Technology is becoming an important tool for sustainability: 88% of Swiss companies already use artificial intelligence to achieve their environmental goals. That is more than the global average.
Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement: one in four companies still finds it difficult to measure its actual environmental impact. And while the global focus is on environmental impact, Swiss companies are twice as likely to pay attention to how sustainability measures affect their brand. This is shown in the new Deloitte C-Suite Sustainability Report.
No measurable sustainability transformation without technology
Technology has become the top corporate priority in Switzerland (56%), closely followed by sustainability (47%). It is clear that both issues are inextricably linked. 88% of Swiss companies surveyed already use AI as a tool for their sustainability efforts – more than the global average of 81%. They have recognized that without technology, there can be no measurable sustainability transformation.
Technology is primarily used in supply chain management (53%), to increase operational efficiency (53%), to develop sustainable products (50%), and to report on sustainability impact (47%). The stronger focus on technology is intended to help companies overcome their biggest current challenge in the area of sustainability: a quarter (25%) of Swiss respondents cite measuring their own environmental impact as the greatest difficulty in implementing planned measures.
Data collection is particularly complex in the supply chain. However, modern technologies are increasingly making it possible to integrate sustainability metrics directly into existing business systems in order to systematically collect and report on them. "The high adoption rate of AI shows that Swiss companies recognize that technology is the key to measurable sustainability. Efficient application is crucial—specialized AI models instead of energy-hungry universal systems. Those who invest smartly can precisely measure and control their own environmental impact. That's the path from well-intentioned to well-done," explains Reto Savoia, CEO of Deloitte Switzerland.
Possible perception as greenwashing
Despite technological advances, critical gaps remain. There are notable differences in the priorities for evaluating sustainability measures: 36% of Swiss executives cite brand protection, intellectual property, and risk reduction as the most important decision-making criteria, while only 18% prioritize the direct environmental impact of their measures. The global results show exactly the opposite picture.
This discrepancy raises questions about the balance between risk management and the actual impact of sustainability measures at Swiss companies. "The much greater weighting of intangible assets such as brand and reputation compared to direct environmental impact deserves closer attention," explains Liza Engel, Chief Sustainability Officer at Deloitte Switzerland. "Swiss companies must ensure that the measurable environmental impact of their measures does not take a back seat. The best sustainability strategies combine both: robust risk management and measurable positive environmental impact."
Investments in sustainability continue to rise
Investment in sustainability remains high: 87% of Swiss companies surveyed increased their spending last year, more than the global average of 83%. In addition, 83% have firmly integrated sustainability into all business processes – a significant increase compared to previous years, when the focus was more on compliance.
The financial benefits are also becoming apparent: 58% report that their sustainability measures have had a positive impact on sales, while 55% cite cost reductions. "The economic arguments for investing in sustainability are compelling – Swiss companies are seeing clear improvements in efficiency and margins," says Liza Engel. "The key question remains whether these investments also deliver measurable environmental results. This is where consistent, technology-based measurement systems along the entire value chain can help."
Climate change remains strategically relevant despite easing pressure
Although climate change and sustainability have slipped down the list of priorities, 70% of respondents still expect them to have a significant impact on their business strategy over the next three years – down from 82% last year. When asked to name specific tangible impacts on their companies, 36% of respondents cited rising costs and increasing raw material shortages, as well as the effects of extreme weather events on their business activities.
At the same time, external pressure on companies in Switzerland to give higher priority to sustainability and climate change is easing: the proportion of executives who feel moderate to high pressure from their stakeholders in this regard fell from 81% last year to 74%. Particularly striking is that only 34% of Swiss respondents feel substantial pressure from their shareholders to become even more committed to sustainability – compared to 58% globally. "The weak pressure from shareholders is not a free pass, but an obligation to demonstrate corporate foresight. Swiss companies can now transform themselves from a position of strength. Those who seize this opportunity and consistently use technology to achieve a measurable environmental impact will secure long-term competitive advantages," Reto Savoia is convinced.
About the study
The Deloitte 2025 C-Suite Sustainability Report is based on a survey of over 2,100 executives at the management level in 27 countries, including 77 in Switzerland. The survey was conducted between May and June 2025.
