What’s the difference between sustainability and ESG?

In today’s business landscape, sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) have become fashionable terms that are often used interchangeably. 

However, understanding the nuances and differences between these concepts is crucial, especially for board members responsible for steering their organisations towards a more responsible and resilient future. 

Here we examine the distinctions between sustainability and ESG and provide guidance on how board members should approach each concept from a governance perspective.

“Sustainability, at its core, encompasses the long-term viability of a company’s operations, taking into account its environmental, social, and economic impacts,” says David W Duffy, CEO of the Corporate Governance Institute. 

“It is a holistic approach that considers the interplay between these three dimensions, recognising that a sustainable organisation not only thrives economically but also contributes positively to society and reduces its environmental footprint.”

“On the other hand, ESG is a set of specific criteria used to evaluate a company’s performance and behaviour in three key areas: environmental, social, and governance.”

The three pillars of ESG provide a structured framework for assessing how well a company manages risks and opportunities related to sustainability issues. 

ESG factors encompass everything from a company’s carbon emissions and diversity policies to its board structure and ethical business practices.

From a governance perspective, board members play a pivotal role in overseeing and guiding their organisations towards sustainable and ESG-focused practices. 

Here’s how they may approach each concept.

Sustainability governance

1. Set clear sustainability goals: Boards should work with management to establish clear and measurable sustainability goals aligned with the company’s mission and long-term strategy. These goals should consider environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
2. Integration into strategy: Sustainability should be integrated into the company’s overall strategy. Board members must ensure that sustainability considerations are woven into business decisions and not treated as a separate, peripheral initiative.
3. Reporting and accountability: Implement robust reporting mechanisms to track progress towards sustainability goals. Board members should hold management accountable for meeting these targets and regularly review performance.
4. Stakeholder engagement: Engage with stakeholders, including investors, customers, and employees, to understand their expectations regarding sustainability. Incorporate this feedback into decision-making processes.
5. Risk management: Identify and mitigate sustainability-related risks that could impact the company’s long-term viability. Boards must ensure that risk assessments consider environmental, social, and governance factors.

ESG governance

1. Integration into governance structure: Incorporate ESG considerations into the company’s governance framework. This includes establishing board committees or subcommittees dedicated to ESG oversight.
2. Transparency and disclosure: Promote transparency by disclosing ESG performance data in annual reports and other corporate communications. Board members should encourage the use of recognised ESG reporting standards.
3. Board expertise: Ensure that the board has the necessary expertise to assess and address ESG issues effectively. Consider recruiting directors with ESG knowledge or providing training to existing board members.
4. Incentive alignment: Link executive compensation to ESG performance metrics. This alignment encourages management to prioritise ESG issues and demonstrates the board’s commitment.
5. Continuous improvement: Regularly assess and update ESG policies and practices. Board members should encourage a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability in response to changing ESG challenges and opportunities.

While sustainability and ESG are closely related concepts, they have distinct focuses and governance implications. 

Sustainability takes a broader, holistic view, encompassing environmental, social, and economic dimensions, while ESG provides a structured framework for evaluating specific performance criteria. 

Board members play a pivotal role in guiding their organisations towards a more sustainable and ESG-conscious future by setting clear goals, integrating these concepts into strategy, and ensuring transparency and accountability. 

To learn more about sustainability and ESG, download the free course brochure below.