What is ESG data and how can it benefit your business?

Social Corporate Responsibility (CSR) is a buzzword that has resounded loudly in the business environment for some years now. Companies are increasingly realizing that their actions are not limited to the economic dimension, but also have an impact on society and, above all, the environment (which environmentalists are also sounding the alarm about). As the concept of CSR has evolved, new terms have emerged to define these activities more precisely.

One of them is ESG data, which plays an important role in the pursuit of sustainable development and responsible business. Below, we explain what they refer to what they mean for companies in various industries and how using them can benefit your company.

ESG data – or what?

ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) data concerns information on a company’s activities as well as performance on environmental, corporate social responsibility and governance aspects. Thus, they aim to assess and measure the impact of business activities on:

• Environment – in this regard means issues related to greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, water management, waste management, nature conservation and climate change,
• Community – the company’s impact on external stakeholders (partners, suppliers, the local community, etc.) and internal stakeholders, i.e. employees (including working conditions, diversity in employment, equality in the workplace, etc.),
• The way of governing an organization – refers to management ethics, corporate responsibility, regulatory compliance, transparency of operations or independence of regulators.

Why does ESG data matter?

Nowadays, companies are increasingly judged on their financial performance and whether they sustainably conduct their business. ESG data is therefore essential for business, as it affects a company’s image and reputation (both internally and externally), as well as the long-term value the company brings with it.

It is also worth mentioning that legislation (e.g., implemented last year in the EU) is increasingly forcing companies (mainly listed companies) to report this type of information. Forcing selected companies to do so is expected to lead to positive results for the planet and the community as a whole, in line with the concept of sustainable development.

ESG data control – benefits for the company

While it is a legal obligation for many companies to collect, analyze and present ESG data, we can point out its key benefits. The most important ones are:

1. External image of the company

Whether a company conducts its business following the concept of sustainable development is paid attention to by various stakeholder groups – starting with job applicants, through business partners, and ending with customers who buy products or use services. Focusing on environmental, social and governance issues can help build a positive corporate image and increase trust in the brand, which often translates into results. This issue can be particularly important for investors who are considering where to put their capital, increasingly taking environmental or social issues into account when making investment decisions.

2. Innovation and competitiveness

Focusing on ESG data is also a way to spur innovation. After all, caring for the environment and the internal and external community effectively stimulates the development of new technologies and, by extension, products and services that are greener and meet the growing expectations of customers or investors. Such behavior, in turn, can bring benefits in the area of greater consumer loyalty, easier access to new markets and segments as well as better opportunities to obtain financing for operations. Moreover, these types of companies are adequately prepared for planned changes in the regulatory and social environment, which gives them a competitive advantage in the market.

3. Financial results

Actions related to key aspects of the sustainability concept can also contribute to improving a company’s financial performance – improving operational results and increasing efficiency. This is because entities that consciously manage ESG data effectively reduce costs and minimize risks associated with regulations, climate change, social expectations and other external factors. We can even claim that by their actions they are staying ahead of upcoming changes, which allows them to maintain a stable position in the market.

ESG data – summary

There is no denying that companies in various industries are currently under increasing pressure in the area of implementing effective corporate social responsibility practices – in caring for both the environment and internal and external stakeholders. Precisely because of this fact, ESG data is becoming a valuable tool for assessing and making strategic decisions in various areas of business conducted.

Their inclusion in the company’s strategy allows it to act responsibly and positively influence the external environment. Nowadays, such a differentiator can help you succeed in the market in the long term – and certainly maintain your position with increasing expectations from consumers, partners and regulators.

If you like our content, join our busy bees community on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, TikTok.