THE PI Approach & Services

The PI Approach Overview

We are a strategy consulting firm that specialized in integrating sustainability/ESG into strategy and processes. That is why we have developed an integrated approach that respects that not every “hot” topic and not every ambition is suitable for every organization. We provide a thorough assessment of an organizations’ current management approach concerning sustainability/ESG. Relevant gaps are identified and addressed by defining the target state based on the PI Benchmark Assessment and the PI Ambition Level Concept. Deriving appropriate measures and planning their implementation is then aligned with the respective ambition in the PI Strategy Approach. In an ongoing process, the ambition and progress towards it should be reviewed and challenged regularly.

The PI Ambition Level Concept

One size fits nobody!

Typically, frameworks like ESG ratings or reporting frameworks promote a one-size-fits-all approach to integrate sustainability into your business. In our experience, successful sustainability integration requires an ambition-driven concept that fits your business strategy.

“If you don’t know where you’re going, every road will get you nowhere” (H. Kissinger)

Creating positive impacts means creating business value, too. Therefore, we work towards what is reasonable for your business, given

• Level and dynamics of societal impacts of the markets you operate in
• Status quo of sustainability integration
• The positioning of peers, key business partners, B2B customers, and investors
• Consumer response and preferences
• Legislative responses and initiatives

Analysis of the status quo, benchmarks, gap assessments, and strategy integration steps and recommendations are guided by the envisioned ambition level.

The PI Analysis Framework & Benchmark Assessment

The analysis framework is the heart of our approach. It is based on the PI founder’s sound, 30-year sustainability experience and was carefully developed by the PI team within the first six months of our journey. Renowned experts reviewed and challenged all 46 criteria. More than 20 international ESG frameworks were analyzed to make sure no relevant aspects of sustainability integration were missed. So, we do everything conceivable to ensure you focus on what “makes sense” on your way to truly integrate sustainability into strategy and processes.

In a nutshell, the framework lets us assess the consistency and coherence in the management approach (regarding the desired sustainability ambition). It helps gain a clear understanding of where you stand by going through a range of criteria determining your level of sustainability integration. The assessed dimensions are strategic baseline, operative integration, and reporting. This framework is available for corporations and financial services. Outcomes of the assessment are

• Status quo analysis: among others, your current level of sustainability integration (actual or perceived), the level of coherence, and the level of transparency
• Overview of gaps and areas where you do more than necessary with regards to your chosen ambition level
• Peer benchmarking

In addition to these analyses, we provide consulting services to help you use the results successfully. For example, understanding your chosen peer sample’s positioning will help you identify possible ambition level(s). The latter will then guide the next steps of your strategy integration approach. Another critical aspect to consider is the complexity of your current business model. We therefore offer you scoping workshops to help you translate this into the right strategic roadmap. Also, based on the assessment, you can receive:

• A benchmarking of other aspects, such as stakeholder groups, topics, SDG’s, indicators/KPIs, and an evaluation of goals as well as potential memberships and initiatives and activities/measures
• A clear roadmap for strategy integration
• Definition and plan for key measures

The strategy integration either is or will become an ongoing journey. So, using the  PI Analysis Framework is a good way to assess progress and benchmark yourself with peers on a regular basis.

Our approach is topic-independent to save time and realize efficiencies. It helps you establish processes for the systematic management of sustainability matters integrated with all relevant business activities. Consequently, by applying the approach you will enable your organization to meet any new sustainability challenge or topic consistently.

Benefits for companies and investors

Services overview

PI sustainability integration consulting services comprise the whole strategy integration process as defined in the PI Strategy Approach. Our focus is on helping you choose an approach and design processes that can be understood and supported by all relevant internal stakeholders. This leads to an optimal starting point for creating more business and societal value.

In a nutshell, we provide:

• Status-quo and benchmark assessments
• Gap assessments
• Scoping workshops
• Risk & opportunity (impacts) identification
• Impacts assessments & valuations
• Materiality analysis / definition
• Strategy/TOM review and integration
• Process integration
• Reporting & equity story strategy

As Martin is an expert in the whole range of sustainability / ESG consulting and has built a network of specialists in any part of sustainability strategy, we can also assist you with:

• ESG rating response (e.g. S&P CSA/DJSI, CDP, ISS ESG, Sustainalytics, MSCI)
• Mapping ESG reporting & rating requirements
• Finding the right consultants in case of larger/international projects or specific topics

We are happy to discuss your individual way towards integrating sustainability into your strategy. Get in touch!