[author: Charlotte Emerson]

Today, society has increasing expectations of the role businesses should play in tackling some of the planet’s biggest challenges, such as climate change and social justice issues. Environmental, social and governance is a set of standards measuring a business's impact on society, the environment and how transparent and accountable an organization is. Companies that adhere to ESG principles agree to ethical conduct in those three areas and help to bring about positive change in supply and value chains.

While much of the ESG attention is being paid to large enterprise organization, small- and- medium- sized businesses (SMBs) have an equal role as global organizations regarding ESG responsibility and playing their part. This article explores five reasons why SMBs should pay attention to ESG matters.

Social attention to sustainability

The general population is growing more concerned and knowledgeable about ESG matters. With that, consumers increasingly aware of climate change and human rights issues want to know where their products come from, who made them, and what materials were used. In short, people want to know the companies they buy from care about doing things the right way and are ethically and sustainably producing products. The ‘E’ and ‘S’ have never been so important.

Companies – no matter the size – purchase decisions. Authenticity is crucial here – companies need to ensure their ESG efforts are viewed not as ancillary but as fundamental to furthering the company’s mission. ESG efforts should be anchored in the company’s business strategy, ambition, and culture to ensure authenticity. If a company behaves unethically, it may find itself hitting news and media headlines, taking a huge reputational hit.

ESG efforts should be anchored in the company’s business strategy, ambition, and culture to ensure authenticity.

Transparency demand from investors

The attention devoted to ESG matters is rising among new and experienced investors. While occasionally viewed as controversial, investors increasingly perceive ESG as critical to a company's long-term success. Consequently, they frequently demand comprehensive reports before making investment decisions. For instance, companies that thoroughly monitor their supply chains and prioritize production sustainability could benefit from potential business and funding opportunities.

ESG reporting serves as a tool to hold institutions accountable for their operations. It acts as a driving force for positive change, aligning with frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Businesses that excel in ESG factors tend to be more resilient against emerging challenges and enjoy increased stability.

ESG reporting serves as a tool to hold institutions accountable for their operations.

ESG laws

Currently, an overarching piece of legislation covers only some ESG factors worldwide. However, the landscape of ESG compliance and disclosure is complicated, with some regulations being optional and others mandatory for specific ESG factors. Companies must follow laws on certain ESG factors such as code of conduct, bribery, modern slavery, greenhouse gas reporting, etc. In addition, many new ESG policies and legislation are currently being developed. The following are examples of current ESG legislation across the world.

UK ESG requirements

• Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) and Investment Labels by Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
• Diversity and Inclusion on Company Boards and Executive Committees by FCA
• Climate-related Disclosure Requirements by FCA

U.S. ESG requirements

• Climate Disclosures for Public Companies by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
• California – Climate Corporate Accountability Act (CCAA) by California Secretary of State Office
• Climate-related Financial Risks and Insurers by U.S. Federal Insurance Office (FIO)

EU ESG requirements

• Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) by European Commission (EC)

Japan ESG requirements

• Mandatory Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) reporting for prime segment listed companies by regulatory body, Japan Financial Services Agency (FSA)

However, these legal changes to the regulatory landscape are more than just a compliance requirement. They allow businesses to make fundamental choices and changes in how they approach their long-term ESG business strategy. Abiding by new laws and openly communicating their approach to employees and customers shows dedication to doing things right. In addition, it is predicted that ESG laws will become mandatory over time, so SMBs should stay ahead of the curve.

Better financial performance

ESG and overall corporate financial performance share a deep connection. Embracing sustainable and ethical practices enhances a company’s profits. It brings cost-saving benefits, such as going paperless, reducing energy usage, and recycling goods. There are also many instances where ESG principles and disclosure will ultimately help avoid legal fines as more attention is paid to these frameworks and practices. By implementing a comprehensive approach to ESG, companies can effectively address rising operational expenses and create a more sustainable business.

Moreover, as previously highlighted, customers are likelier to engage and buy from business that prioritize ESG issues such as sustainability and diversity, equity and inclusion. Those companies that take their strategies to a higher level tend to outperform their competitors significantly.

By implementing a comprehensive approach to ESG, companies can effectively address rising operational expenses and create a more sustainable business.

ESG practices are the right thing to do

As global challenges like COVID-19, climate change, supply chain issues, and economic inequality force leaders to rethink how business is done, it’s clear that traditional profit maximization methods are no longer sufficient.

Instead, businesses from SMB to large enterprise need new strategies that will drive equitable growth and long-term prosperity that protects and preserves the environment and focuses on a sustainable future. It is not only better for the bottom line for companies to be invested in sustainability and ethical practices, but it is also their duty. How businesses operate sets a considerable standard and influences the rest of society in acting on environmental, social and governance issues.

View original article at Risk & Compliance Matters