Over three quarters of CFOs expect that their companies will maintain or increase sustainability-focused investments even after the recent U.S. election, although investment focus will shift away from environmental and social impact, and towards areas addressing stakeholder expectations and business operations, according to a new U.S.-focused survey released by accounting and advisory firm BDO.

For the report, 2025 CFO Sustainability Outlook Survey, BDO commissioned a survey of 500 CFOs at companies with revenues ranging from under $250 million to over $3 billion across the healthcare, life sciences, manufacturing, retail and technology sectors, including 81% at U.S.-only companies. The survey was conducted following the recent U.S. presidential election.

The survey found that even in the wake of the election of a new administration that is hostile to many ESG initiatives, corporate sustainability-focused plans continue to strengthen, with 44% of CFOs anticipating increasing sustainability investment – twice the rate of those planning to decrease – and 33% expecting no change.

Plans to increase investment come as CFOs report significant value from their sustainability investments to date. Key benefits highlighted by CFOs from sustainability initiatives over the past five years included increased innovation and new business opportunities, cited by 37% of respondents, increased revenue (36%), access to favorable financing or investment opportunities (34%), as well as cost savings (30%) and enhanced customer loyalty (30%).

CFOs also appear focused on sustainability from a risk management perspective, with ESG risk ranking third as an area of significant concern, cited by 45% of respondents, closely following operational risk at 48% and product/service risk at 46%.

While CFOs seem clear on sustainability-related opportunities and risks, the survey indicated that most companies’ programs remain at earlier stages of sustainability maturity, with only 21% of respondents reporting that they are currently working to integrate sustainability initiatives into their business strategy, while 40% of CFOs said that their current approach to sustainability is primarily focused on addressing stakeholder expectations, and 40% reported a primary focus on regulatory compliance.

Notably, the survey appeared to indicate significant benefits to integrating sustainability into strategy. The report found that 91% of companies working to integrate sustainability also anticipate increased revenue in 2025, compared to only 74% of other respondents, and 69% expect increased profitability, ahead of their peers at only 56%.

While sustainability investment plans remain strong, the survey found that focus will likely shift away from environmental and social initiatives and towards areas with more tangible operational and stakeholder impact, with only 22% of CFOs reporting plans to focus on carbon footprint reduction in 2025, 26% on climate change mitigation and 26% on DEI, compared with 40% that will focus on employee health and wellbeing, 39% on sustainable product development, and 34% on sustainable supply chain management.

The survey also found that sustainability is expected to increase as a focus area for CFOs, with 80% reporting that their involvement in ESG strategy will increase or remain the same in the next 12 months.

Karen Baum, Managing Principal  Sustainability & ESG Center of Excellence at BDO USA, said:

“A sustainable business is stronger, more responsive to stakeholder expectations, and more resilient to economic headwinds. When businesses move sustainability off the sidelines and integrate it into core business strategy, they create a strong offense –– unlocking innovative  growth pathways while defending against shifting market conditions.”

Click here to access the survey.