ESG: Too Resilient to Fail
If you were wondering if ESGs are being phased out in this next era. It’s a no. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing is here to stay. That’s because, beyond market demand, pleasing stakeholders, or feel-good marketing, ESGs, in practice, have proven to be incredibly valuable tools for identifying opportunities and risks.
So while DEI and ESG attempted attacks are underway, you can’t stop something that works, that energetically rights some corporate externalities and considers greater collective issues we can be solving together through political and corporate action. Have there been spike strips strewn across the path? Sure, but the momentary setback means those in the game will only become stronger and slap on some Michelin Puncture-Proof Tires because ESGs cannot be stopped.
In the past, when waves of environmental awareness were up, it was easy to see that it would wane with political sentiment. It was when corporations started to take climate change seriously, and younger generations with positions of power changed corporate policies because they saw the bigger picture that the tipping point was seen. When CxOs began seeing the impact of being resilient as a result of ESG measures and initiatives, that’s when ESGs became a business imperative, not just a “cute to have.” Here’s the proof along the way that tells us ESGs will only grow stronger in the U.S. and around the world.
7 pieces of evidence that ESG will hold strong
1. “82% of asset managers in the U.S. and almost 100% in Europe systematically incorporate ESG metrics into their strategies.” Investors see companies that avert risks like climate change, human rights, and corporate governance as stronger than companies with weaker stances on risks associated with these areas.
2. Companies with ESGs show a 23% higher profitability and a 30% greater likelihood of long-term success as a result of better risk management and governance, according to a McKinsey report.
3. The COVID-19 pandemic allowed investors insight into the greater value ESG-focused companies solidified, as they were able to adapt quicker to changes and grow steadily during trying times. Rather than reacting to circumstances, their pre-pandemic proactive approach allowed them to coast a little smoother than their counterparts.
4. ESG credentials continue to attract top talent. Employees today, particularly in the U.S. and Canada, expect their workplace values to align with their own, with 75% believing their employer should be a force for good. ESG has become a defining issue in boardrooms, influencing recruitment strategies, hybrid work policies, and corporate culture. But businesses must go beyond surface-level commitments. Those who genuinely prioritize sustainability, diversity, and governance will stand out in the competitive talent market.
5. EU Mandatory ESG Reporting officially begins. A first shift away from voluntary reporting, the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will begin in 2025 for fiscal year 2024. While reporting will start with the largest companies containing 1,000 or more employees, the reporting mandate will evolve over time and region as scope 3 emissions from international business vendors will be required.
6. California Reporting Standards begin. New ESG reporting obligations will kick in for 2025 and will be reported in 2026 using International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards. California’s AB 1305 will apply to the largest companies with a revenue of over $1 billion that operate in the state. Other states, like New York, are expected to follow suit.
7. Environmental Education is working, and public awareness of key environmental issues that impact human health and ecosystems is driving people to demand accountability. With the increase in public awareness, companies plan to address traditional environmental topics like water and air pollution, better waste management, and sustainable materials and standards.
We can change the language and framing all day long, but the reality is undeniable: ESGs are an unstoppable force for businesses and stakeholders. It’s not a trend, it’s not a political pawn, and it’s certainly not fading into irrelevance. It’s a proven business imperative, whether someone understands it beyond an acronym or not. It’s a powerful risk management tool and an indicator of long-term profitability. The real question isn’t whether ESG will survive; it’s how it will evolve in this new era. If you want to see exactly why ESG is here to stay, check out our ESG case study and see the proof for yourself.
Resources
https://www.wsj.com/business/energy-oil/thecleanenergyrevolution-is-unstoppable-88af7ed5
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