Business culture essential in ESG integration

Integrating ESG considerations into business models is becoming increasingly essential in corporate responsibility.

Significant challenges in integrating ESG considerations into business models lie within the shifting corporate culture, according to Tim Edmunds, Partner in Strategy and Transformation Sustainability at PwC.

Edmunds emphasized that the focus should be on delivering overall business objectives and aligning sustainability efforts with the company's broader goals.

“The first step is acknowledging that a sustainable strategy is essentially a business strategy,” he said.

“Any major shift requires initial momentum, and this is where culture plays a crucial role,” he explained, adding that encouraging immediate action and small, tangible steps can foster a mindset of sustainability within the organization, driving the business forward.

He said that with the increasing ESG and sustainability reporting requirements, such as the CSR D and CS Triple D in Europe, organized and coordinated data management is critical.

“So, therefore, it is imperative for organizations to make sure that data is organized and coordinated. So it can make sure that everybody is satisfied across the supply chain,” he said.

Edmunds also addressed the relationship between robust ESG practices and financial performance, particularly in the context of a circular economy, where he argued that while there are numerous case studies showcasing the benefits of ESG integration, the primary focus should always be on the business’s financial statements.

“Reducing logistics costs through greener supply chains and cutting the cost of goods sold by creating more sustainable products are just a few examples of how ESG practices can positively impact the bottom line,” he noted.

Edmunds believed that focusing on the underlying data fundamentals is key for effective reporting on ESG initiatives as many companies create individualized reporting processes, which can be inefficient.

“A consolidated and concise data approach reduces the workload required for customized reports and embeds sustainability into daily operations,” he explained. This approach not only complies with regulatory requirements but also resonates more effectively with stakeholders.