many executives remain entrenched in the misguided belief that pursuing profitability and environmental stewardship are mutually exclusive. This notion is referred to as the "trade-off mentality." However, experts like John Sterman from MIT’s Sloan School of Management argue that this is a false dichotomy. Companies can indeed thrive while also being stewards of the planet.
A special methodology had to be developed for this undertaking to produce relevant rankings. To pinpoint the organizations truly leading the charge toward sustainability, TIME and Statista developed a scientific methodology to conduct proper calculations. Naturally, this assessment had to include and consider the foundational financial performance metrics, such as revenue growth and profitability. However, the researchers expanded their criteria to also consider environmental metrics, such as:
Carbon Footprints (Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions)
Water Consumption
Waste Production Rates
Use of Green Energy
Remarkably, the resulting list diverges significantly from traditional rankings like the Fortune 500. This new list ended up showcasing a diverse array of companies committed to sustainable practices.
There are significant standouts on this new list of companies leading the way in Sustainability. Notably, many of the recognized companies are lesser-known, but are proof positive demonstrations that sustainability can drive substantial organizational and financial growth. For example, Spain’s Solaria Energía y Medio Ambiente and Grenergy Renovables topped the list, both achieving extremely low carbon emissions thanks to their reliance on 100% renewable energy.
While some large corporations, such as Mastercard and Coca-Cola, made the list, approximately 70% of the honorees are midsize companies with annual revenues between $1 billion and $10 billion. This indicates that businesses of all sizes can adopt sustainable practices without sacrificing profitability.
This new scientifically devised ranking by TIME and Statista helps cement the business case for Sustainability. As Tensie Whelan, a professor at NYU Stern School of Business, points out, there are significant financial benefits to embedding sustainability into corporate strategies. Companies can achieve operational efficiencies, improve supplier relationships, and drive innovation while embracing sustainability. All of these factors contribute to profitability. This perspective reinforces the idea that sustainability is not just a nice-to-have element, but a crucial factor for long-term business success.
The TIME and Statista list of the most sustainability-minded companies serves as a powerful reminder that it’s possible to do well by doing good. As more organizations embrace this ethos, they contribute to a healthier planet, as well as unlock new avenues for growth and profitability. The future of business lies in recognizing that a thriving economy cannot exist without a thriving environment.
By spotlighting these companies, we want to inspire others to follow suit, proving that sustainability and success can go hand in hand.
Reach out to our IBEC Experts to guide you in obtaining certifications that will make your organization more sustainability-minded.
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