Redefining Business for a Net Positive Future: Salomon Salinas on Sustainability and Regenerative Models

Salomon Salinas, Executive Vice President at Capgemini, explains how the company embeds sustainability into core decision-making across industries, advancing reparative and regenerative models that deliver value for communities, partners, and the environment.

He highlights Capgemini’s Net Positive initiative, developed with Paul Polman, Andrew Winston, and global partners, which redefines success as the value a company creates for its entire ecosystem. The approach uses a detailed maturity model measuring leadership, organisational practices, and product impact to ensure companies give back as much as they gain. 

Salinas discusses how AI could transform sustainability by providing instant, verifiable transparency on corporate claims, an important step in an era of rising scrutiny. He connects this to his work on the original Energy Star programme, noting that transformative change often begins with one idea that arrives at the right moment and attracts the right partners.

"You don't need a repertoire of ideas, you just need a powerful idea that resonates." 

Recorded at the World Climate Summit & the Investment COP 2025, this conversation highlights how innovative business models and collaboration can drive meaningful impact. 

Watch the full conversation: 

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Salomon “Sol” Salinas 

Global Executive VP; Sustainable Lead, Capgemini

Sol is a global thought leader in corporate sustainability and digital transformation with 30 years of experience. He co-founded the US EPA’s ENERGY STAR program and later led international climate and environmental partnerships. His expertise spans ESG, circular economy, green buildings, renewable energy, carbon footprinting, and digital infrastructure. At Accenture, he launched a $300M smart cities practice and led sustainability efforts across industries including public service, healthcare, retail, and energy. Sol advocates for human-centered design and introduced a unique approach to smart communities based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, showcased by Smart Dubai. Originally from Nicaragua, he lives in Arlington, VA with his family. He holds degrees from UNC Chapel Hill and George Mason University, where he was a scholarship soccer athlete. In 2023, he delivered GMU’s commencement address and was inducted into its Hall of Fame. Named a 2024 Top Climate Exec to Watch, Sol is also a long-distance runner and cyclist.