Welcome to ESG Insights
This is the very first edition of our monthly round up of all-things ESG. We'll be busting myths, sharing key news, and letting you know what will be expected of your organisation and when.
? Future editions will be sent via email. If you would like to receive these monthly insights, sign up here to make sure you don't miss out on this rapidly evolving topic.
Whether you're new to ESG or well versed in what it means, this newsletter will support you with its evolution.
ESG ESSENTIALS | The What, the Why & the How
In the current climate of modern business practices, ESG?commands significant attention. Let's take a look at this in a bit more detail:
?? What is ESG? ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. It's a framework that helps companies assess and improve their impact on the planet, society, and their internal governance.
?? Why is ESG important? ESG isn't just about being socially responsible; it's about smart business. Companies that embrace ESG tend to have better reputations, manage risks effectively, and secure access to capital. It's a win-win for your bottom line and the world.
??? How do you implement ESG? It starts with assessment. Identify your strengths and weaknesses in each ESG area. Set clear goals aligned with your company's strategy. Integrate ESG into your decision-making, report progress transparently, and keep improving.
ESG isn't a trend; it's a transformation in how we do business. Sign up now for our upcoming ESG Insights editions as we delve deeper into each aspect of ESG, and how this can help support your business!
DIRECTORS BRIEFING | Busting Myths Around ESG
With ESG being so new yet fast paced, there are myths and misconceptions about what it means and what you may need to do. As the world increasingly turns its attention to sustainability and responsible business practices, it's crucial to dispel the fog and get a deeper understanding of what good ESG principles look like.
This Directors Briefing will demystify ESG and answer key questions, including:
ESMA Progress Report on Greenwashing in EU Financial Sector
‘Greenwashing’ — where sustainability-related statements, declarations, actions, or communications don’t fairly and clearly reflect the underlying sustainability profile of an entity, product or service — has become an area of significant concern, particularly in the European financial sector.
In May 2022, the European Commission issued a request to European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) to help them combat greenwashing. The Commission wanted to gain clarity on the definition of greenwashing, how it manifests in the financial sector, associated risks, enforcement of sustainable finance policies to counteract it, and means to strengthen the regulatory framework.
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) produced a detailed report in response to this request.
One-Stop-Shop to Help Businesses Save Money and Go Green
British businesses will be able to access new advice and support to reduce their energy bills and cut their carbon emissions from the UK Business Climate Hub.
The UK Business Climate Hub includes a free carbon calculator and a suite of new tools to help businesses measure, track, and report on their emissions and save money by using less energy.
It offers detailed advice on everything from sourcing products from green suppliers and reducing emissions from freight and logistics to the most cost-effective ways of installing solar panels and electric vehicle (EV) charging points.
Whistleblowing and Gagging Clauses
Published by the House of Commons Library, this briefing covers legal protections for workers who whistleblow at work, as well as attempts to silence workers using settlement agreements.
领英推荐
22% of UK Employees Report Facing Discrimination in the Workplace
More than a fifth of UK employees say that they have faced discrimination in the workplace because of their identity, however this figure was lower than in the U.S. and other European countries, according to new research.
The findings for people in the UK among under-represented groups suggested more experiences of discrimination, with a figure of 45% for black people and 41% for people from an Asian background.
UK Government Plans Sustainability Disclosure Standards
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) has announced they will publish UK Sustainability Disclosure Standards (SDS). They will be based on the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) inaugural Sustainability Disclosure Standards:
These Standards, published in June 2023, are designed to provide a global baseline of sustainability-related disclosures for capital markets.
OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct Updated
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have updated their Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct.
Originally introduced in 1976, the guidelines are a set of recommendations for multinational enterprises to enhance the business contribution to sustainable development. They seek to address adverse impacts on people, the planet, and society that are associated with business activities.
This article covers the?key updates in this latest edition.
WEBINAR | Case Study: Ensuring & Demonstrating ESG In Your Supply Chain
?? According to a 2022 KPMG survey, 69% of CEOs reported a higher demand from stakeholders, such as customers and investors, for increased reporting and transparency on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG).
But how do you take ESG into consideration when it comes to your external providers and suppliers? And how could their practices impact your organisation? In September,?we hosted a webinar ?covering some of these opportunities?and the associated benefits and challenges. Our speakers explored these key areas:
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If you're interested in booking a demo or speaking to one of our friendly team members regarding any of our comprehensive, supportive and unrivalled products,?contact us today!
Kind Regards,
The Barbour Team
t:?0845 300 0241