# GreenBiz: Beginner or embedder? Assess your company's sustainability maturity

Center for Sustainable Business

September 20, 2023 ![](/sites/default/files/styles/246w/public/GreenBiz.jpg?itok=m2D9i2ni)CSB's Tensie Whelan and Chisara Ehiemere define embedded sustainability and share an [interactive self-assessment tool ](https://app.box.com/s/un5yt6oiyf3cb2alizh8rao412pk2r03)to evaluate a user's current performance across four core areas as a benchmark for the next phase.

*"At NYU Stern CSB, and for the purposes of our corporate strategy research, we define sustainability as embedded when the proactive management of material ESG issues and a balanced approach to the needs of stakeholders (including shareholders) are completely and effectively integrated into a company’s business strategy, with the goal of creating positive societal value as well as better financial returns. This requires internal transformation as well as the development of new tools and processes.*

*To enable this transformation, a company will need to assess its starting position and associated strengths and weaknesses. To help corporate leaders do so, CSB has designed an [Embedded Sustainability Self-Assessment](https://app.box.com/s/un5yt6oiyf3cb2alizh8rao412pk2r03) tool, providing practitioners with a framework to assess their company’s existing sustainability approaches and practices within four areas: corporate strategy; governance; culture; and communications and reporting. "*

Read the full piece and test the tool [here](https://www.greenbiz.com/article/beginner-or-embedder-assess-your-companys-sustainability-maturity).