2. Create sustainable solutions
Across the 12 countries we surveyed, 35% of companies indicate that becoming a more sustainable business will be the most important area of focus in the next five years.
Our research shows Forerunners recognize their stepped-up role as environmental stewards and believe in building and investing in sustainable infrastructure.
For instance, China's industrial giant, BYD, is paving the way for a new electric vehicle (EV) standard to realize its vision of making all fossil fuel-powered vehicles electrified in China. BYD's fleet of electric buses, forklifts, utility vans, street sweepers and garbage trucks run exclusively on batteries manufactured by the company. The company has also established five new subsidies, grouped under the brand Fudi, to sell power batteries and EV parts at scale to other EV manufacturers.
Forerunners also recognize business opportunities in infusing sustainability into how they design, create and bring products or services to market.
A prime illustration of how Forerunners take others on the journey towards a sustainable future is Aramco. The oil giant is partnering with Mitsubishi Corporation (trading house), JGC Corporation (engineering company) and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry to build a clean energy supply chain. In 2020, the company produced and transported 40 tons of "carbon-emissions-free" ammonia to energy-scarce Japan.
