What should be considered when evaluating the intensity level of sustainability impacts?

When evaluating the intensity level of sustainability impacts, considering the direct relationship to the cost of capital is crucial because sustainability impacts can significantly influence a company's financial performance and, consequently, its capital cost. If a company faces higher sustainability risks or has a poor environmental performance, investors may perceive it as a higher risk, leading to a higher cost of capital. Conversely, companies that actively manage their sustainability impacts and demonstrate strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices may enjoy lower capital costs, attracting more investment. This connection highlights the importance of integrating sustainability considerations into financial assessments and decision-making processes, thereby urging organizations to consider their sustainability performance alongside traditional financial metrics.

Other considerations like the duration of impact, the way it affects physical assets, and market trends and conditions also play roles in evaluating sustainability impacts, but they do not directly relate to cost of capital, which reflects how sustainability practices affect financial viability and investor perceptions.