Novo Nordisk A/S: Integrating Sustainability into Business Practice

Abstract

Novo Nordisk defines sustainable development as being about preserving the planet while improving the quality of life for its current and future inhabitants. From a business perspective this involves the inclusion of economic, social and environmental considerations in the business strategy. During the 1990s many companies experienced an enormous pressure from critical stakeholders, governments, media, NGOs and international organisations to demonstrate that they had adopted sustainable business practices.

‘We all have a vision of how we’d like the world to be. For a company like Novo Nordisk committed to sustainable development, that vision is one of trust, openness, shared values and partnerships. We translate that as the Triple Bottom Line — social and environmental responsibility and economic viability. In an age where companies are scrutinised and transparency is the only way to gain trust, social responsibility is vital to maintain a business advantage.’

(CEO Lars Rebien Sørensen, Novo Nordisk)¹