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In today’s business landscape, success is no longer solely measured by profit margins. Companies are increasingly being judged on their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. But what exactly is ESG, and how is it affecting businesses?

Here’s a brief overview of ESG and what business owners need to know.

What is ESG?

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. It’s a framework that analyzes a company’s impact on the world around it, encompassing three key areas:

• Environmental: This considers a company’s effect on the climate, pollution levels, and resource usage. Factors like carbon emissions, waste management, and water conservation fall under this umbrella.

• Social: This focuses on a company’s relationships with its employees, stakeholders, and the community. Labor practices, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and community engagement are all crucial aspects of social responsibility.

• Governance: This delves into a company’s internal systems of leadership, transparency, and accountability. Examining executive compensation, board composition, and ethical practices falls under the governance umbrella.

How Does ESG Affect My Business?

Originally, ESG was developed to evaluate companies’ sustainability efforts for prospective investors. While investor evaluation remains a key function of ESG, reporting has taken on a more comprehensive role that includes:

• Transparency & Accountability: Companies use ESG reports to disclose their performance on a wider range of environmental, social, and governance metrics. This fosters transparency and accountability, allowing stakeholders to assess a company’s overall impact.

• Benchmarking: ESG reporting frameworks provide a standardized way for companies to compare their performance with peers. This allows them to identify areas for improvement and track their progress over time.

• Decision Making: ESG considerations are increasingly being integrated into core business strategies. By analyzing ESG data, companies can make informed decisions that are both financially sound and environmentally and socially responsible.

What’s Next

Looking ahead, ESG is expected to evolve beyond just reporting. It’s likely to become a fully integrated aspect of business management, influencing everything from product development and supply chain operations to marketing and employee relations.

Have questions about ESG or how ESG reporting could impact your business? Contact us; our business advisory experts are here to help.