ESG

Interest on the part of investors and other corporate stakeholders in environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) matters has surged in recent years, and the current economic, public health and social justice crises have only intensified this focus. ESG, at its core, is a means by which companies can be evaluated with respect to a broad range of socially desirable ends. ESG describes a set of factors used to measure the non-financial impacts of particular investments and companies. At the same time, ESG also provides a range of business and investment opportunities

Environmental criteria examine how a company performs as a steward of the planet. Social criteria examine how a company manages relationships with employees, suppliers, customers, and the communities where it operates. Governance defines a set of rules and best practices, along with a series of processes that determine how an organisation is managed and controlled.

The growing demand for truly sustainable investments masks some tensions. While there is some pushback against ESG, for example legislation in some US states threatening businesses with missions like cutting carbon emissions or DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion), there are also increasing calls for better ESG standards, greater transparency, and rejection of greenwashing. Governments, recognizing the importance of stronger ESG governance, are adopting new regulations to govern standards and reporting.