Harvard Case - Creating a sustainability roadmap at Sika: The net zero pledge
"Creating a sustainability roadmap at Sika: The net zero pledge" Harvard business case study is written by Stefan Michel. It deals with the challenges in the field of General Management. The case study is 20 page(s) long and it was first published on : Nov 1, 2023
At Fern Fort University, we recommend Sika implement a comprehensive sustainability roadmap aligned with its Net Zero pledge, focusing on a multi-pronged approach encompassing operational efficiency, product innovation, and stakeholder engagement. This roadmap should be underpinned by robust data analysis, transparent communication, and a strong commitment to continuous improvement.
2. Background
Sika, a global leader in specialty chemicals, faces the challenge of achieving its ambitious Net Zero pledge by 2050. This case study focuses on the company's journey towards sustainability, analyzing its existing efforts, identifying key challenges, and recommending a strategic roadmap for success. The main protagonists are the Sika leadership team, responsible for developing and implementing the sustainability strategy, and various stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, and the broader community.
3. Analysis of the Case Study
Sika's commitment to sustainability is evident in its existing initiatives, including reducing emissions in its manufacturing processes, developing sustainable products, and engaging in responsible sourcing. However, achieving Net Zero requires a more holistic approach, encompassing various aspects of the business:
Strategic Framework:
- SWOT Analysis: Sika possesses strengths in its global reach, strong brand reputation, and commitment to innovation. However, weaknesses include the complexity of its supply chain and the need for further investment in sustainable technologies. Opportunities lie in the growing demand for sustainable solutions and the potential for partnerships with other organizations. Threats include regulatory changes and potential reputational risks associated with environmental performance.
- Porter's Five Forces: The construction industry, Sika's primary market, is characterized by intense competition, bargaining power of buyers, and the threat of substitutes. Sustainability can be a key differentiator, providing a competitive advantage in this landscape.
Financial Analysis:
- Cost-Benefit Analysis: Investing in sustainability initiatives can lead to cost savings through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and resource optimization. However, initial investments may be required for technology upgrades and process changes.
- Return on Investment (ROI): Measuring the financial returns from sustainability initiatives is crucial for justifying investments and demonstrating value to stakeholders.
Marketing and Operations:
- Product Development: Sika needs to prioritize the development of sustainable products that meet the evolving needs of its customers. This includes reducing the environmental impact of existing products and developing new solutions with lower carbon footprints.
- Supply Chain Management: Optimizing the supply chain for sustainability involves sourcing materials responsibly, reducing transportation emissions, and collaborating with suppliers to adopt sustainable practices.
- Operations Strategy: Implementing lean manufacturing principles, adopting circular economy models, and exploring renewable energy sources are essential for reducing operational emissions and improving resource efficiency.
4. Recommendations
1. Develop a Comprehensive Sustainability Roadmap:
- Define Clear Goals and Targets: Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for reducing emissions, improving resource efficiency, and promoting social responsibility.
- Prioritize Key Initiatives: Focus on high-impact areas where Sika can achieve significant reductions in its environmental footprint, aligning with its Net Zero pledge.
- Establish a Dedicated Sustainability Team: Create a cross-functional team with expertise in sustainability, engineering, finance, and marketing to oversee the implementation of the roadmap.
2. Invest in Sustainable Technologies and Innovations:
- Research and Development: Allocate resources to develop innovative products and processes that minimize environmental impact, such as low-emission concrete additives, bio-based materials, and circular economy solutions.
- Partner with Technology Providers: Collaborate with technology companies to access cutting-edge solutions for energy efficiency, waste management, and data analytics.
- Pilot and Scale Up: Implement pilot projects to test new technologies and processes before scaling them up across the organization.
3. Engage Stakeholders and Build Transparency:
- Communicate the Sustainability Vision: Clearly communicate Sika's sustainability goals, progress, and commitment to stakeholders through transparent reporting, website updates, and stakeholder engagement events.
- Collaborate with Suppliers and Customers: Encourage suppliers to adopt sustainable practices and engage with customers to understand their sustainability expectations.
- Foster Employee Engagement: Empower employees to contribute to sustainability efforts through training programs, employee recognition schemes, and opportunities for innovation.
4. Implement a Robust Monitoring and Evaluation System:
- Track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Establish KPIs to measure progress towards sustainability goals, including emissions reductions, resource consumption, and social impact metrics.
- Conduct Regular Reviews and Reporting: Conduct periodic reviews of the sustainability roadmap, analyze data, and report progress to stakeholders.
- Continuously Improve: Use data-driven insights to identify areas for improvement and refine the sustainability strategy over time.
5. Basis of Recommendations
These recommendations are based on the following considerations:
- Core Competencies and Consistency with Mission: Sika's core competencies in innovation and global reach are leveraged to drive sustainable solutions. The roadmap aligns with the company's mission to provide sustainable construction solutions.
- External Customers and Internal Clients: The recommendations address the growing demand for sustainable products and services from customers and the need to engage employees in sustainability efforts.
- Competitors: By adopting a proactive sustainability strategy, Sika can gain a competitive advantage in the construction industry, attracting environmentally conscious customers and investors.
- Attractiveness: The roadmap prioritizes cost-effective solutions with a strong return on investment, ensuring financial viability and long-term sustainability.
- Assumptions: The recommendations assume that Sika has the resources and commitment to invest in sustainability initiatives and that stakeholders are supportive of the company's Net Zero goals.
6. Conclusion
Sika's Net Zero pledge presents a significant opportunity to transform the company into a global leader in sustainable construction. By implementing a comprehensive sustainability roadmap, investing in innovative technologies, engaging stakeholders, and continuously improving its performance, Sika can achieve its ambitious goals and create a more sustainable future for its business and the planet.
7. Discussion
Alternatives:
- Incremental Approach: Focusing on a gradual implementation of sustainability initiatives, which may be less impactful and slower to achieve Net Zero.
- Outsourcing Sustainability Efforts: Relying on external consultants or partners to manage sustainability initiatives, which could lead to a lack of internal ownership and control.
Risks:
- Financial Investment: The initial investment in sustainability initiatives may be significant, and there is a risk of not achieving the expected return on investment.
- Technological Challenges: Implementing new technologies may encounter unforeseen technical difficulties or delays.
- Stakeholder Resistance: Some stakeholders may resist changes to existing practices or processes, leading to implementation challenges.
Key Assumptions:
- Sika's commitment to sustainability is genuine and long-term.
- The company has the resources and expertise to implement the recommended initiatives.
- Stakeholders are supportive of Sika's sustainability goals and will collaborate in achieving them.
8. Next Steps
Timeline:
- Year 1: Develop a comprehensive sustainability roadmap, establish a dedicated team, and pilot key initiatives.
- Year 2: Implement key initiatives across the organization, track progress, and communicate updates to stakeholders.
- Year 3: Review and refine the sustainability roadmap, identify areas for improvement, and continue to invest in sustainable technologies.
- Year 5: Achieve significant progress towards Net Zero goals, demonstrate leadership in sustainability, and build a strong reputation for environmental responsibility.
Key Milestones:
- Develop a detailed sustainability roadmap with specific goals and targets.
- Secure funding for key sustainability initiatives.
- Establish a dedicated sustainability team with clear roles and responsibilities.
- Pilot and scale up innovative technologies and processes.
- Implement a robust monitoring and evaluation system.
- Engage stakeholders in the sustainability journey.
- Communicate progress and achievements to stakeholders.
By taking these steps, Sika can successfully navigate the path to Net Zero, creating a sustainable future for its business and contributing to a more environmentally responsible construction industry.
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Case Description
The case describes how Patricia Heidtman, chief innovation and sustainability officer and member of the executive board at Sika, creates a roadmap for sustainability, including a net zero pledge. Sika deliberately put Patricia - also a trained chemist - in charge, unlike many companies that assign the sustainability agenda to the CFO, the head of PR or legal, or even a designated CSO. Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a leading position in developing and producing systems and products for bonding, sealing and damping, as well as reinforcement and protection in the construction and automotive industries. The company had over 27,500 employees and sales of CHF 10.49 billion in 2022. In her role, Patricia faces four main challenges. First, the regulatory environment for a global, publicly listed company like Sika changes fast and significantly, as the measurement standards are still developing. Second, scope 1 and 2 emissions count for only about 2% at Sika; 98% are related to scope 3, which the company does not control directly. Third, Sika has over 100 subsidiaries worldwide, and each market and customer segment is very different, requiring a bottom-up rather than a top-down approach. Finally, Sika's growth trajectory estimates a 300% revenue increase by 2050. Given this growth rate, reducing emissions by 75% would not decrease any emissions in nominal terms. An important step in implementing this commitment across the organization is a series of regional net zero workshops, with the aim of bringing everyone to the same level of understanding, since net zero affects every part of the business in different ways. At the same time, sharing the learnings and obstacles created valuable input for the regional and global pathway to net zero. This input will serve as a foundation for Sika's 2028 strategy. Through peer discussions instead of top-down mandates, Patricia wanted to create strong alignment between departments and regions on key decarbonization levers.
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