The ESG and Sustainability Deskbook for Business: A Guide to Policy, Regulation, and Practice

The interest in sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) from stakeholders across all sectors is growing and will continue to do so as we are in the most pivotal decade for meeting the global goals on climate change and sustainable development. This book is a compendium of the international agreements, regulatory advancements, and current practicum to inform a 360-degree viewpoint of the organizations, frameworks, and stakeholders that shape the evolving landscape. Written in a straightforward and conversational tone, you’ll embark on a knowledge journey on the progression of ESG and sustainability and how it directly shapes and informs current practice. It provides insights, discussion, and topical briefings as a side-by-side reader to accompany the rise of ESG and sustainability in business and the markets. The flow of information and reader education begins with the origins of sustainability in international treaties and policy. It then moves on to theadvent and differentiation of ESG, sustainability, and social responsibility; provides substantive issue briefings on the key “E,” “S,” and “G” factors. You’ll continue by walking through the global regulatory and standards paradigms; delve into ESG ratings and indices; and examine in-depth analysis of the respective roles of the corporation, the financial and investment sector, the international bodies, the business interest groups, the NGOs and third-party organizations, and the philanthropic community. You’ll also see that corporations and investors are advancing ESG and sustainability strategies and programs at a record pace. What were once regarded as “nice-to-have” initiatives with voluntary reporting have moved into the regulated sphere with mandatory public disclosures and reporting requirements on greenhouse gas emissions, climate risk and transition planning, biodiversity and nature-related impacts, supply chain transparency, anti-bribery and corruption, humanrights, human capital, and board diversity. The ESG and Sustainability Deskbook for Business threads the needle with best practices, case studies, and takeaways to illustrate the applications and to enhance understanding. What You Will Learn Study the progression of ESG and sustainability and how related considerations increasingly drive business, policy, and economic decisions Review Takeaways and best practices to provide insights and discussion points Understand the critical differences between ESG, social responsibility, and sustainability Who This Book is For ESG and Sustainability Practitioners (across all sectors), Corporate leadership, Tech sector (a key growth area for compliance, reporting, and GHG accounting), Investors, Compliance, risk, legal, and corporate governance professionals, Management and board consultants