Google has taken a significant stride in gathering data related to climate change with the launch of three groundbreaking Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) as part of the Google Maps Platform. These APIs harness the power of artificial intelligence, machine learning, aerial imagery, and environmental data to deliver real-time information on critical environmental factors: solar potential, air quality, and pollen levels.
The divestment trend from oil and gas highlights the concern among investors about the impacts and viability of these industries. As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change and promote sustainable practices, investors are aligning their portfolios with their values.
You are in business to make money, so profits are top of mind, but how often do you think about the long-term viability of your environmental practices? Here are three good reasons to look not only at today’s profit, but sustainability over the long haul. Externalized...
n recent years maturity assessments have emerged as critical tools for enhancing and advancing business environment, social, and
governance (ESG) efforts. The global business landscape has witnessed a shift as ESG considerations have become integral to corporate strategy. Stakeholders are demanding greater accountability and transparency, emphasizing the need for businesses to operate sustainably and ethically. To meet these expectations and navigate the complexities of ESG, organizations must undergo a rigorous and systematic evaluation of their sustainability practices.
As environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations continue to gain prominence in the corporate
landscape, businesses are recognizing the significance of adopting sustainable practices. ESG initiatives go beyond mere token gestures of corporate social responsibility; they are essential drivers for long-term value creation, risk management, and reputational enhancement. Among the foundational tools that empower organizations to embark on meaningful ESG journeys is the materiality assessment. This process enables businesses to identify, prioritize, and address ESG issues that are most relevant to their unique operations and stakeholder expectations. In this article, we will explore the critical role of materiality assessments.
Diversity in corporate boards is not just a box to be ticked; it is a fundamental aspect of strong governance and an integral part of the ESG framework. Diverse boards enhance decision-making, drive innovation, and bolster risk management practices. By fostering an inclusive and diverse boardroom culture, companies can build trust with stakeholders, attract top talent, and remain resilient in a rapidly changing business landscape. Embracing diversity is not just a path to compliance; it is a pathway to sustainable success. As ESG principles continue to guide the future of corporate governance, the importance of diversity will only grow, paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous business world.
Biodiversity and sustainability are critical issues facing modern cities. How do cities grow but also create spaces that ensure long term success and a thriving economy? Today, we present 10 solutions today’s leaders should consider as sprawl continues to happen and climate change is facing every person on earth.
Earlier this week, the United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) announced a revised strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) associated with the global shipping industry.
As populations in rich countries (which drive fossil consumption) shrink, greenhouse gasses should decrease. Additionally, measures can be taken to avoid the negative consequences of population decline. Governments can provide solutions such as adjusting retirement ages, encouraging immigration, increasing labor force participation, and enhancing savings and private pensions. ESG frameworks provide valuable tools for analyzing the risks that arise from population shifts, and the integration of these considerations will prove invaluable in modern corporate strategy.
It is June already, which means that it’s time to dig out your 2023 goals, take stock of your company’s performance to date, and conduct mid-year reviews with your employees.
I am grateful for the opportunity to talk about sustainability with Priscilla Rammcharan, founder of Our English 2.0, promoter of people and ideas, and author of several books for learners of all ages. Check out the interview, and the amazing things that Priscilla is doing to make the world better.
The EU is continuing its role as a leader in global sustainability with the adoption in November 2022 of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The CSRD is an effort to standardize sustainability reporting. Standardization is just one of many groundbreaking changes in the program, with the most significant being the requirement that all large companies with business in Europe comply.
In the past decade, opponents of ESG have relied on the argument that ESG is at odds with a company’s profitability and “bottom line’’. However, as implementation of ESG strategies and metrics grow, data on their impact is increasingly accessible, with conclusions...
Companies of all sizes are including ESG considerations within their strategic decisions. While for some this is not new, each are challenged by novel measuring and accountability requirements. These include determining the impact of these considerations while assuring that matters previously ignored, are now included.
The social isolation that resulted from the pandemic also had serious impacts on employee mental health, creating a new wave of opportunity for employers to respond to employee needs. In addition to mental health resources, mental health time off and shortened work weeks are innovative solutions that employers devised.
One of the headline news items coming out of COP27 in Sharm El-Sheik, Egypt, in November of 2022, was an agreement to set up a fund for payments to developing countries that suffer loss and damage from climate-driven events like flooding, droughts and wildfires. It...
The use of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) metrics by the financial sector is growing through ESG investing. To understand the growth, it is helpful to consider what motivates their use. ESG investing can be divided into two camps. There are those who view...
As businesses become more complex, ESG considerations will become more important and the mitigation of risks such as child labor will become more difficult. However, by partnering with governments and local communities, engaging with stakeholder, and using technology to track and verify that their materials were not the product of child labor, businesses can begin to eradicate this scourge from their supply chains.
Bad surprises happen. Avoid them with due diligence. When they happen, plan to do better, and execute on your plan. Communicate your expectations to employees and suppliers. Verify, and continuously improve. Stay on a path to sustainability, and reach out to Clear Strategy for help.
In this blog we discuss how third-party risks affect your organization, and how ESG principles can help.
In today’s business landscape, you should be concerned not only with your own reputation and brand, but the reputations of your third party suppliers. Stakeholders are demanding transparency on ESG risks throughout their entire value chain, including you and your suppliers.
The Economist recently ran an article titled Facebook and the conglomerate curse, and it addresses the future of ESG . The article is about “Silicon Valley’s big five tech giants, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta and Microsoft.” It comments on their drop in market value this year, swollen costs, and slowing core businesses, alongside the “near-absolute control” of the companies’ founders.
If you are challenged by your boss, board, or shareholders, show them the the potential harm to others. Then show them the data that proves that the costs, and the length of time that you will continue to pay those costs, are too high and too long for you not to do the right thing.
The UN Global Compact’s Guide to Corporate Sustainability is an excellent resource for understanding what it takes to run a sustainable business. It talks about operations, taking action, top-level commitment, corporate culture, and communications.
A substantial amount of work that is being done in the ESG arena is by non-regulators. These include customers, investors, lenders, proxy advisors, ESG raters, credit rating agencies, and insurance companies. Let’s take a look at a few.
