The Ten Commandments of ESG Practice

Being the Holy week leading up to Easter, and a time to reflect upon issues of faith and salvation, I was given to musing what the Ten Commandments of ESG practice might be. Though a Divine revelation would be more widely heeded for the sake of solving the world’s pressing issues, here’s a humble take to get the discussion rolling, with links to relevant and interesting resources inclusive. More discussion, more awareness and more action is hoped for, of course!

The Ten Commandments of ESG Practice

1.    Though shalt not Greenwash

2.    Thou shalt strive for traceability in your value chain

3.    Thou shalt Know Your Customer

4.    Thou shalt support unified reporting standards

5.    Thou shalt verify and validate data

6.    Thou shalt plan for life-cycle product sustainability

7.    Thou shall practice fair trade and fair labour

8.    Thou shalt be sceptical about Green/Blue claims and labels  

9.    Thou shalt respect and strive for workplace Diversity 

10. Thou shalt be a Steward of the Earth  

With more following ESG principles more religiously for fear of stakeholder damnation, one hopes that damage done can be reversed, abuses and future disasters averted, towards a more equitable and sustainable world for all. After all, we have just this one Earth; there is no Planet B.

 Which Commandment would you change or add? Let’s hear from you.