Sailing through the ESG ocean

Today, the world stands at the intersection of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) transformation. ESG has evolved from a concept considered a niche in business to a strategic business imperative.

Beyond corporate responsibility, the growing significance of ESG lies in a company's commitment to sustainable growth, ethical practices, and positive social impact. Companies with robust ESG strategies often achieve increased brand loyalty, greater trust, and a competitive edge as consumer awareness grows. Reports indicate that companies prioritizing ESG can have up to 20% better financial performance than their competitors.

ESG extends beyond companies, prompting significant regulatory changes worldwide. Governments and financial institutions recognize unchecked business practices' potential harmful environmental and social impacts. Regulations like the EU Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) mandate companies to disclose their ESG performance. The goal is to promote transparency, protect investors, and encourage sustainable economic growth. Regulatory alignment reduces "greenwashing," ensuring that companies align their actions with their statements about ESG, moving beyond declarative promises.

The three critical pillars of an ESG strategy are environmental, social, and governance. In the ecological segment, ESG focuses on a company's interaction with the natural environment, including energy use, waste management, emissions, and environmental conservation efforts. The social pillar reflects a company's relationship with employees, suppliers, customers, and the communities it operates, covering areas like workplace practices, responsibility, and community engagement. Lastly, governance addresses a company's leadership, executive compensation, audits, internal controls, and shareholder rights. A robust governance structure ensures ethical and transparent operations.

ESG is more than words and moral imperatives, as studies attempting to measure its impact have demonstrated. A Harvard Business School study revealed that companies focusing on ESG metrics between 1993 and 2010 had 4.8% higher operational performance. In recent years, some indicators have surpassed 20%. Around 90% of global institutional investors in a 2020 survey stated that they pay special attention to a company's ESG performance when making investment decisions. A 2018 University of California study found that firms with better ESG ratings had lower credit spreads, suggesting they are considered less risky by creditors.

Developing an ESG strategy involves a structured approach to integrating sustainability and ethical considerations into an organization's operations and decision-making processes.

Some elements of the ESG strategy:

• Assessment and Materiality

  Begin with an assessment of the organization's current ESG status. Identify material issues relevant to the enterprise and its stakeholders.

• Stakeholder Engagement

  (Engaging everyone, including employees, customers, investors, and communities)

  Their contribution is crucial in identifying priorities and setting goals.

• Goal Setting

  Establish clear, measurable, and time-bound ESG goals. Ensure alignment with global frameworks such as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or the Paris Agreement.

• Integration

  Integrate ESG factors into the business strategy, operations, and decision-making processes. This involves incorporating ESG considerations into procurement, human resources, and finance.

• Disclosure and Transparency

  Adopt recognized ESG reporting standards, such as GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) or SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board). Provide regular updates on the progress of achieving ESG goals.

• Monitoring and Accountability

  Ensure oversight by senior management and the ESG committee. Establish clear roles and responsibilities within the organization.

• Continuous Improvement

  Regularly monitor and update the ESG strategy. Use metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess progress and adjust strategies.

• Training and Culture

  Educate employees on the importance of ESG and foster a culture that values sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility.

To clearly define their ESG journey, leading global companies have adopted and are following ESG strategies. Apple aims to make its entire supply chain and product life cycle carbon neutral by 2030. Similarly, Microsoft has committed to being carbon neutral by 2030. BlackRock has integrated ESG metrics into its investment processes and promotes investments in companies more transparent about ESG issues. Goldman Sachs has pledged to invest $750 billion in the next decade in clean energy and inclusive growth areas. In addition to manufacturing electric vehicles, Tesla uses renewable energy sources such as solar panels. Adidas strives to produce more footwear from recycled materials and establishes partnerships in ecological initiatives.

Environmental, social, and governance transformations must also have roots in educational systems. Therefore, Stanford University has a robust recycling system and a composite program aiming to achieve zero waste by 2030. Middlebury College in Vermont strives to use only renewable energy sources. Harvard University has offices dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all students and employees. The University of California's pension fund has divested from investments related to fossil fuel consumption.

Children in elementary schools, and even younger, are educated through various projects to introduce and understand the ESG environment through recycling projects, creating miniature gardens in classrooms, and nature walks. From a social perspective, lessons include friendship, understanding different cultures through books, music, food, and respecting differences, as well as socially responsible actions, assisting older people, or simply spending time with them.

The University of California's pension fund has divested from investments related to fossil fuel consumption.

Companies, individuals, and countries are equally responsible for giving their best in the ESG domain. The European Union aims to be carbon neutral by 2050. In some EU countries, when purchasing a car, you immediately pay a penalty based on the estimated carbon dioxide emissions the vehicle will produce. Some countries have prioritized solar and wind energy. Access to healthcare and education for a broader population is a social goal within the ESG framework pursued by some countries, such as Nordic countries, Canada, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, etc.

Shortly, companies will not only report on finances but will integrate ESG metrics, painting a holistic picture of their performance and emphasizing creating long-term value for all stakeholders, not just shareholders. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of society, the environment, and profits. Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data will simplify data collection, verification, and reporting on ESG, ensuring accuracy and transparency.

The ESG landscape is dynamic and reflects the evolving priorities of society, business, and governance. ESG is not just a trend but a testament to sustainable business practices, value creation, and social good. The numbers speak for themselves, emphasizing the significance of ESG as a guiding light for future business strategies. Engaging with ESG starts with many small and simple things: Don't litter; there are trash bins. Be a good colleague neighbour; hold the door for someone coming in, and don't close it in front of their face.

It's time to sail the ESG ocean at the heart of business and society.