Brand owners’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance no longer affects just their reputation, it is an increasingly crucial factor in boosting market position and profits, with data driving the entire process.
That is according to a new study conducted by Forrester Consulting on behalf of Dun & Bradstreet, which reveals a company’s internal processes are not longer enough either, its extended network of suppliers, partners and distributors are also crucial to the process.
The study, based on insights by decision-makers in compliance, sustainability, procurement, finance and risk across the UK, US and Canada, claims that the rewards of an improved ESG performance can be handsome. Four out of five respondents stated that their company’s current ESG strategy has created a significant or transformational increase in revenue.
ESG insights also uncover growth opportunities, with nearly four-fifths (79%) of respondents agreeing that ESG-related insights allow them to identify new revenue streams earlier.
However, insufficient ESG data is the biggest challenge. Nearly half (47%) of respondents cited that they do not have enough data, with a further 46% unable to validate and therefore trust data.
As a result, many companies are struggling to make use of ESG data within their organisation, resulting in serious operational and financial consequences – from regulatory non-compliance, to fines and a weakened global supply chain.
According to the survey results, four-fifths (81%) of respondents cited that their companies have experienced negative consequences by failing to meet their ESG goals, with the most common consequence being increased operational risk (43%) followed by increased financial risk (38%).
While some may view evolving their ESG strategy as a daunting prospect, the study demonstrates that by investing in an ESG data analytics strategy, high maturity companies achieve numerous benefits that reverberate across the organisation.
In fact, 97% of respondents from companies with a high ESG maturity level report a significant or transformational reduction in costs. In addition, more than three-quarters (77%) are more likely to report significant or transformational increases in customer acquisition due to their ESG strategies.
The findings fly in the face of a 2021 report by GlobalData, which claimed most businesses continue to behave as if ESG issues are just a sideshow, with many believing it is simply a marketing exercise.
Given the current geopolitical environment, coupled with rapid climate change and a fluctuating economy, Forrester reckons companies must look beyond regulatory obligations in order to see how an investment in modern technology and trusted ESG data today can yield higher returns tomorrow.
For example, a strong ESG data strategy with real-time analytic insights can drive any number of positive outcomes, from strengthening a company’s supply chain resilience during disruptive events, to helping create a competitive advantage as a sustainable business when engaging with new customers, partners and suppliers.
Even so, it seems many businesses are struggling to manage, measure and communicate their ESG progress. For example, when asked how their companies collect and analyse data related to ESG today, seven out of 10 respondents said they rely on more manual processes such as spreadsheets and email to collect, analyse, apply and report ESG data.
While ESG adoption is in its early stages, it is important that businesses consider investing in a data-driven ESG platform today to help prevent financial and operational risks down the road, Forrester claims.
The report goes on to detail three key areas:
– Data. Data is the foundation to a sound ESG strategy as it helps companies better understand their own performance, and that of their third parties, including partners and suppliers. ESG data and analytics also illuminate insights that help inform business-critical decisions and identify opportunities for growth. A company’s ESG data platform should include public and private company data and measure performance against the E, S and G.
– Standardisation and Automation. According to the survey, 72% of respondents need standardised metrics and benchmarks, while 71% stated they need help automating ESG data to streamline reporting.
– Measurement. When asked about an ideal, dedicated ESG data solution, decision-makers said the most important capability is effective self-assessment of their own company to identify potential gaps in their ESG strategy, followed by the capability to leverage a solution that allows them to compare the performance of their third parties, including suppliers and partners.
Dun & Bradstreet general manager of finance and risk Brian Alster commented: “We believe this study is further proof that the benefits of investing in ESG go well beyond regulatory compliance and managing a company’s reputation.
“ESG is one of the growing forces driving profits through innovation, improved risk management and stronger customer relationships. Therefore, it’s no longer a question for companies on ‘if’ they should invest in ESG, but instead, ‘how quickly’ they can mature their business strategies to become a more responsible and sustainable operation.”
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