Traditionally, the gender gap has been addressed as part of a company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). CSR teams often analyse and report gender ratios, and it's these reports that have the ability to bring gender issues to the forefront. Previously, corporations, like investment banks, have been criticised for their small female workforce and as such have been subject to a wealth of negative publicity. On the other hand, if a company is seen to recruit and retain female talent, then it is praised as a successful enterprise that has embraced diversity as a means to success. So addressing the gender gap as part of your CSR strategy has clear Benefits for your reputation.

Successful businesses are going a step further and embedding broader sustainability concepts into their business models. This means not only ensuring the utilisation of female talent, but also incorporating wider issues around people, planet and profits into a business model. And, believe it or not, it is often women who are delivering the Results in sustainability - so it’s a win-win situation.

Looking at the current global forces shaking up the business world, it's clear that sustainability is climbing the business agenda.

Economic climate: The current economic climate has forced all companies to focus on communicating the value of their products and services to shareholders and consumers. Sustainability provides differentiation in a crowded marketplace, and in turn secures interest and profits. This is demonstrated by AT Kearney’s report (2009), which found that environmentally focused companies have performed up to 33% better than their peers in current financial markets.

Business environment: Businesses can no longer be considered in isolation of the contemporary societal, political and wider environmental context. Sustainability has not been relegated to a niche market, moreover, it is now one of the top considerations for corporations, not only because climate change has been singled out as one of the biggest threats to businesses by the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), but also because it offers real business opportunities.

Political influence: Sustainability is at the forefront of political agendas, with a drive towards a low carbon economy in the future. Businesses have the opportunity to capitalise on this movement.

Consumer values & action: Global consumers increasingly want environmentally and socially responsible products and services; 48% of consumers express a willingness to pay a 10% premium for goods or services produced in an environmentally and socially responsible way (Havas Global Media Survey 2009). And going beyond that, there is also a growing movement towards more responsible organisations. Businesses that are responding to these stakeholder demands are reaping the rewards through reputation enhancement, increased consumer loyalty, competitive advantage and bottom line savings.

The business world is changing and sustainability is providing the answers, so it's important to establish who can bring these issues to life in your boardroom.

The greatest leaders in sustainability have often been women. Look at history; the entire concept of tree-huggers was founded by women protecting their local food source in 1906, Rachel Carson stunned the world with ‘Silent Spring’, the informative book on the dangers of controlling nature in 1962. And more recently, consider Dr Caroline Lucas, leader of the Green Party, Wangari Maathai, founder of The Green Belt Movement, or Anita Roddick, environmental activist and founder of The Body Shop.

This wealth of female talent in the sustainability field highlights that women are leading the way. And if there is a strong correlation between women and success in sustainability, surely they are the most valuable asset to bring sustainability, and its business opportunities, to life in your boardroom.

There is no doubt that the women-led Dove campaign for real beauty and Avon’s work towards women’s economic empowerment have brought social missions to life and engaged women around the world. And niche stores, like the female founded Cycle Chic, are the latest trendy brands that are capturing the imagination of the responsible and stylish Londoner. So, as sustainability climbs the corporate agenda, and women unleash their talent in the sector, will sustainability bridge the gender gap at the top?

Sustainability is proving to be one of the most valuable assets in the current marketplace, but today’s boardroom may not be equipped to take on the Challenge. If women are set to play a unique and significant role in the sustainable transformation of businesses, then it is time to modernise your boardroom now and bridge the gender gap.

• www.clownfish.co.uk