The path to sustainability: The power of data and technology

Today’s organizations are crying out for robust, real-time data systems that embed sustainability into every business process. It’s time to move from mere compliance to transformative, proactive action. At VERGE 24, a panel of experts tackled the realities of “Sustainability Data Hell” and explored how clarity and consistency in data can create real change.

Sustainability relies on accurate, automated data that meets the five A’s: automated, accurate, auditable, assured and attestable. Key strategies for effective data management include standardization, integrating sustainability into daily operations and connecting with the data available in the ERP systems and advanced technologies such as AI.

Panelists included:

• Japen Hollist, Head of Sustainability Go-To-Market, SAP
• Christian Butzlaff, Chief Sustainability Solution Architect, SAP
• Brian Henry, Global Sustainability Technical Alliances Director, PwC
• Peter Temes, President of the ILO Institute (moderator)

Transforming sustainability data into a usable compass

“Sustainability is all about data, data, data,” Hollist said, kicking off the discussion. He emphasized that sustainability data needs to meet the five A’s: it must be automated, accurate, auditable, assured and attestable. “The CFO in your organization is going to need to sign off on ESG data just like they do on financial data,” he explained.

Reflecting on his early days in sustainability at a Fortune 200 company, Hollist shared how it once took 15 months to collect 12 months of data — an approach that no longer works in today’s fast-paced regulatory environment. “You must have that data at a far faster clip,” he said. “And it’s got to be synced back to who’s starting to control it. I see CFOs hiring ESG controllers who sit right next to their financial controllers.”

The escape plan

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t fix it,” Butzlaff said, a sentiment echoed by the panelists as they collaboratively outlined a three-part plan to escape data hell and achieve usable, actionable data.

1. Standardization and integration
   There’s a growing call for consistent standards in sustainability data, akin to financial reporting. These standards would enable better communication, benchmarking and trust among organizations.
2. Operationalizing sustainability
   Sustainability data needs to be embedded into daily business processes. For example, procurement managers should be able to evaluate carbon footprints alongside price, availability and quality in real time.
3. Leveraging technology and systems
   Advanced tools, such as ERP systems, are critical for managing data at scale. AI-powered solutions can uncover trends, flag anomalies and automate the reporting process, making sustainability data a strategic business asset.

Moving beyond compliance

Organizations are using sustainability data for transformation, not just reporting. “Sustainability reporting is a snapshot of the past. It’s useless for the future,” Henry said. “The goal is real transformation.”

Hollist added, “We focus so much on sustainability because it takes so much effort just to get there. But we don’t just want sustainable; we want thriving. We want flourishing.” His call to action reflected the desire for companies to not just survive compliance but to thrive with innovative and regenerative practices.

From carbon accounting to the Green Ledger

The panel also touched on how emerging tools such as SAP Green Ledger are transforming sustainability management by integrating environmental data into business processes. “The future is to have green ledgers where we can actually count carbon like we count cash, with debits and credits at the transaction level,” Hollist explained. Aligning financial and environmental metrics in real time, this approach enhances decision-making and transparency, enabling investors to evaluate performance and impact with greater confidence.

From chaos to clarity

The panelists agreed: strong data governance and integration are key to overcoming fragmented systems and achieving transparency. Aligning with the five A’s ensures sustainability data is reliable, actionable and meaningful.

“Climate action is needed now more than ever,” Henry noted. At its core, sustainability is about managing finite natural resources. All companies will face this challenge as rising demand and stricter regulations reshape how businesses operate. With the right tools and mindset, organizations can escape data hell and make sustainability data systems work for them, not the other way around.

Download our latest SAP & Trellis whitepaper “Using Technology to Illuminate the Path to Sustainability” to learn how to integrate sustainability data into your ERP system for seamless reporting and actionable insights.

Learn more about SAP Green Ledger or request a demo at www.sap.com/products/financial-management/green-ledger.html