Tim Mohin, Director of climate and sustainability at BCG, discusses the evolution of ESG goals in corporate strategy. Topics include the shift of ESG to core business function, ethical challenges in supply chains, government's role in regulation, and the growing significance of sustainability and values.
ESG has become a core business activity globally, viewed as a necessity rather than an option.
The integration of ESG metrics into financial reporting reflects a shift towards aligning sustainability with financial transparency.
Deep dives
Evolution of ESG from Regulation to Corporate Responsibility
ESG, from its regulatory origins, has evolved into a core business activity globally. Corporations now view responsibility as a must-do rather than a nice-to-do. The shift from regulation to corporate social responsibility marked a crucial transformation reflecting the mainstream integration of ESG and sustainability in global commerce.
Confusion and Branding Challenges in ESG Definition
The diverse aspects of ESG, encompassing around 30 to 35 different topics, have led to confusion and ambiguity in its definition. The labeling of ESG as a toxic or political phrase stems from this amalgamation of disparate issues concerning environmental, social, and governance practices. The branding challenge lies in reconciling the broad scope of ESG under a unifying, understandable framework.
Role of Measurement in ESG and Regulatory Impact
The significance of measuring ESG factors has gained traction, with diverse measurement techniques available for distinct ESG dimensions. The integration of ESG metrics into financial reporting, exemplified by recent SEC regulations on climate emissions reporting, reflects a critical shift towards aligning sustainability with financial transparency and materiality. Governments employing varied regulatory tools, including transparency, incentives, and traditional command-and-control approaches, play a vital role in ensuring corporate accountability and driving sustainable practices.
Responsible investing goes back decades or even longer if pronouncements in the Old Testament and Qur’an are considered. Environment, social, and governance goals have become embedded in corporate strategy, even if the acronym ESG has become polarizing. Tim Mohin, director of climate and sustainability at BCG, discusses this evolution and what the next iteration might look like. One thing is clear: these goals aren’t going away even if companies stop talking about them.