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Almost 7 in 10 CEOs experience increasing stakeholder demand for greater transparency around environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. What’s more, 72 percent believe stakeholders’ interest in ESG matters will only intensify in the coming years. In light of this, businesses are compelled to integrate ESG strategies into their operations.
Technologies like AI and blockchain are revolutionizing the transformation process, equipping leaders and decision-makers with the data they need to shape informed and impactful strategies.
ESG encompasses environmental, social, and governance concerns. Performance in each of these areas captures how a company treats the natural environment, manages relationships, and deals with internal controls and leadership.
Adopting ESG matters offers a range of benefits for organizations of all sizes. It mitigates risks, attracts investors, ensures regulatory compliance, and enhances reputation among stakeholders, consumers, investors, and governing bodies.
For example, 83% of consumers believe that companies should take an active role in shaping ESG best practices. More than 9 in 10 leaders feel their companies have a responsibility to act on ESG issues. And, 86% of employees prefer to support or work for companies that care about the same social and environmental issues that they do.
However, weaving ESG into day-to-day operations is easier said than done. Key challenges include data collection, consistency in reporting standards, and ensuring accurate measurement and reporting of ESG metrics. This is where technology comes in.
Technological advancements offer innovative solutions that help companies overcome traditional ESG challenges. Here are some of the technologies reimagining how ESG is implemented, tracked, and reported on.
ESG Technology 1
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Businesses are increasingly leveraging the power of AI-driven data analysis and automation across operations. A survey found that 42% of IT professionals at large organizations report actively deploying AI, with an additional 40% exploring its use.
AI can analyze vast datasets to identify trends and predict future ESG performance. It can automate ESG reporting, delivering on consumer, investor, and stakeholder expectations. Predictive analytics can inform decision-making, empowering leaders to build ESG strategies that deliver genuinely positive results.
ESG Technology 2
Blockchain
Blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that cannot be modified or edited. It enhances transparency, ensures traceability, guarantees data integrity, and bolsters trust in a company's ESG data. It's a particularly useful technology in verifying sustainable and ethical practices across supply chains.
ESG Technology 3
Internet of Things (IoT)
The IoT is a series of internet-connected devices that enable teams to remotely monitor and adjust machines, software, and other systems. IoT adoption is rapidly increasing, with the global number of connected IoT devices expected to reach 75.44 billion by 2025.
In the ESG space, IoT devices can track energy consumption, emissions, and other environmental metrics in real time. This gives decision-makers access to the actionable data they need to make on-the-fly changes that contribute to a company's sustainability efforts.
ESG Technology 4
Big Data
Organizations have access to more data than ever before. This includes
Environmental data, like energy consumption and water usage
Social data, like labor practices and employee diversity
Governance data, like regulatory compliance and board composition
Using these metrics, leaders can aggregate and analyze ESG matters with more depth and precision. This paves the way for more comprehensive and transparent ESG tracking, which highlights areas that could be improved upon.
Other ESG Technology Solutions
In addition to the four mentioned above, other ESG technology solutions are impacting how ESG is adopted and tracked.
Cloud computing, for example, ensures large volumes of data are stored securely without compromising accessibility. Machine learning (ML), a type of AI, enhances predictive analytics.
If you are on the cusp of focusing on ESG matters, here are some of the reasons you should consider leveraging technology to enhance implementation and reporting.
Greater Accuracy
Tools like AI can automate traditionally manual tasks, which are prone to human error. For example, automated ESG data collection ensures ESG metrics are reported on with absolute precision.
Enhanced Efficiency
Automation and other technological tools also free your team from tedious or repetitive tasks like data collection and entry. This reduces your resource expenditure and gives employees more bandwidth to focus on mission-critical or growth-driving initiatives.
Smarter Decision Making
Big data and AI and ML-powered predictive analytics ensure every ESG decision is founded on evidence. You gain deeper insight into your company's ESG performance, empowering you to allocate resources to areas needing improvement or those that will have the greatest impact on your business and community.
Streamlined Compliance
Regulatory technology, or RegTech, makes it easier for companies to keep up with fast-evolving regulations. Automated checks ensure ongoing compliance and flag issues or gaps in your governance processes.
Technology evolves fast. Looking ahead, emerging technologies could play an increasing role in how ESG is handled by organizations. For example, quantum computing can solve complex problems much faster than conventional computers. In the context of ESG, it could process large amounts of climate data to generate more accurate climate models. It could analyze datasets to identify ESG-related financial risks or improve supply chain transparency by tracking materials and products more closely.
ESG and technology will also be impacted by shifting regulations. As ESG issues continue to gain traction, laws will likely tighten in the coming years. Technology may play a central role in helping organizations adapt and maintain compliance.
ESG is no longer a nice-to-have. It’s a necessity. If you are ready to make a real, lasting, and positive impact on your business—and the world—get in touch. We simplify ESG implementation, translating your goals into effortless, actionable steps.
