The ESG and Sustainability Handbook for Business

The ESG & Sustainability Deskbook is a practical guide and reference tool for a wide audience. The interest in sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) from stakeholders across all sectors is growing and will continue to do so as we are in the most pivotal decade for meeting the global goals on climate change and sustainable development. There has been widespread media coverage of the burgeoning regulatory standards and actions taken by governments across the world against the backdrop of the global tipping point as termed by the United Nations. At the same time, corporations and investors are advancing ESG and sustainability strategies and programs at a record pace. What were once regarded as "nice to have" initiatives with voluntary reporting have moved into the regulated sphere with mandatory public disclosures and reporting requirements on greenhouse gas emissions, climate change transition plans, human rights, human capital, and board diversity.This book is a compendium of the international agreements, regulatory advancements, and current practicum to inform a 360-degree viewpoint of the organizations, standards, and stakeholders that shape the evolving landscape. It provides insights, discussion, and topical briefings as a side-by-side reader to accompany the rise of ESG and sustainability in business and the markets. The flow of information and reader education begins with the origins of sustainability in international treaties and policy; moves on to the advent of ESG and the differentiation of ESG, sustainability, and social responsibility; provides substantive issue briefings on the key "E," "S," and "G" factors; walks through the global regulatory and standards paradigms; delves into ESG ratings and indices; and provides in-depth analysis of the respective roles of the corporation, the financial and investment sector, the international bodies, the business interest groups, the NGOs and third-party organizations, and the philanthropic community.The book is written in a straightforward and conversational tone to take the reader along the knowledge journey on the progression of ESG and sustainability and how it directly shapes and informs current practice. It threads the needle with best practices, case studies, and takeaways to illustrate the applications and to enhance understanding.What You Will LearnStudy the progression of ESG and sustainability and how related considerations increasingly drive business, policy, and economic decisionsReview Takeaways and best practices to provide insights and discussion pointsUnderstand the critical differences between ESG, social responsibility, and sustainabilityWho This Book is ForESG and Sustainability Practitioners (across all sectors), Corporate leadership, Tech sector (a key growth area for compliance, reporting, and GHG accounting), Investors, Compliance, risk, legal, and corporate governance professionals, Management and board consultants