Top ESG Trends for Enterprise companies to watch in Year 2023

This page are the ESG trends to watch in 2023, providing insights into the regulatory perspective in the US, UK, and Europe, the development of ESG, and the voices of people and governing bodies. It will also delve into how technology is assisting ESG programmes within enterprises, new ESG-related job opportunities, and ESG services that can help bridge the gap and maintain robust ESG programmes within any budget.

ESG at Speeki

Brief Overview of ESG

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors have become vital considerations for businesses and investors around the world.

ESG encompasses a wide range of issues, from climate change and resource scarcity to labour practices and corporate board diversity.

In recent years, these factors have moved from the fringes of finance and business to the mainstream, as stakeholders increasingly demand more sustainable and socially responsible practices.

Importance of ESG in Today's Business Landscape

The rise of ESG can be attributed to various factors, each contributing to its increasing significance in the global business landscape:

  • Changing Consumer Preferences: Today's consumers are more environmentally conscious and socially aware. They prefer products and services from companies that demonstrate responsible practices and values aligning with their own.
  • Evolving Regulatory Environments: Governments worldwide are implementing stricter regulations to ensure companies follow sustainable practices, adhere to ethical norms, and maintain transparency in their governance.
  • Financial Performance and Risk Management: Companies are realizing that strong ESG performance can lead to better financial outcomes, while poor ESG performance can pose significant risks. Investors are increasingly integrating ESG factors into their decision-making processes to mitigate potential risks.
  • Societal Pressure and Activism: Increased activism from social movements and non-profit organizations is pressuring corporations to adopt responsible practices, further pushing ESG considerations to the forefront.
  • Employee Expectations: Current and prospective employees are looking to work for companies that are committed to ESG principles, which is pushing businesses to improve their ESG performance to attract and retain talent.

This page aims to explore the top ESG trends to watch in 2023, providing insights into the regulatory perspective in the US, UK, and Europe, the development of ESG, and the voices of people and governing bodies.

It will also delve into how technology is assisting ESG programmes within enterprises, new ESG-related job opportunities, and ESG services that can help bridge the gap and maintain robust ESG programmes within any budget.

Evolution of ESG: Voices from People and Governing Bodies

The Role of Public Opinion in Shaping ESG Trends

Public opinion plays a big role in shaping ESG trends. This means that what people think and believe about environmental, social, and governance issues can influence how companies behave and what they prioritise.

This shift in public sentiment is pushing companies to prioritise ESG and is reflected in the evolving regulatory landscape.

Major ESG Milestones and Developments in 2023

In 2023, several major milestones and developments have further cemented the importance of ESG.

  • ESG has now become mainstream with ESG issues being on the lead stories of most major newspapers everyday
  • Over 80 countries now have laws or regulations that regulate ESG reporting
  • There are over 2000 different regulations now in place that require some form of reporting of ESG related metrics
  • The EU has now increased their requirements on the requirements of more companies to have a whistle-blower system in place (an essential part of ESG)
  • The EU has now started to implement a new directive on supplier due diligence and removing the risk of human rights and environmental issues appearing in the supply chain

Insights from Key Governing Bodies on ESG Development

Key governing bodies around the world have also echoed the importance of ESG, issuing guidelines and regulations that encourage or require companies to consider these factors.

  • Over 80 countries already have laws on reporting ESG
  • ESG continues to be driven by NGO’s who are setting standards around financial disclosures, and global reporting initiatives

Regulatory Perspectives: A Comparative Analysis of US, UK, and Europe

ESG Regulations in the US: Recent Changes and Impacts

In the United States, ESG regulation has evolved significantly in 2023. Key developments include:

  • SEC's ESG Disclosures: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has amplified its emphasis on ESG disclosures, urging corporations to provide more detailed and accurate data regarding their ESG performance.
  • Climate Risk Disclosures: Climate risk disclosures have been given particular attention, with companies required to provide insight into how their operations and strategies are impacted by climate change.
  • Impact of Regulatory Changes: These changes have encouraged more transparency and accountability among US corporations, leading to an overall increase in ESG compliance and performance.

A Look at the UK's ESG Regulatory Landscape in 2023

The UK has also seen significant changes in its ESG regulatory landscape:

  • Mandatory TCFD-aligned Disclosures: The UK government has made it mandatory for certain businesses to disclose their climate-related financial risks in line with the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
  • Pension Fund Regulations: UK pension funds are now required to consider ESG factors in their investment decisions, reflecting the growing importance of ESG in investment management.
  • Impact of Regulatory Changes: These developments have led to a surge in ESG integration in business strategies and operations within the UK, enhancing the nation's commitment to sustainability.

European Union's Approach to ESG: Notable Regulations and Their Effects

The European Union (EU) continues to lead the way in ESG regulation:

  • EU Taxonomy Regulation: The EU Taxonomy Regulation, a classification system establishing a list of environmentally sustainable economic activities, has been fully implemented, guiding investors and businesses towards more sustainable technologies and activities.
  • Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR): The SFDR requires financial market participants and advisers to make pre-contractual disclosures on how they integrate ESG factors into their risk processes, providing more transparency for investors.
  • Impact of Regulatory Changes: These regulatory measures have further solidified the EU's position as a global leader in ESG, fostering a more sustainable and resilient economy.

The Role of Technology in ESG Governance: A Look at New Software and Tools

Importance of Tech in Facilitating ESG Programmes

Technology plays a pivotal role in facilitating ESG programmes within enterprises. From collecting and analysing ESG data to improving transparency and reporting, technology can enhance a company's ESG performance in various ways:

  • Building ESG profiles and programmes: there is a need to build an ESG programme using an established framework and entering that data in to a technology platform so it can be used to report out status, objectives and performance
  • Incident Management: tech platforms are expanding the use of whistleblower platforms so that anyone can report matters through to the company on ESG related incidents and companies have a mechanism to review and investigate these issues.
  • Survey and disclosure tools: tools within the tech platform to engage with employee or partners, conduct surveys, collect disclosures as part of the information gathering supporting ESG programmes
  • Transparency and Reporting: Tech platforms can streamline ESG reporting and increase transparency, making it easier for stakeholders to understand a company's ESG performance.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Technology can also aid in stakeholder engagement, allowing companies to communicate their ESG initiatives and progress more effectively.
  • Data Collection and Analysis: Advanced tech tools can help companies collect, monitor, and analyse ESG data, leading to better decision-making.

Emerging Software Solutions for ESG Management

To succeed in these roles, professionals need a range of skills:

  • ESG Reporting and Data Platforms: These platforms aggregate ESG data from various sources, enabling companies to track their performance against ESG metrics more easily.
  • AI (Artificial Intelligence) and Machine Learning in ESG: AI and Machine Learning tools are being used to predict ESG risks and opportunities, helping companies to make more informed decisions.

Case Studies of Enterprises Effectively Utilising Tech in ESG

A good example of a case study is the use of a ESG system with an embedded incident management/whistleblowing system as a solution to the supply chain risks of human rights and environmental issues.  

More and more legislation requires companies to give their supply chain and any members of the public a voice to specifically report ESG relevant issues to the company without fear of retribution and anonymously if preferred.

Job Market Trends: The Rising Demand for ESG-related Roles

Overview of ESG-related Job Openings in 2023

The demand for ESG-related roles has surged in 2023, reflecting the growing importance of ESG in the business world. Key ESG roles include:

  • ESG Analysts: These professionals analyse a company's ESG performance and provide insights to guide decision-making.
  • ESG Consultants: ESG Consultants help companies develop and implement ESG strategies to improve their performance.
  • Sustainability Officers: Sustainability Officers oversee a company's sustainability initiatives, ensuring they align with ESG standards.

Key Skills Required for ESG Roles

To succeed in these roles, professionals need a range of skills:

  • Understanding of ESG Frameworks: A solid understanding of ESG frameworks and standards is crucial.
  • Analytical Skills: The ability to analyse ESG data and draw meaningful conclusions is vital.
  • Communication Skills: ESG professionals need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, from employees to investors.

Impact of ESG Job Growth on the Broader Job Market

The growth in ESG jobs is having a broader impact on the job market, driving the demand for ESG skills across various roles and industries.

This trend is likely to continue, further emphasizing the importance of ESG competence in the professional world.

ESG Services to Address the Gap: An Overview of Affordable and Effective Solutions

The Need for ESG Services in 2023

As companies strive to improve their ESG performance, many are seeking external assistance through ESG services.

These services can help companies identify gaps in their ESG performance, develop strategies to address these gaps, and monitor their progress over time.

Speeki offers wide-range of ESG solutions and services to help enterprise enhancing existing ESG programme or start from scratch.

During the discovery process, Speeki will work with your stakeholder to identify gaps, design and build. No matter what risk area we work on, we apply the same methodology in building a system to manage ESG risk.

Review of Cost-Effective ESG Services for Businesses of All Sizes

A range of ESG services have emerged in 2023 to cater to businesses of all sizes:

  • ESG Programme Assessments and Consulting Services: These services help businesses develop and implement robust ESG strategies. They can be particularly useful for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that lack in-house ESG expertise.
  • ESG Reporting Tools: These tools streamline the ESG reporting process, making it easier for businesses to communicate their ESG performance to stakeholders.
  • ESG Training Services: These services provide training to employees at all levels of the organization, fostering a culture of ESG awareness and responsibility.

There is clearly a focus on ESG by all companies, both large and small.  

These companies are looking at ESG because, they are required to do so by a law or regulation, are being required to do so by a partner/customer/investor, or because they see the value in ESG and actively pursuing it. Whatever the reason, there is a growth of companies investing in the development of ESG.

The Future of ESG: Predictions and Expectations

Here are the top 5 predictions in the next 12 months:

  • ESG will continue to become larger and more mainstream
  • More and more ESG technology solutions will be developed and enter into the market providing solutions to companies of all sizes
  • Regulations around reporting will continue and increase in complexity
  • There will be a shortage of experts in these areas and a lack of skilled workers that can develop ESG strategy an programmes
  • Governments and investors will start to choose who thy do business with based on ESG issues with those failing to have a ESG strategy to be the main lsoers.

Final Thoughts and Encouragement for ESG Adoption

There needs to be a clear ESG strategy developed by all companies.  

There is value to the company, its stakeholders and also the planet in building a comprehensive strategy and then managing its performance to add the most value to the World’s most pressing issues.

Done well, ESG can be a revenue enabler and a value driver.

Speeki is the ESG solution for whistleblowing and reporting for suppliers and the community.

Want to know more? Attend one of our Speeki Academy workshops or reach out to a salesperson for a demonstration.