If any further evidence were needed, 2022 has, thus far, starkly underlined how quickly anthropogenic climate change is accelerating. A deluged Pakistan, drought across Europe, forest fires from California to Siberia, and disrupted weather patterns that parched harvests.

We are now living through climate change. And, while our economic activity caused it, how we modify our economic activity to both mitigate and accommodate climate disruption is the challenge of our time. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks are the key to aligning global business in the direction of that challenge, by outlining both where we stand and what action we can take. These frameworks also play a central role in risk management, helping companies prepare for climate-related disruptions and long-term sustainable growth.

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The ESG Evolution

Growing out of the movement for socially responsible investing, ESG has come to cover the necessary breadth of issues that truly underpin differing notions of sustainability in business, so that we now discuss how ESG can form the DNA, the very identity of a company and its people.

In short, the ‘Environmental’ covers how we use resources and energy, what we emit, pollute, and how we manage the effects of these in our communities and the world around us. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving energy efficiency through innovative technologies and sustainable practices.

The ‘Social’ and ‘Governance’ have perhaps evolved to deal with the truth of how we can approach the first element, namely, by developing structures of justice and fair treatment for people while providing oversight and compliance mechanisms to engage responsible management of business interests. Strong governance also mitigates ESG risks by ensuring transparency and accountability across the board.

The evolution of ESG also reflects a growing recognition that sustainability is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic business advantage. Companies with strong ESG profiles often enjoy lower capital costs, better operational performance, and enhanced customer loyalty. Additionally, ESG-aware businesses are better positioned to attract and retain top talent, as younger generations increasingly prefer employers whose values match theirs. As such, ESG has become a vital lens through which investors assess long-term value and resilience.

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The ESG Revolution

Since public disclosure of ESG-related performance criteria is not yet a mandated feature of law, the fact that ESG initiatives have become so mainstream over the last decade points, excitingly, to how much public awareness of sustainability news and ESG issues, as well as the creation of systemic objectives, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, have provided the necessary pressure for companies to visualize, benchmark, and take action.

The real, tangible outcome here has been growing voluntary disclosure of ESG scores, or ‘ESG ratings’, based on company performance measured against selected criteria across the ‘E’, ‘S’, and ‘G’. Companies such as Refinitiv, MSCI, and Sustainalytics offer these third-party auditing services, a level of impartiality that generates investor and public confidence in businesses.

However, despite these positive trends, there is still significant variation in how ESG data is reported and interpreted. The lack of standardized metrics and frameworks can make it challenging for stakeholders to compare company performance across industries and regions. This has prompted global efforts, such as the formation of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), to organize and standardize ESG disclosures. These initiatives aim to build greater transparency and trust in ESG reporting, bridging the gap between ambition and accountability.

What feels ‘revolutionary’ is the scope of choice afforded companies. They may choose to focus on developing environmentally-beneficial initiatives, operational efficiency that reduces waste, or fair labour policies that establish industry best practices. These steps not only enhance ESG performance but also serve as a competitive advantage in increasingly sustainability-conscious markets.

Equally, management may adopt stringent governance measures that counter prior mistakes and improve brand reputation. A single focus or a mixture of any or all elements, ESG seeks to make the choices for change possible and empowers companies to integrate ESG into their core operations.

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Where We Stand

Above all, what matters is that companies do choose to take action. At KnowESG, we recognise that a lack of access to reliable ESG information, resources, and inspiration can all lead to an institutional lack of conviction that you, your employees, or your company are eligible to formulate ESG strategies that work for you and can create meaningful impact.

This is why we are working to help companies hear the signals through the noise, to stay informed and inspired via current ESG news, to participate in global ESG events, and to discover the educational opportunities through ESG courses that provide the know-how to develop impactful sustainability strategies relevant to any company, anywhere, no matter the size or level of progress.

A notable shift is also occurring in how stakeholders, from investors to consumers, are holding companies accountable. Increasingly, ESG performance is influencing investment decisions and brand perception, and market competitiveness. Companies that disregard ESG risks may face reputational damage, regulatory penalties, or financial losses. On the other hand, those that integrate ESG into their core strategies often enjoy a ‘resilience premium,’ weathering crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic or energy shocks, more effectively than their peers.

Most importantly, ESG has developed to be inclusive of all types of economic activity. Based on a foundation of respect for our world, our relationships, and how we become responsible for our economic activity and impact, we are now starting to understand how to move from being purely acquisitive to operating sustainably. This shift is supported by ESG investments that fund forward-looking enterprises and initiatives rooted in ESG factors, steering businesses and investors alike toward more sustainable growth and long-term value.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does ESG stand for?

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, three key factors used to evaluate a company’s sustainability and ethical impact beyond traditional financial metrics.

Why is ESG important for businesses?

ESG helps businesses identify risks, lower operational costs, attract investors, and build long-term value. It also enhances brand reputation and strengthens stakeholder trust.

How does ESG benefit investors?

Investors use ESG to analyze how well a company manages risks like climate change, labor practices, and board oversight. Strong ESG performers are often seen as more resilient and future-ready. Conversely, companies with poor ESG scores may face greater risks and challenges.

What is the connection between ESG and climate change?

The Environmental aspect of ESG focuses on reducing carbon emissions, preserving and protecting resources, and adapting to climate-related risks, core strategies for dealing with climate change.

Are ESG regulations mandatory?

In many regions, ESG disclosures are becoming mandatory. The EU, for example, enforces stringent ESG reporting through the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), and global standards like the ISSB (International Sustainability Standards Board) are gaining traction.

How does ESG reporting influence business operations?

ESG reporting provides transparency into a company’s environmental and social impact, helping businesses align operations with regulatory compliance, stakeholder expectations, and sustainable growth goals.

What are ESG factors, and why do they matter in investment decision-making?

ESG factors, like carbon emissions, board diversity, and energy efficiency, help investors assess sustainability risks and long-term performance potential during the investment process.

How can companies integrate ESG into their overall business strategy?

Businesses can integrate ESG by setting measurable ESG goals, using sustainability disclosures, aligning with ESG frameworks (like TCFD or GRI), and embedding governance performance metrics into decision-making.

How do strong ESG practices provide a competitive advantage?

Strong ESG practices enhance brand reputation, attract ESG-conscious investors and customers, reduce potential risks, and improve operational efficiency, making companies more competitive and resilient.

What is the connection between ESG data and financial performance?

High-quality ESG data helps financial institutions and asset managers evaluate a company's risk profile, governance structures, and sustainability performance, factors closely tied to long-term financial success.

Why do ESG initiatives matter to key stakeholders?

ESG initiatives address stakeholder concerns about sustainability issues, ethical business conduct, and social responsibility, building trust among investors, customers, employees, and future generations.

When did ESG investing begin, and how has the market evolved?

ESG investing began gaining momentum in the early 2000s. Today, it's a multi-trillion-dollar market, with ESG criteria influencing mainstream investment decision-making and shaping a sustainable future.

Last updated on June 10, 2025, by Mamata Saha.