Employee Briefing
The Key To ESG Success Is Commitment,
Starting With Communication.
KEEP IT REAL, KEEP IT BRIEF
Paul Walsh BA LLM (UWA)
We understand that the successful implementation of ESG relies on fostering a supportive culture, with employee well-being at its core. Communication emerges as the pivotal first step in promoting this culture, encouraging active engagement in the company's ESG plans for all employees.
The Pillars of a Supportive ESG Culture:
Companies committed to ESG excellence understand the crucial role of a supportive culture in driving positive change. This culture goes beyond mere policies and initiatives; it instils a shared sense of purpose and responsibility among employees. We know that an inclusive and caring environment empowers employees to embrace sustainability and work collaboratively towards a brighter future.
The Significance of Effective Communication:
Transparent and effective communication acts as the linchpin in their ESG journey. Employee ESG briefing ensures that every team member is well-informed about the company's ESG initiatives, their significance, and the actionable steps they can take. By fostering open channels of dialogue, they encourage employees to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback, creating a dynamic space for collective growth and learning.
Social Employee Well-Being: The Heart of the ESG Framework:
At the heart of employee briefing ESG framework lies the well-being of valued employees. By prioritizing social well-being, you build trust, loyalty, and commitment to the shared vision of sustainability. Valuing the welfare of your workforce creates a positive ripple effect that extends beyond the workplace and into the broader community.
Support and Engagement: Fuelling Success:
Engagement and support from employees are integral to the successful implementation of ESG initiatives. When employees are well-informed and encouraged to actively participate, they become champions of transformations. This collaborative spirit, combined with effective communication, drives innovation, propels the adoption of new business models, and ultimately strengthens the company's commitment to sustainability.
Paving the Way for New Business Models:
Through commitment to a supportive ESG culture, your organization embraces new business models that prioritize sustainability and responsibility. By empowering their workforce with the knowledge and support needed to adapt to evolving practices, they pave the way for a more resilient and thriving future. It greatly helps build a positive culture with a positive viewpoint towards transformation and innovation, which is key to sustainability.
"ESG is strategy, and culture eats strategy for breakfast. Communication drives culture, and culture will drive ESG to success."
The European Green Deal is a set of policies and legislation aimed at making the European Union climate neutral by 2050. It includes increasing greenhouse gas emission reductions, reviewing existing laws, and introducing new legislation on various topics. The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is a proposed directive that aims to increase transparency on corporate sustainability performance. It will apply to a wide range of companies and will have a significant impact on companies in Ireland. The CSRD introduces a "double materiality perspective" and requires companies to report on how sustainability issues affect their business and their impact on people and the environment. The EU taxonomy is a classification system that defines environmentally sustainable economic activities. It sets criteria for activities that contribute to environmental objectives and comply with social safeguards. The CSRD and the EU taxonomy are important components of the EU's sustainable finance framework.
The year 2023 marks the beginning of preparation for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which requires Irish businesses to align with mandatory sustainability reporting by 2024. The CSRD expands reporting requirements and introduces new accounting standards, with up to 30 new standards to report on. Irish businesses need to familiarize themselves with the requirements and identify the specific ESG matters that are material to their business. This proactive approach will ensure compliance and enhance sustainability performance. ESG refers to environmental, social, and governance criteria used to assess a company's performance. ESG considerations are becoming increasingly important for businesses in Ireland, driven by new regulations, consumer demands, and investor requirements. There is a growing focus on the social component of ESG, in addition to environmental and governance aspects. Biodiversity conservation is also gaining importance on the corporate agenda in Ireland, with increasing pressure on businesses to prioritize biodiversity preservation.
The Future Of Green discusses the increasing importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors for businesses in Ireland and globally. ESG refers to non-financial aspects of a company's performance, such as its environmental impact, social responsibility, and corporate governance. Several factors, including the global climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and growing demands for transparency and accountability, have driven the focus on ESG. Irish companies are taking actions to improve their ESG performance and disclosure, such as setting targets, measuring and reporting impacts, seeking verification, and integrating ESG criteria into decision-making. The section highlights key ESG trends for Irish companies in 2023, including moving from pledges to action, extending ESG efforts to supply chains, preparing for new reporting requirements, focusing on biodiversity, addressing social inequalities, leveraging digitalization, and building trust. Embracing ESG as an opportunity is crucial for companies to succeed in a changing world. The section also discusses the impact of the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) on businesses in Ireland and the need for accurate ESG reporting meeting investor demands and avoid reputational risks.
Sample Employee Briefing Agenda
Management Forums and Employee Cohorts
Briefing is adaptable to each organization and specific briefing requirements.
Programme Description
Introduction to ESG and its Growing Importance
As we enter 2023, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors have become crucial considerations for businesses in Ireland and globally. ESG criteria evaluate a company's non-financial performance, encompassing its environmental impact, social responsibility, and corporate governance. The significance of ESG has been amplified by the global climate crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and rising demands for transparency and accountability.
The European Green Deal and Sustainable Finance Framework
The European Green Deal is a comprehensive set of policies and legislation aimed at making the European Union climate-neutral by 2050. It includes ambitious greenhouse gas emission reductions, review and enhancement of existing laws, and the introduction of new legislation across various sectors. Central to this framework are the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the EU taxonomy.
Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
The CSRD, set to take effect in 2024, marks a new era in non-financial reporting for Irish businesses. This directive will require a wide range of companies to enhance transparency regarding their sustainability performance. Notably, the CSRD introduces a "double materiality perspective," mandating companies to report on how sustainability issues affect their business and the impact on people and the environment.
To comply with the CSRD, companies must be proactive in their preparations. Familiarizing themselves with the reporting requirements and identifying specific ESG matters material to their business will ensure compliance and bolster sustainability performance.
The EU Taxonomy and Sustainable Economic Activities
The EU taxonomy is a classification system that defines environmentally sustainable economic activities. This system establishes criteria for activities contributing to environmental objectives while adhering to social safeguards. Irish companies will need to align their operations with the EU taxonomy to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices.
The Future of Green - Key ESG Trends for Irish Companies in 2023
Moving from Pledges to Action: The year 2023 emphasizes taking tangible steps towards ESG goals rather than merely making commitments. Companies must implement actions that contribute to the 1.5 °C target set by the Paris Agreement, and transparently report on progress and achievements.
Extending ESG Efforts to Supply Chains: Irish businesses need to focus on supply chain emissions, known as Scope 3 emissions, which significantly impact carbon footprints. Collaborating with supply chain partners to reduce emissions and drive sustainability will be transformative for corporate climate action.
Preparing for New Reporting Requirements: The CSRD requires Irish businesses to adapt to increased reporting requirements and new accounting standards. Proactive preparation will help avoid the risk of non-compliance and enhance transparency.
Focusing on Biodiversity: Biodiversity conservation gains prominence on the corporate agenda, with growing pressure on businesses to prioritize preservation efforts. Aligning with biodiversity goals and leveraging the TNFD framework will be essential for companies.
Addressing Social Inequalities: The social component of ESG gains significance alongside environmental and governance aspects. Irish companies should focus on promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organizations.
Leveraging Digitalization: Embracing technology and digital tools will enhance ESG reporting accuracy and efficiency. Companies can utilize data analytics and artificial intelligence to assess and manage sustainability impacts.
Building Trust: Transparent and reliable ESG reporting is crucial for building trust among investors, stakeholders, and the public. Meeting investor demands for ESG information will mitigate reputational risks.
ESG considerations are no longer optional but a strategic imperative for businesses in Ireland. By embracing sustainable practices, aligning with the CSRD and the EU taxonomy, and addressing key ESG trends in 2023, your organization can position itself as a responsible and forward-thinking entity. Taking decisive action on ESG will not only contribute to a more sustainable future but also drive financial performance and enhance your reputation in a changing world.
Employee Briefing Agenda: ESG Regulations and the Future of Green in Ireland
Introduction to ESG and Its Importance
Definition and significance of ESG criteria
Global drivers of ESG focus: climate crisis, COVID-19, and demands for transparency
The European Green Deal and Sustainable Finance Framework
Objectives of the European Green Deal
Key components: Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and EU taxonomy
Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
Overview and implementation timeline
"Double materiality perspective" and reporting requirements
Importance of proactive preparations and compliance
The EU Taxonomy and Sustainable Economic Activities
Definition and purpose of the EU taxonomy
Criteria for environmentally sustainable economic activities
Alignment with sustainability objectives
The Future of Green - Key ESG Trends for Irish Companies in 2023
Moving from Pledges to Action
Extending ESG Efforts to Supply Chains
Preparing for New Reporting Requirements
Focusing on Biodiversity
Addressing Social Inequalities
Leveraging Digitalization
Building Trust
Conclusion and Call to Action
Importance of embracing sustainable practices
Strategic significance of ESG for the company
Alignment with CSRD and EU taxonomy for responsible business conduct
Q&A Session
Opportunity for employees to seek clarification and further information. Duration 1–2 hours.
The programme outcome equips employees with working knowledge of ESG pertinent to their organization, enabling them to positively contribute to the success of ESG Strategy and a sustainable future.
The employee briefing session is a highly effective, high impact way to create ESG implementation momentum into your organization. The session briefing is highly flexible and can be presented in many formats, from the more traditional training method such as podium based to the participative process such as our Campfire Training™.