Data-Driven Insights
The Numbers Prove It:
Sustainability Wins
We've analyzed 20 case studies across 9 industries. Here's what the data shows about sustainable business performance.
Performance
100%
of our case studies score "Strong" or "Excellent"
Replicable
9.7/10
highest Pathway score for entrepreneurs
Validated
10.0/10
highest Proof score with documented results
100%
Score "Strong" or better
9.7
Top Replicability Score
10.0
Top Validation Score
9
Industries Covered
What Works by Industry
Industries ranked by average Index Score — click to explore case studies
Financial Services
1 case study • Top model: Service
91
Avg Score
8.7
Pathway
Food & Beverage
3 case studies • Top model: D2C
84
Avg Score
8.4
Pathway
Energy & Utilities
2 case studies • Top model: Nonprofit
84
Avg Score
8.2
Pathway
Fashion & Apparel
2 case studies • Top model: D2C
80
Avg Score
6.3
Pathway
Consumer Goods
1 case study • Top model: D2C
80
Avg Score
4.7
Pathway
Business Models That Work
Proven sustainable business models ranked by performance
Global Distribution
Where sustainable innovation is happening
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Most Replicable Models
For FoundersCase studies with the highest Pathway scores — these models are most accessible for aspiring entrepreneurs
Pathway: 9.7#1
Precious Plastic: Open-Sourcing a Global Recycling Revolution
Precious Plastic
Waste Management•bootstrap
Pathway: 9.0#2
How Toast Ale Proves Waste Can Become Premium Product
Toast Ale
Food & Beverage•seed
Pathway: 9.0#3
Greyston Bakery: We Don't Hire People to Bake Brownies
Greyston Bakery
Food & Beverage•seed
Pathway: 8.7#4
Barefoot College: How Illiterate Grandmothers Became Solar Engineers
Barefoot College
Energy & Utilities•seed
Pathway: 8.7#5
Grameen Bank: The $27 Loan That Sparked a Global Revolution
Grameen Bank
Financial Services•seed
Looking to start a sustainable business? These models have clear pathways to entry.
View all by replicabilityMost Validated Success Stories
For InvestorsCase studies with the highest Proof scores — strongest evidence of business success
1
Patagonia: The Company That Told You Not to Buy Its Jacket
Patagonia
82
Index Score
2
Natura: Making Standing Forests Worth More Than Cutting Them Down
Natura
80
Index Score
3
Grameen Bank: The $27 Loan That Sparked a Global Revolution
Grameen Bank
91
Index Score
4
Interface: How Fishing Nets Became the Future of Flooring
Interface
82
Index Score
5
White Oak Pastures: The Farm That Became Carbon Negative
White Oak Pastures
82
Index Score
By Capital Requirements
Find models that match your funding stage
Market Context
External research validating the sustainable business opportunity
Ready to Find Your Model?
Explore our full collection of case studies. Filter by industry, business model, or capital requirements to find sustainable business models that match your goals.