Boards and leaders must evolve to oversee, enable, and support our ESG and sustainability strategies that will benefit various stakeholders such as employees, customers, regulators, and society. In your opinion, how can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively at your organization from top (leaders/managers) to bottom (employees)?
How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
Number of replies: 50Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
I feel the same too. Integration of ESG must be ingrained in an organisation's DNA. Not only does it require ongoing support from upper management, but it also requires a comprehensive system to ensure that all ESG requirements are effectively met.
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I completely agree with you on this.
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Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
I agree @vijay there must be a clear vision, and also setting measurable targets to achieve it. Everyone in the organisation must be empowered to work together towards that same 1 vision.
Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
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Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
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Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
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I have to agree that ESG is a long journey. Such a journey need consistency. So, in my opinion, eshtablishing a committee for doing this is not the only answer for this.
ESG must be embedded in company's DNA. Top management will be the best example to implement all the defined action followed by employees from any levels, because particular action need particular department to involve.
If things get hard to implement, setting rules will make it easier. Doing by example, disciplined by the rules will make ESG embedded in the company value on the long run.
Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
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Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
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Toning from the top by establishing the fundamentals, cascading it down with the right intent, energy, motivation and clarity. After all, human in nature is a good sentient being. With the right intent, energy and motivation, any employees who are human will do good not for the sake of the fundamentals alone but also because they are accountable and responsible to do good in their job.
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Leaders Need to make ESG intrinsic to their strategy by defining, implementing, and refining a carefully constructed portfolio of ESG initiatives that connect to the core of what they do.
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A shared sense of purpose fosters a more engaged, motivated, and aligned workforce, driving collaboration, innovation, and resilience while contributing to the organization's overall success and positive impact.
Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
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Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
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Other initiatives such as team/departmental contest within the organization for the implementation projects done by departments and sections of the company with awards and rewards to further assimilate the ESG mindset in the workforce. This kind of methods have been practiced by come companies for the implementation of Lean Improvement projects too.
Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
People are the most important part for an organization and I consider that their believes and opinions should be heard. If people take part for business's iniciative, probably the will have a better appropriation from the new culture and perspective of ESG.
Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
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1. Leader Commitment: ESG and sustainability strategies require the support of boards and leaders. In order to do this, initiatives must be supported, incorporated into the organization's mission, and given the funding necessary to succeed.
2. Integration into Strategic Goals: Make sure that ESG programs complement the company's strategic objectives. This guarantees the integration of sustainable practices into decision-making processes, thereby elevating them to a fundamental aspect of business operations.
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Love your second point Asmira. I do believe that ESG can only be sustainable if it is incorporated into overall business strategies, such as sales, cost control and etc. Otherwise, ESG will just be another CSR, a program that dress your company up without deeper value that people will forget and avoid both internally and externally.
Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
A clear vision, SMART objectives and measurable results must determine the scope of the initiative.
Early identification and engagement of stakeholders through inclusive communication and regular feedback can help sustain attention over the long term.
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Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?
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1. Leadership Commitment and Vision
- Action:* The board and senior leaders must define clear ESG priorities aligned with LHU’s values and operational goals.
- Implementation:
- Appoint a dedicated ESG officer or team to oversee strategy development and execution.
- Integrate ESG into the company’s mission statement and long-term strategic plans.
- Outcome: Leaders set the tone, demonstrating that ESG is central to business success.
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2. Governance and Accountability
- Action: Establish clear governance structures for ESG oversight.
- Implementation:
- Create an ESG committee at the board level to monitor progress.
- Define roles, responsibilities, and KPIs for ESG performance across all departments.
- Tie executive compensation or bonuses to ESG performance metrics.
- Outcome: Managers and leaders are held accountable for driving ESG goals.
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3. Managerial Enablement
- Action: Equip middle management to translate ESG goals into actionable plans.
- Implementation:
- Provide training to managers on integrating ESG into daily operations (e.g., resource efficiency, safety protocols).
- Encourage managers to identify opportunities for improvement, such as waste reduction or community engagement projects.
- Outcome: Managers become catalysts for operationalizing ESG strategies.
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4. Employee Engagement and Education
- Action: Foster an ESG culture across the workforce.
- Implementation:
- Offer training programs to educate employees on the importance of ESG and their role in achieving goals.
- Launch employee-driven sustainability programs, such as recycling or energy-saving initiatives.
- Recognize and reward employees who contribute innovative ideas for ESG improvements.
- Outcome: Employees feel empowered to contribute, driving grassroots-level change.
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5. Transparent Communication and Collaboration
- Action: Ensure clear communication of ESG goals, progress, and successes.
- Implementation:
- Regularly share updates through newsletters, town halls, or ESG-specific dashboards.
- Collaborate with external stakeholders (e.g., regulators, local communities) to align initiatives with broader sustainability needs.
- Outcome: Transparency fosters trust and ensures alignment across internal and external stakeholders.
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6. Measurement, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement
- Action: Track ESG performance and use insights to refine strategies.
- Implementation:
- Use standardized frameworks like GRI or SASB to measure progress.
- Regularly audit ESG initiatives to ensure effectiveness and compliance.
- Adjust strategies based on feedback and emerging trends in sustainability.
- Outcome: The organization continuously improves its ESG impact.
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Example: Cascading ESG at our organization
- Top-Down: The board commits to reducing carbon emissions by 30% by 2030, incorporating it into strategic plans.
- Middle-Out: Managers implement energy-saving technologies in mining operations.
- Bottom-Up: Employees participate in an energy awareness campaign, contributing ideas to optimize energy use.