ESGenius
The Consideration ESG Implementation and Innovation Community is a practical Framework; a structured and inclusive way to enable the subjects that comprise ESG, and related UN Goals, to be discussed, prioritized and implemented by relevant stakeholders.
It’s important to realize that the entire workforce are stakeholders in this process and are a key resource who will initiate and implement Sustainability, Innovative change and agreed Policy. Similarly, within the Community, management will play a role in making sure that ESG transformation is always a subject which is uppermost in everyone’s mind.
In short: everyone is involved; everyone in the company participates at their level of comfort and ability.
Enabling best practice
To enable best practice and Continuous Innovation, the best method to use is Company-wide or departmentally-based Challenges.
Such Challenges should be initiated monthly or, if with varying target audiences, can be run simultaneously, each overseen by appointed Managers or Moderators.
In addition, and in order to maximize Inclusion, you can make available an “always on” Challenge whereby any bright idea can be suggested by anyone in the workforce. Reports being generated for management and or Team Leaders’ consideration.
Subject areas
The community will address and seek stakeholder inputs on all E, S and G matters.
We note that in practice it is the social area that will generate most discussion and activity consistent with both ESG ethos and also inputs related to productivity and competitive advantage. That is because “S” is a wide subject including how organisations treat their workforce and their behaviour in business relationships, their supply chain, and their interaction with their local community.
Subjects discussed within Social – and where staff will have autonomy to put forward innovative ideas - will be consistent with The United Nation’s Strategic Development Goals.
For example:
SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-Being: contributing to good health and well-being for all, such as providing healthcare and operational health and safety programs for employees. SDG 5 - Gender Equality: such as increasing women’s representation and managing gender discrimination complaints. SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities (employing non-discrimination practices in the workplace and creating an inclusive work environment.
Subjects also discussed within Social will include the following: Diversity & Inclusion; Workforce Engagement Modern Slavery; Executive Remuneration; Community & Social Value. We note that involving employees in matters related to family-friendly policies such as flexi-working, job-sharing, on-site childcare and enhanced parental leave helps improve workforce productivity and a company’s ability to attract, motivate and retain talented employees of all genders
N.B. Corporate Governance reporting also favours workforce engagement measures, so there will often be an overlap with obligations under the Governance pillar of ESG.
Environment
Regular workforce and stakeholder engagement via Challenges will cover the subjects below. The purpose is not an academic exercise but rather to get ideas and initiatives from those responsible or involved or interested in these matters. Outputs will be Innovative ideas which be of significance in improving your overall environmental stewardship.
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, monitoring and reporting
impact on the environment (e.g., biodiversity)
circular economy
waste management & hazard regulation
permitting, pollution and contamination
carbon regulation and renewable energy
Governance
Subjects here relate to enhancing policies and practices pertaining to a Company’s mission, ethics, accountability and transparency. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) discussions and suggestions- that help an organization become socially accountable to itself, its stakeholders and the public should also take place.
Local Community
Community and public consultations can also be managed within this remit. This relates to developing strong relationships with the communities in which you operate. Purposeful and inclusive stakeholder engagement is a key tactic to improve environmental citizenship, reduce reputational risks, and foster mutually beneficial relationships between business and local people.
Reporting
In regard to reporting outputs, Companies should report on employee related ESG activity and outcomes with the same level of diligence as they do for data provided in an Annual Report. Such reporting should also be mapped against the company’s progress related to the UN’s SDGs
Conclusion
ESG must be at the heart of your company and in the minds of every person - as employees and as members of the human race.