Skip to main content

How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by ESG Business Institute -
Number of replies: 50

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)?

In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Jeremy Selvarajah -
in my opinion, a top to bottom is the best option with having as least a few members of the board to be part of the sustainable audit or ESG board. For the employees, knowledge of the direction of the company should be made readily available and understood as part of the culture of the organization.
In reply to Jeremy Selvarajah

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Alma Vasquez -
I believe, based on the expert opinions from the video, that first a strategy must be put in place from top to bottom, establishing goals at every level, top executives must be engaged, this is the most crucial so every employee will believe in those goals. The next thing would be to get data and feedback from employees and thirdly from external stakeholders. Afterwards, setup the ESG team and policies within the company to control that ESG is beng complied with in every department, especially production and procurement.
In reply to Alma Vasquez

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Herminio Jr. Cortez Runas -
ESG initiatives should start from the top to be more effective and cascades down to the bottom. Just like in a family, if there is a moral ascendancy that is being followed, so do in a business organisations.
In reply to Alma Vasquez

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Khadijah Nurdin -

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.

In reply to Jeremy Selvarajah

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Vijay Nadarajah -
There has to be a clear ESG Vision and Alignment - setting measurable ESG targets (e.g., reducing carbon emissions, promoting diversity, improving community impact).
In reply to Vijay Nadarajah

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Ee Beng Tan -

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. 

In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Sasho Boshevskl -
Well, ESG is long term process, and it is not the Managers who should work on this. This is process that should be acquired from all the members in the company from employees up to the Leaders. Of course, Leaders are the one who will implement the strategies, and the best effective way is to put in the company DNA, or simply as part of the company culture (values or purpose). By implementing the procedures and providing to the company, making sure everyone is aligned and organizing company monthly meetings and discuss the progress. Also, continuous learning and continuous practicing the process can help in successfully implementing ESG initiatives in the company.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Thevaraj Victor -
The key is to ensure that staff at all levels appreciate our reasons for implementing ESG and how it serves the mutual good.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Angeline Gonzales -
Best example for me for this is the policies that are set from bottom to top executives of the company. We make sure that everyone strictly complies with our own rules and policies.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by vanessa velazco -
Must be started by conducting a proper internal assessment to help identify key issues and possible solutions that can be implemented to improve and overcome such findings
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Usha Rani Packia Sithamparam -
In my opinion it is imperative that the top leaders, investors, decision markers fully understand the fundamentals of ESG, its impact both global and their organization. These fundamentals must be fully and effectively relayed to the entire workforce. Assess and analyze your current performance, profitability, governance, redefine or define your goals and objectives. Develop strategies, action plans, monitor, assess your performance and growth. Ensure ESG implementation compliance at all levels of management and operations with regular updates, meetings and KPI indexes.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Bernard Nathan -
Education is important, each and everyone in an organization must first fully comprehend and understand the importance of ESG, only then can be implemented effectively. Therefore more awareness about ESG and why its important to implement must first be establshed through trainings/workshops.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Kaushalya Sharon Samikanu -
To implement ESG initiatives in an organization, it is crucial to know the fundamentals, good and bad of it all. For that, courses/ trainings/ webinars/ seminars should be conducted. From there, an individual would have a better understanding about ESG which would make it easier to implement it into the organization's day to day operations.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Yube Willanda -
ESG implementation is a long process, but one thing that is important is that we have to believe that ESG creates values. since it is a long process, we have to be consistent. I believe that it has to start from the top, (the leader/manager) and go to the employees, leading by example.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Linges Warry Apparao -
Set a regular cadence of communication and updates for key stakeholders to continuously evaluate goals, update data, and compare best practices. By constantly monitoring your plans, you can stay apprised of adjustments that might be needed to stay on track toward your goals.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Vera Verawati -

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.

In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Mazrina Mahat -
ESG initiative can be implemented effectively by conducting an assessment among the employee to check their understanding and to get insight which ESG area should be focused to improve its impact to the organization. Next, is to create a baseline, amend the current policy to cater the ESG area that should be prioritized. Last but not least is to set an clear and achievable goals and to measure the KPI for each of the employees (from top to bottom) adhering to the ESG standard .
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Dr. Jenny (Sook Khuan) Wong -
Involvement from all the stakeholders (internal and external) with clear ESG direction and communication line among stakeholders
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Penchan Manawanichkul -
ESG Strategies need to be sponsored and managed by top managements, while the initiatives can come from across the organisation either lower, middle and high level as it will impact relevant stakeholders at large
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by AP Dr. Ratneswary Rasiah Rasiah -
Elements of ESG must be incorporated into the vision and mission statements of the organisation and into their value systems. More often than not, business tend to only focus on market share and profits. The senior leadership teams must be ESG role models who must purposely transform the organisation's culture of doing business. There must be incentive's tied to ESG initiatives to encourage employees to pursue ESG related projects and initiatives.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Veronica Red Pioquinto -
Using our own resources, ESG training courses should be made available to everyone in the company and that our people be highly encouraged take part in these courses. Leaders are to be proactive in advocating ESG within their teams and perhaps undergo specific training that could help leaders facilitate ESG practices within their team. We could also develop or adopt metrics that measure how ESG actually benefits employees. By showing how ESG practices are helpful, these responsible business practices within the company are then reinforced.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Joy Blessida Sinay -
I think buy-in from leaders down to employees is important for an effective implementation of ESG in an organization. To have this, however, requires that there is sufficient understanding of the company's philosophy or vision with regards to ESG - what is the company's core focus and how does it plan to achieve this? People also need to know what their role will be and how ESG will affect their work - if this means extra work for them, or if it will complicate their work. It is also important to lay out the roadmap for the company - from where it is to where it wants to be with ESG - clear action lines and corresponding performance metrics to monitor progress or identify areas for improvement.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Ivan Shin -
I believe ESG initiatives can be implemented effectively by following a few core steps in order to keep the strategy in check. This is because for each company, not all of the initiatives have the same priority. the fundamental step would be to conduct a materiality assessment and share it across the floor from top to bottom. By taking into account issues from a financial materiality perspective (impacts inward, focusing on the business) and environmental and social materiality perspective (impacts outwards – focusing on the company impact on the economy, environment, and people), Materiality assessments can be scaled to provide the right level of insight to jump-start the initiatives. These assessments can contain an integrated benchmarking exercise that helps to gather intel on the ESG maturity of competitors and analyze industry challenges, opportunities, and leading practices related to ESG. In turn, with such detailed level and scope of information, my organization can better pinpoint and/or assign matrixes of ESG to the respective level, further strengthening the core output.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Muhammad Shafiq Mohd Taib -

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.

In reply to Muhammad Shafiq Mohd Taib

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Siew Sim Lim -
the ‘how’ of a company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) proposition starts with DNA embrace that into company culture
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.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Laura Sofia Llanos -
Fostering effective ESG initiatives across the organizational spectrum demands a synchronized effort from leadership down to employees. This entails aligning strategic vision with sustainable actions, embedding ESG considerations into decision-making, and fostering a culture of responsibility. By championing transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement, the organization can holistically integrate ESG principles into its DNA, generating positive impacts for employees, customers, regulators, and society at large.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Fadzai Praise Musakana -
To effectively implement ESG efforts across all levels of a business, from top leadership to employees, a complete and integrated approach that fosters alignment, engagement, and accountability is required. Implementing ESG initiatives effectively across all levels of an organization, from top leadership to employees, requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that fosters alignment, engagement, and accountability. This includes : Clear Communication, Education and Training, Leadership Commitment and Technology and Data Management.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Marizabel Valencia Sánchez -
I resonated with Vindi's point on the significance of commitment and consistent effort for managing positive change within ESG. Building upon this, another crucial aspect he highlighted is ensuring that the ESG strategy becomes an intrinsic part of the leadership process. This underscores the necessity for continuous communication between executives and departmental leaders to ensure the effectiveness of these strategies. Such strategies should not operate in isolation; instead, organizations require a holistic perspective when constructing their business plans. Equally important is the establishment of an ESG governance culture that actively engages stakeholders.

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.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Duduzile Ludada -
ESG initiatives are aimed at improving a company's performance and impact in environmental, social, and governance areas. This can be done by Inclusion and commitment from Leadership and Board of Directors. Set Clear Goals and Targets that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) ESG goals and targets aligned with your company's overall strategy. These goals should address key material issues.
In reply to Duduzile Ludada

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Santiago Osorio Piedrahita -
ESG frameworks are important to sustainable investing because they can help individuals or other corporations determine whether the company is in alignment with their values, as well as analyse the ultimate worth of a company for their purposes.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Khaw Wei Jing -
Effectively implementing ESG initiatives throughout the organization necessitates strong commitment from leadership, comprehensive manager training, and active employee engagement. Leaders must establish a clear vision, allocate resources, and communicate the value of ESG alignment. Managers play a role by integrating ESG considerations into decision-making, fostering collaboration, and setting measurable goals. Employees should receive awareness-building initiatives and opportunities to contribute innovative ideas. Transparent monitoring and reporting mechanisms ensure accountability and alignment, resulting in successful ESG integration that benefits stakeholders at all levels.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Daniel Castañeda -
The organization's leadership, including the board of directors and top executives, must communicate a strong commitment to ESG initiatives, emphasizing their importance for long-term sustainability and value creation. In addition, it is necessary to integrate ESG considerations into the company's overall strategic planning and decision-making processes. This can involve setting specific ESG goals and targets that align with the organization's mission and values. Likewise, some of the aspects which would help to enhance leadership in companies (my work place) are: include all the members with expertise in sustainability, set a business strategy, train employees about the importance of ESG, maintain a transparent communication, provide metrics to evaluate the system and gather a collective feedback.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Juan Felipe Pinto Castelblanco -
Effective ESG adoption, in my opinion, necessitates a multifaceted strategy. Leaders or managers, depending on the case, should incorporate ESG into the organization's principles and emphasize its significance. For the employees, engagement requires training, workshops and open communication, so we can connect ESG performance metrics. One good idea is recognizing and rewarding efforts to the employees, to foster a culture of continual growth and dedication to ESG goals.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Muhammad Harith Zamsaimi -
I think, ESG can be implemented effectively from top to bottom with a few strategic long term plans. Firstly, the top which is the management level can be introduce first through briefings or webinars before introducing ESG to the lower level in the workforce. The bottom level of the company can then be introduced to ESG initiatives by having briefings or talks about the importance of practicing and implementing ESG.

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.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Cristina Mas Luengo -
To implement ESG effectively, it involves leadership commitment, clear strategy, communication, integration into decision-making, training, incentives, collaboration, metrics and reporting, feedback, sustainability culture, transparency, and continuous improvement.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Karen Ximena Serrato -
I believe that ESG strategis should be co-create with all the levels of a company.

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.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Hsiu-Yan Chan -
My organization's framework will need to pivot to prioritize consideration of long-term sustainability implications of decisions being made. This would include requiring discussion of long-term stakeholder implications (shareholders, employees, customers, community members) of each decision in funding decisions.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Sshreyas Hariharno -
It is possible when the organization is following sustainable business plan / frame along with keeping the employees/stakeholders engaged and open for feedbacks and prompt to take effective actions on them
In reply to Sshreyas Hariharno

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Ee Beng Tan -
Thanks Sshreyas, for your views. In my Opinion, I think the best way is to make sustainability sexy, which the profitibility grow along with impact. This can be done in various ways. One of it is actualy to encorporate ESG elements to the product or service design. ,
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Marzia Puya -
In my opinion, the knowledge of ESG must be clear for the top to bottom employees in the company, afterward they should set strategies and policies for ESG implementation for their company. firstly, the Decision Makers and executive managers should provide the awareness program regarding importance of ESG and current issues that world is facing now.
In reply to Marzia Puya

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Yudhi Pradhana -
Thank you Marzia. Agree that ESG journey should should be having a top-bottom approach with Company leaders spearheading the roadmap ahead, conduct ESG Materiality Assessments and ensure how ESG can add value to the business.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Nur Asmira Mohamad Afzan -
A comprehensive strategy should be adopted in order to implement ESG initiatives at our organization from top to bottom:
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.
In reply to Nur Asmira Mohamad Afzan

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Ee Beng Tan -

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.    

In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by YAWAT NGASSA Lods Kelly -
Implementing ESG initiatives takes time.
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.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Kaleab Alemu Zeleke -
To effectively implement ESG initiatives from top to bottom, boards and leaders must first establish clear, measurable goals and communicate them transparently across the organization. Leaders should model sustainable practices and provide training to ensure all employees understand the importance of ESG. Encouraging employee involvement through sustainability committees and recognizing their contributions can foster a culture of accountability and innovation. Additionally, integrating ESG metrics into performance evaluations and incentives can align individual efforts with organizational goals. This comprehensive approach ensures that ESG principles are embedded in every level of the organization, benefiting all stakeholders.
In reply to ESG Business Institute

Re: How can ESG initiatives be implemented effectively?

by Bertram Swartz -
Effective ESG implementation requires alignment and engagement across all levels of the organization, ensuring that leaders, managers, and employees contribute to sustainability goals. Here’s how ESG initiatives can be implemented effectively at my organization:

---
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.

---
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.

---
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.

---
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.

---
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.

---
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.

---
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.