Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG) for Corporate Sustainability
A large number of corporate governance standards internationally
The corporate governance policy "Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance (ESG)" aims to be integrated into the overall policy of the corporate organisation and create corporate value by expanding three aspects of goals. When formulating policies, we systematically identify, assess and manage risks and opportunities in sustainable development and address the relationship between all stakeholders (including but not limited to customers, suppliers and employees) and the environment.
Environmental: Concerns about climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, deforestation, environmental pollution, energy efficiency and water resource management, and effective responses at the corporate level.
Social: Pay attention to employee safety and health, working environment conditions, "diversity, equity and inclusion", and internal and external conditions of conflicts and humanitarian crises, evaluate the direct results of related "risks and rewards", and plan the right strategies to improve customer satisfaction and employee engagement.
Corporate Governance: Formulate policies on preventing bribery and corruption, diversity within the board of directors, compensation adjustments for senior executives, cybersecurity, privacy practices, and management structures within the company.
Let’s take a look at how the Big Four accounting firms advise their clients to incorporate ESG strategies into their annual and sustainability reports:
KPMG: KPMG emphasises creating bespoke sustainability and ESG reports tailored to a corporation's unique operations and regulatory environment. Their approach involves benchmarking against industry peers, assessing data quality, and aligning with global frameworks such as GRI and SASB. By offering third-party assurance services, KPMG helps corporations enhance transparency, build trust with stakeholders, and mitigate risks associated with greenwashing or regulatory scrutiny.
Deloitte: Deloitte focuses on integrating ESG reporting into a company’s broader strategy to drive brand reputation and stakeholder trust. Their services include improving data quality, strengthening governance, and aligning ESG disclosures with emerging regulations. Deloitte highlights the multidimensional benefits of ESG reporting, such as operational efficiencies, risk reduction, and enhanced talent retention, helping companies unlock market value while meeting stakeholder expectations.
PwC: PwC specialises in helping corporations design comprehensive ESG reports that align with international frameworks like TCFD and SASB. They emphasise clear communication of ESG goals, progress, and measurable outcomes to enhance credibility. PwC also provides assurance services to validate sustainability data, ensuring accuracy and fostering stakeholder confidence in a corporation’s commitment to sustainability.
EY: EY focuses on helping corporations develop sustainability strategies that integrate ESG metrics into core business operations. They offer advisory services to align reporting with global standards while addressing challenges, like data collection and quality. EY’s approach emphasises transparency, enabling corporations to showcase their sustainability efforts authentically and improve brand reputation among investors and consumers.
"Although 92% of S&P companies were reporting ESG metrics by the end of 2020, according to a 2020 BlackRock survey of clients, 53% of global respondents cited “poor quality or availability of ESG data and analytics” and another 33% cited “poor quality of sustainability investment reporting” as the two biggest barriers to adopting sustainable investing..." ~ Deloitte
＊ ＊ ＊
全球採取 ESG 策略的企業或組織如下：
British American Tobacco (BAT): BAT has achieved a 33.1% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2020 and aims for net-zero across its value chain by 2050. Its sustainability strategy focuses on reducing waste, water use, and emissions while promoting smokeless products through its "A Better Tomorrow" initiative.
Nedbank Group: Nedbank, Africa’s first carbon-neutral bank, integrates climate considerations into its operations, aiming for net-zero by 2050. It supports biodiversity, renewable energy projects, and community initiatives like tree planting and nature conservation while reducing financed emissions and aligning with the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Novartis: Novartis targets carbon neutrality in operations by 2025 and across its value chain by 2030, with net-zero by 2040. It emphasises sustainable product development, water conservation, waste reduction, and renewable energy adoption while collaborating with industry partners to decarbonise the pharmaceutical sector.
Lenovo: Lenovo aims for net-zero by 2050, focusing on sustainable product design, renewable energy, and circular economy practices. Its initiatives include using recycled materials in products, reducing emissions during transport, and innovative solutions like liquid cooling technology. Lenovo’s efforts have earned recognition for advancing sustainability standards.
Ørsted: Ørsted leads in renewable energy sustainability, achieving top rankings for decarbonisation. It pioneers net-zero wind farms and biodiversity initiatives like blue bonds. By integrating low-carbon materials and green vessels into projects like Hornsea 3, Ørsted advances sustainable energy solutions globally.
McKinsey: McKinsey integrates sustainability into its consulting services, helping clients address climate challenges and adopt sustainable practices. Internally, it focuses on reducing emissions, promoting diversity, and supporting environmental initiatives. McKinsey leverages its expertise to drive systemic change, aligning business strategies with global sustainability goals for a more resilient future.
Alphabet: Alphabet, Google's parent company, has committed $5.75 billion in sustainability bonds to initiatives like clean energy, green buildings, and circular economy projects. It aims for net-zero emissions by 2030 across operations while advancing racial equity and affordable housing. Alphabet leverages technology to address climate change and promote global sustainability.
Intel: Intel targets net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 through renewable energy use, green chemistry innovations, and energy-efficient manufacturing. It collaborates across the semiconductor industry to reduce environmental impacts and replace harmful chemicals while investing $300 million in energy conservation at its facilities to drive sustainable technology solutions.
Microsoft: Microsoft aims to be carbon-negative, water-positive, and zero waste by 2030. It protects ecosystems through land restoration and biodiversity efforts while advancing renewable energy adoption. Microsoft empowers global sustainability with tools like the Planetary Computer and invests in climate innovation through its $1 billion Climate Innovation Fund.
Salesforce: Salesforce focuses on six sustainability priorities: emissions reduction, carbon removal, ecosystem restoration, education, innovation, and policy advocacy. It achieved 100% renewable energy across its value chain and aims to cut absolute emissions by 50% by 2030. Salesforce leverages technology to drive climate action and foster a sustainable future.
Bank of America: Bank of America achieved carbon neutrality in 2019 and aims for net-zero emissions by 2050. It has committed $1.5 trillion to climate and social projects by 2030, including renewable energy, electrification, and affordable housing. The bank leads ESG debt issuance and integrates sustainability into its financing and operational practices.
PayPal: PayPal targets net-zero emissions by 2040, sourcing 100% renewable energy since 2020. It emphasizes energy-efficient operations, waste reduction, and circular economy principles. PayPal also promotes financial inclusion and social equity through initiatives like blockchain transparency and sustainable payment solutions, while advancing diversity in leadership roles.
Apple: Apple aims for carbon neutrality across its entire footprint by 2030. It operates on 100% clean electricity and uses recycled materials in its products. Sustainability efforts include eliminating plastic packaging, reducing transportation emissions, and investing in global ecosystem restoration projects like mangrove forests and sustainable agriculture.
NVIDIA: NVIDIA strives for sustainability through renewable energy adoption, aiming to match 100% of global electricity usage by 2025. Its GPUs are highly energy-efficient, supporting green computing innovations. NVIDIA’s Earth-2 Project creates digital twins to simulate environmental interactions, advancing climate predictions while reducing emissions per employee.
Cisco: Cisco adopts a regenerative approach, aiming for net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2040. Its "Plan for Possible" focuses on clean energy, circular business models, and resilient ecosystems. Cisco leverages technology to digitize smart grids, reduce waste, and protect biodiversity while investing $100 million in climate solutions.
AIA Group: AIA Group targets net-zero emissions by 2050 through sustainable investments and operations. It integrates ESG into sourcing and launches "AIA CAN," a program fostering eco-friendly workplace behaviours across waste management, energy usage, and procurement. AIA also mandates ESG certification for investment professionals to align with climate resilience goals.
Burberry Group Plc: Burberry pledges to become climate-positive by 2040, reducing Scope 3 emissions by 46% by 2030. It invests in carbon removal projects through the Burberry Regeneration Fund and supports biodiversity restoration. The luxury brand integrates sustainability into supply chains and operations while championing global conservation efforts.
Cigna: Cigna aims for environmental stewardship through renewable energy adoption, energy-efficient technologies, and waste reduction strategies. It promotes LEED-certified buildings, telecommuting options, and employee-led initiatives like GreenSTEPS. Cigna’s ESG framework emphasizes sustainability across its operations while inspiring eco-friendly practices within the healthcare industry.
Fast Retailing Co.: Fast Retailing targets net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with a 90% reduction in operational emissions by 2030. It promotes circular fashion through clothes-to-clothes recycling and sustainable materials, sourcing 100% renewable energy by 2030. Collaborating with Toray Industries, it focuses on reducing supply chain emissions and advancing climate action.
Hewlett-Packard: HP integrates sustainability into product design, reducing environmental impact across life cycles. It emphasizes energy-efficient IT solutions, carbon footprint management, and asset upcycling through its GreenLake platform. Recognised for ESG leadership, HP engages employees via eco-advocacy programs and supports community service while aligning operations with global sustainability standards.
Samsung: Samsung aims for net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050, achieving 93.4% renewable energy conversion in its DX division by 2023. It incorporates recycled materials in products, expands e-waste recovery programs, and enhances water stewardship. Samsung’s environmental strategy prioritises resource circularity and technological innovation for sustainable growth.
Yamaha Corporation: Yamaha's corporate sustainability focuses on spreading music culture through school projects, promoting sustainable use of timber with "Otonomori Activities," and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Sources: Internet
＊ ＊ ＊ ＊ ＊
Design Studio MZ+MM makes Social Procurement conveyable.
Design Studio MZ+MM is a social enterprise (SEE Mark No. SEE 0114) based in Hong Kong, providing various types of graphic design services. Currently, the team is composed of hearing-impaired and hearing designers who practice disability inclusion, which is the primary reason for promoting "diversity, equity and inclusion" in corporate organizations. We support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals SDGs: 10 “Reduced Inequalities” and 17 “Promote Partnerships for the Goals”.
In addition to providing job opportunities for diverse talents, this social enterprise also helps corporate clients implement advanced governance concepts. We also firmly believe that Design Studio MZ+MM is still the only social procurement solution practitioner and provider in Hong Kong, providing professional design services in the true sense of social procurement and adding multiple levels of added social value. To learn more about the vision and mission of this social enterprise, please click this link to jump to the Social Impact page.
