Amongst our master list of key drivers of reputation recognized by the Society are ethics, innovation, quality, safety, sustainability and security. We gave the top post to ethics and its derivatives, confidence and credibility. We haven’t shared our thoughts on the pecking order for the five remaining intangible asset business processes, although recent events suggest that the market is moving sustainability into a lower ranking.

What is happening? A few weeks ago we noted that United Technologies (NYSE:UTX) had quietly terminated its sustainability-led advertising strategy. Now we read that BP (NYSE:BP) is moving from renewables back to petroleum.

We intend no offense. However, in light of the above, there is a open question: while sustainability is certainly a public good, can it be practiced by individual companies profitably? Or more specifically to the intangible asset aspects, "is a reputation for sustainability valued?" We invite your comments here and on the IAFS Linked-In platform.