ESG Services See Sharp Rise as Companies Seek Sustainability Support
Takeaways
- Global demand for ESG services is rising sharply, with eight in 10 business groups reporting growth over the past five years.
- Employer and Business Membership Organizations (EBMOs) are expanding training and advisory support to help companies meet ESG rules and expectations.
- ESG is increasingly seen as central to business competitiveness, resilience, and market access across regions and sectors.
A new report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlights a significant global increase in demand for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) services, as businesses seek enhanced support to meet regulatory requirements and sustainability expectations.
The findings come from the Employers’ Activities (ACT/EMP) Survey Report, Leading the ESG agenda: Global and regional insights for EBMOs. The report shows that Employer and Business Membership Organisations (EBMOs) are rapidly scaling up their ESG-related work in response to growing demand from companies across regions.
According to the survey, eight in 10 EBMOs say demand for ESG services has increased over the past five years. Looking ahead, four in five expect demand to rise further over the next one to three years, highlighting ESG as a long-term priority rather than a passing trend.
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The growth is not limited to traditionally strong ESG markets. Regions that previously saw slower uptake, including Africa and the Arab States, now anticipate stronger increases in demand. This shift suggests that ESG expectations are broadening globally, driven by tighter regulations, investor pressure, and changing market standards.
Across regions, businesses most commonly turn to EBMOs for help with meeting regulatory requirements and understanding the business case for ESG. Many companies are looking for practical guidance on how sustainability frameworks can improve efficiency, reduce risk, and strengthen access to new markets.
In response, EBMOs are expanding training programs, workshops, events, and information-sharing platforms. These efforts aim to help members navigate fast-evolving sustainability standards, reporting rules, and disclosure requirements. Support is also being strengthened through initiatives such as the LEADER Programme, which provides data and practical tools to help EBMOs incorporate ESG as a core service area.
The survey found that medium and large enterprises are the main users of ESG services offered by EBMOs, although small firms are also engaging in many regions. This reflects both the complexity of ESG reporting and the growing recognition among smaller businesses that sustainability performance can influence competitiveness.
From a sector perspective, manufacturing emerged as the most frequent user of ESG services worldwide. It is followed by agriculture, forestry and fishing, construction, and financial and insurance activities. The report notes that sectoral demand varies by region, often shaped by local regulations and supply chain pressures.
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Overall, the ILO said the findings underline how ESG is becoming central to business resilience and long-term value creation. Deborah France-Massin, Director of the ILO Bureau for Employers’ Activities (ACT/EMP), said ESG now plays a critical role in helping enterprises manage risk and build trust. She added that the survey confirms the growing role of EBMOs as trusted partners, supporting companies to navigate regulation, strengthen reputation, and turn sustainability goals into measurable results.
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Source: The Guardian
