Sustainability for Boards

Sustainability ESG Metrics Measures concerned with longer-term, broad social/economic stability	Operational ESG Metrics Other stakeholder metrics that are more aligned with day-to-day business results
Carbon Footprint Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy Emissions/Chemical Containment Waste Reduction/Sustainable Sourcing Diversity & Inclusion ("D&I") Gender Pay Company Culture Community Engagement	Employee Engagement/Satisfaction Safety Turnover/Retention Talent Development Customer Satisfaction/Net Promoter Score Product Quality

The most common ESG metric overall is customer satisfaction, with 48% of companies that use ESG metrics including it in their plans. The next four most prevalent involve measures of workforce-management and culture:

Talent development and turnover are the most prevalent "Operational ESG" metrics overall, though are often incorporated discretionarily
Diversity & inclusion is the most prevalent "Sustainability ESG" metric, followed by culture

Other sustainability ESG metrics, including environment, are low prevalence.

The sustainability report 2019

2020-09-16T23:35:13.177000Z

https://a89c8240-f3c4-4e8b-b920-fae532b127b6.filesusr.com/ugd/f6724f_185347c43d454e92b5d58879077654d7.pdf?index=true

The sustainability Board Report

2020-09-16T23:35:12.515000Z

https://a89c8240-f3c4-4e8b-b920-fae532b127b6.filesusr.com/ugd/f6724f_ec604912509c4340be7fc2a4d1a47c51.pdf

Think Tank on Corporate Governance | The Sustainability Board Report

2020-09-16T23:33:21.212000Z

https://www.boardreport.org

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The Sustainability Board Report is a privately funded not-for-profit project developed by a group of individuals passionate about corporate sustainability and leadership. We believe that business has the ability to drive meaningful change.

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Six ways company boards should prepare for climate risk | World Economic Forum

2020-10-16T09:23:36.223000Z

https://www.dropbox.com/s/djvphi5jh65ieok/Screenshot%202020-10-13%20at%2022.11.06.png?dl=0

Enacting Purpose Initiative

2020-09-16T23:32:09.153000Z

http://enactingpurpose.org

ENACTING PURPOSE INITIATIVE

EPI

Enacting Purpose Initiative

The Enacting Purpose Initiative is a multi-institution partnership between the University of Oxford, the University of California Berkeley, Brighthouse (a BCG company), Federated Hermes, WLRK and the British Academy.

Purpose, strategy and performance

We are supported by a number of leading universities, corporations and professional service firms including the Law School at the University of California Berkeley, Brighthouse (a BCG company), Federated Hermes, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz ("WLRK"), and the senior leadership teams from a large number of global organisations from across Europe and the US. Our first report sets out our new SCORE framework and captures the views of major UK and continental European organisations and institutions. We are working with our partners to bring together a similar group of leading US organisations and institutions and expect to be able to publish a second report capturing the views of this group early in 2021. This body of work coming out of the Enacting Purpose Initiative is also contributing to the British Academy's 'Future of the Corporation' initiative, forming a critical part of its 2020-21 insight agenda.

A Singular Focus on Profit Is No Longer an Option

2020-10-13T20:02:06.121000Z

https://hbr.org/2020/09/making-sustainability-count

September–October 2020 Issue

Making Sustainability Count

How to improve environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance

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Marlies Plank

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September–October 2020 Issue

Social-Impact Efforts That Create Real Value

What Boards Need to Know About Sustainability Ratings

2020-10-13T20:00:04.856000Z

https://hbr.org/2019/05/what-boards-need-to-know-about-sustainability-rating

Sustainability

What Boards Need to Know About Sustainability Ratings

by Silda Wall Spitzer and John Mandyck

May 30, 2019

Climate risk and response | McKinsey

2020-09-16T23:30:45.114000Z

https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/sustainability/our-insights/climate-risk-and-response-physical-hazards-and-socioeconomic-impacts

2020 Sustainability Leaders Survey Results | GlobeScan Report

2020-09-16T23:23:04.355000Z

https://globescan.com/unilever-patagonia-ikea-interface-top-sustainability-leaders-2020/

Unilever, Patagonia, Ikea, Interface, and Natura &Co Most Recognized by Experts as Sustainability Leaders According to 2020 Leaders Survey: Four New Companies Join Ranking

Experts also share views on the pandemic, suggesting long-term resilience depends on embedding sustainability and developing innovative new business models

August 12th 2020 – Findings from the 2020 Leaders Survey by GlobeScan and SustainAbility show that Unilever, Patagonia, IKEA, Interface, and Natura &Co are again the most recognized leaders according to this annual global survey of experts. An exciting development this year is the entrance of four new companies that have not previously been part of the top tier of recognized leaders: Microsoft, Ørsted, L’Oréal, and Tata.

The Leaders Survey has tracked global expert opinions on the evolution of the sustainability agenda and which companies experts perceive are leaders and why since 1997. In 2020, over 700 experts in 71 countries were asked, unprompted, to name companies that they see as being leaders in integrating sustainability into their business strategy.

Blueprint for Responsible Policy Engagement on Climate Change

2020-08-12T08:38:00.150000Z

https://corpgov.law.harvard.edu/2020/08/03/blueprint-for-responsible-policy-engagement-on-climate-change/

Measure B Impact Assessment

2020-08-11T19:33:30.193000Z

https://bimpactassessment.net

The latest version of the B Impact Assessment standards is now available!

The B Impact Assessment
The most credible tool a company can use to measure its impact
on its workers, community, environment, and customers.

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Join 50,000+ businesses using this free, confidential tool

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*You don't have to be the CEO to use this tool

Rob Michalak
Ben & Jerry's

Burlington, VT, United States
"The B Impact Assessment added a new twist to our initiatives - it helped us understand where we are in comparison to other companies."
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B Impact Score
89

Elissa Loughman
Patagonia

Ventura, CA, United States
"The Assessment provided a mechanism for Patagonia to conduct a comprehensive assessment of our current social and environmental programs."
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B Impact Score
107

Rasuli Webster
Prem Group

Portland, OR, United States
"The experience of taking the Assessment really dug deep into what our company does and how effective it can be."
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90
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Here’s how it works...

STEP 1. Assess
This Assessment will walk you through a series of questions to help you learn what it takes to build a better business - better for your workers, community, and the environment.

Takes ~30 mins to get a quick snapshot

Takes ~2-3 hrs for a full impact report
See Sample Questions

STEP 2. Compare
Compare your answers to thousands of other businesses and see how you stack up.

You will receive two types of feedback:

Quick Snapshot
A simple look at which questions your company already excels at and which practices it could improve on
B Impact Report
A more holistic look at how your company scores across multiple questions related to the same impact topic
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Create a customized improvement plan for your business and use our free best practice guides to help you implement.
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WEF Future of Nature Report

2020-08-09T20:56:48.251000Z

http://www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_The_Future_Of_Nature_And_Business_2020.pdf

Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures | TCFD - Homepage

2020-08-04T14:42:11.562000Z

https://www.fsb-tcfd.org/

Transform to Net Zero

2020-08-04T14:39:13.473000Z

Transform to Net Zero

https://transformtonetzero.org/

A cross-sector initiative to accelerate the transition to a net zero global economy

Step Up Declaration | Harnessing the Fourth Industrial Revolution

2020-08-04T14:39:03.765000Z

Step Up Declaration | Harnessing the Fourth Industrial Revolution

https://stepupdeclaration.org/

The Step Up Declaration is a new alliance dedicated to harnessing the power of the 4th industrial revolution to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions across all economic sectors.

6 leadership priorities for corporate boards after COVID-19 | World Economic Forum

2020-08-04T12:21:05.845000Z

6 leadership priorities for corporate boards after COVID-19 | World Economic Forum

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/06/integrated-corporate-governance-6-leadership-priorities-for-corporate-boards-after-the-covid-19-crisis/

The COVID-19 pandemic and economic crisis highlight the importance of integrated corporate governance to translate stakeholder capitalism into practice.

Questions to assist board on Physical climate risk

2020-08-04T11:59:26.003000Z

https://www.chapterzero.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/QUESTIONS-TO-ASSIST-NON-EXECUTIVE-DIRECTOR-OVERSIGHT-OF-PHYSICAL-CLIMATE-RISK-MANAGEMENT-vF.pdf

Chapter Zero Transition Toolkit

2020-08-04T12:03:37.814000Z

https://www.chapterzero.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Chapter-Zero-Change-Management-Toolkit.pdf

Chapter zero Boardoom Toolkit

2020-08-04T12:01:58.167000Z

https://www.chapterzero.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Chapter-Zero-Final-Toolkit.pdf

One day free course Chapter Zero: Directors’ Climate Journey

2020-08-04T12:01:10.124000Z

Chapter Zero: Directors’ Climate Journey - Chapter Zero

https://www.chapterzero.org.uk/directors-climate-competence/

The objective The journey maps out a path for non-executive directors to increase their understanding of the climate topic. It aims to support NEDs to have high quality and effective boardroom discussions and debate the impacts of climate change on their businesses and strategic response. The journey framework aims to help NEDs to: Articulate the long-term scale of the challenge for their business of net zero by 2050 Recognise the requirements on directors to ensure consideration of key climate risks under

Chapter Zero - The UK Board Directors' Climate Forum

2020-08-04T11:58:39.474000Z

Chapter Zero - The Directors' Climate Forum - Chapter Zero

https://www.chapterzero.org.uk/

Chapter Zero, the Directors’ Climate Forum. Our role is to help Non-Executive Directors become more familiar with the potential risks and opportunities for businesses covering the full spectrum of commercial activity as a consequence of climate change. We will provide a forum where the non-executive community can enhance its knowledge, understanding and experience of this complex and critical business challenge.

Transition Pathway State report 2020

2020-08-04T11:58:05.230000Z

https://www.transitionpathwayinitiative.org/tpi/publications/50.pdf?type=Publication

Exponential roadmap Initiatives & Examples

2020-08-04T11:57:24.850000Z

https://exponentialroadmap.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ExponentialRoadmap_1.5.1_216x279_08_AW_Download_Singles_Small.pdf

Sustainability Reporting Revisit across Europe www.allianceforcorporatetransparency.org

2020-08-04T11:56:41.325000Z

https://www.allianceforcorporatetransparency.org/assets/2019_Research_Report%20_Alliance_for_Corporate_Transparency-7d9802a0c18c9f13017d686481bd2d6c6886fea6d9e9c7a5c3cfafea8a48b1c7.pdf

Good practices and pledges on B2G data sharing | Shaping Europe’s digital future

2020-08-04T11:31:08.088000Z

Good practices and pledges on B2G data sharing | Shaping Europe’s digital future

https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/good-practices-b2g-data-sharing

This page lists good practices and pledges of the report on B2G data-sharing collaborations "Towards a European strategy on business-to-government data sharing for the public interest".

How to Set Up Effective Climate Governance on Corporate Boards: Guiding principles and questions | World Economic Forum

2020-08-04T11:30:36.824000Z

How to Set Up Effective Climate Governance on Corporate Boards: Guiding principles and questions | World Economic Forum

https://www.weforum.org/whitepapers/how-to-set-up-effective-climate-governance-on-corporate-boards-guiding-principles-and-questions

Climate change is visibly disrupting business. It is driving unprecedented physical impacts, such as rising sea levels and increased frequency of extreme weather events. At the same time, policy and technology changes that seek to limit warming and reduce the associated physical impacts can also cause disruption to business. As with any form of disruption, climate change is creating and will continue to create risks and opportunities for business in a diverse number of ways.This disruptive relationship be

How your board can drive transformative action on climate change | EY - Global

2020-08-04T11:22:51.129000Z

https://www.ey.com/en_gl/board-matters/can-your-board-drive-transformative-action-on-climate-change

How your board can drive transformative action on climate change | EY - Global

https://www.ey.com/en_gl/board-matters/can-your-board-drive-transformative-action-on-climate-change

Climate change is a defining issue of our time. If organizations are to make a difference, boards need to step up.

CDSB Framework Guidance on Climate Disclosure

2020-08-04T11:11:13.592000Z

https://www.cdsb.net/sites/default/files/climateguidancedoublepage.pdf

Getting Climate Smart (Ceres) A primer for Directors

2020-08-04T11:04:26.088000Z

https://www.ceres.org/sites/default/files/reports/2018-06/Ceres_ClimateSmartPrimer_060118_web%20%281%29.pdf

SASB Materiality Map

2019-06-11T01:41:29.262000Z

https://materiality.sasb.org

Global Reporting Initiative Guidelines

2019-06-11T01:41:21.286000Z

https://www.globalreporting.org/resourcelibrary/GRIG4-Part1-Reporting-Principles-and-Standard-Disclosures.pdf

The Reporting Exchange | Global open resource for sustainability reporting

2019-06-11T01:41:17.369000Z

https://www.reportingexchange.com

ESG Disclosure Handbook, by WBCSD

2019-06-11T01:41:19.213000Z

https://www.wbcsd.org/Programs/Redefining-Value/External-Disclosure/Purpose-driven-disclosure/Resources/ESG-Disclosure-Handbook

Insights from the Reporting Exchange

2019-06-11T01:41:06.960000Z

https://www.wbcsd.org/Programs/Redefining-Value/External-Disclosure/The-Reporting-Exchange/Resources/Corporate-governance-and-harmonization

The state of corporate governance in the era of sustainability risks and opportunities

2019-06-11T01:40:56.763000Z

https://www.wbcsd.org/Programs/Redefining-Value/Business-Decision-Making/Governance-and-Internal-Oversight/Resources/The-state-of-corporate-governance-in-the-era-of-sustainability-risks-and-opportunities

Advancing sustainability: a new curriculum for boards

2019-06-11T01:40:57.285000Z

https://www.wbcsd.org/Overview/News-Insights/WBCSD-insights/Advancing-sustainability-a-new-curriculum-for-boards

Last month, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) brought together over 50 board members from major businesses to learn about bringing sustainability into every-day corporate governance. The training, developed in partnership with WBCSD and INSEAD Business School focused on competitiveness, longevity, risk management and future-proofing.

At the start of the conference, Professor Ludo Van der Heyden, Founding Director of the INSEAD Corporate Governance Center said, "Maximizing shareholder value alone is no longer acceptable in the modern world. Boards of Directors have to exercise fiduciary duty of care for the organization they govern, for its performance, but also for the multiple relationships with economic, social, political actors and partners."

"In other words, boards need to act now," he said. This set the tone for the entire event.

In the first official keynote, Lise Kingo, CEO and Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact, kicked off by underlining urgency of sustainable development and what it means for business.

ESG and Sustainability: The Board’s Role

2019-06-11T01:40:49.206000Z

https://corpgov.law.harvard.edu/2018/06/29/esg-and-sustainability-the-boards-role/

ESG and Sustainability: The Board’s Role

by David M. Silk, David A. Katz, and Sabastian V. Niles, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, on Friday, June 29, 2018

Editor's Note: David M. Silk, David A. Katz, and Sabastian V. Niles are partners at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. This post is based on a Wachtell Lipton memorandum by Mr. Silk, Mr. Katz, Mr. Niles, and Carmen X. W. Lu.

Related research from the Program on Corporate Governance includes Socially Responsible Firms by Alan Ferrell (discussed on the Forum here).

In light of evolving—and sometimes actively debated—perspectives on the role of public companies with respect to sustainability, corporate social responsibility and other ESG matters (e.g., Barron’s recent report on Sustainable Investing ), we are providing a high-level overview of how boards of directors and senior management teams may wish to approach these issues.

A New agenda for the board of Directors by www.unglobalcompact.org

2019-06-11T01:40:40.429000Z

https://www.unglobalcompact.org/docs/news_events/9.1_news_archives/2012_01_27/Lead-board-loresR.pdf

How companies Engage Investors on Sustainability by www.ceres.org

2019-06-11T01:40:36.970000Z

https://www.ceres.org/sites/default/files/reports/2019-02/Ceres_Change-the-Conversation_01.pdf

Guide to ESG reporting by London LSEG

2019-06-11T01:40:35.187000Z

https://www.lseg.com/sites/default/files/content/images/Green_Finance/ESG/2018/February/LSEG_ESG_report_January_2018.pdf

ESG Reporting Nasdaq

2019-06-11T01:40:15.145000Z

https://business.nasdaq.com/media/Nasdaq-ESG-Reporting-Guide-2019_tcm5044-70227.pdf

What Boards Need to Know About Sustainability Ratings & Assessment

2020-08-04T10:49:44.472000Z

https://corostrandberg.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/esg-governance-assessment-for-boards-and-governance-professionals-nov-2018.pdf

How Board Members Really Feel About ESG, from Deniers to True Believers

2019-06-11T01:40:05.026000Z

https://hbr.org/2019/05/what-boards-need-to-know-about-sustainability-ratings

What to read next

Using AI to Make Knowledge Workers More Effective

How Board Members Really Feel About ESG, from Deniers to True Believers

by N. Craig Smith and Ron Soonieus

April 19, 2019

The Board and ESG

2019-06-11T01:39:55.677000Z

The Board and ESG

by Olivier Jan, Deloitte Global, on Monday, February 25, 2019

Editor's Note: Olivier Jan is Sustainability Leader at Deloitte Global. This post is based on his Deloitte memorandum. Related research from the Program on Corporate Governance includes Socially Responsible Firms by Alan Ferrell, Hao Liang, and Luc Renneboog (discussed on the Forum here).

https://corpgov.law.harvard.edu/2019/02/25/the-board-and-esg/

As overseers of risk and stewards of long-term enterprise value, board members have a vital oversight role in assessing the organization’s environmental and social impacts. They are also responsible for understanding the potential impact and related risks of ESG issues on the organization’s operating model. In light of these factors and stakeholder concerns, organizations are reimagining and enhancing their ESG positions. This is happening more in some regions (e.g., Europe) than in others, and it is more prevalent in certain sectors (e.g., consumer products, heavy industry). Shifting political winds also can affect these efforts. Since ESG issues began to move into the mainstream, the trend has generally been for organizations to pursue sustainable practices for the long term.

Sustainability for Boards

2020 Climate in the Boardroom

Understanding Climate Risk

Workbooks - CIRCit Nord

Alliance for Corporate Transparency Research Report 2019

Business & the Environment | Baker Library | Bloomberg Center | Harvard Business School

ESG + Incentives 2020 Report

The sustainability report 2019

The sustainability Board Report

Think Tank on Corporate Governance | The Sustainability Board Report

Six ways company boards should prepare for climate risk | World Economic Forum

Enacting Purpose Initiative

A Singular Focus on Profit Is No Longer an Option

Making Sustainability Count

View more from the

September–October 2020 Issue

Social-Impact Efforts That Create Real Value

What Boards Need to Know About Sustainability Ratings

What Boards Need to Know About Sustainability Ratings

Climate risk and response | McKinsey

https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/sustainability/our-insights/climate-risk-and-response-physical-hazards-and-socioeconomic-impacts

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2020 Sustainability Leaders Survey Results | GlobeScan Report

https://globescan.com/unilever-patagonia-ikea-interface-top-sustainability-leaders-2020/

Unilever, Patagonia, Ikea, Interface, and Natura &Co Most Recognized by Experts as Sustainability Leaders According to 2020 Leaders Survey: Four New Companies Join Ranking

Experts also share views on the pandemic, suggesting long-term resilience depends on embedding sustainability and developing innovative new business models

Blueprint for Responsible Policy Engagement on Climate Change

Measure B Impact Assessment

The B Impact Assessment

The most credible tool a company can use to measure its impact

Join 50,000+ businesses using this free, confidential tool

See how people are building better businesses*

Rob Michalak

Elissa Loughman

Rasuli Webster

Here’s how it works...

Start measuring and managing your social and environmental impact using this free, confidential tool

Learn more about our extended family:

WEF Future of Nature Report

Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures | TCFD - Homepage

Transform to Net Zero

Step Up Declaration | Harnessing the Fourth Industrial Revolution

6 leadership priorities for corporate boards after COVID-19 | World Economic Forum

Questions to assist board on Physical climate risk

Chapter Zero Transition Toolkit

Chapter zero Boardoom Toolkit

One day free course Chapter Zero: Directors’ Climate Journey

Chapter Zero - The UK Board Directors' Climate Forum

Transition Pathway State report 2020

Exponential roadmap Initiatives & Examples

Sustainability Reporting Revisit across Europe www.allianceforcorporatetransparency.org

Good practices and pledges on B2G data sharing | Shaping Europe’s digital future

How to Set Up Effective Climate Governance on Corporate Boards: Guiding principles and questions | World Economic Forum

How your board can drive transformative action on climate change | EY - Global

CDSB Framework Guidance on Climate Disclosure

Getting Climate Smart (Ceres) A primer for Directors

SASB Materiality Map

Global Reporting Initiative Guidelines

The Reporting Exchange | Global open resource for sustainability reporting

ESG Disclosure Handbook, by WBCSD

Insights from the Reporting Exchange

The state of corporate governance in the era of sustainability risks and opportunities

Advancing sustainability: a new curriculum for boards

ESG and Sustainability: The Board’s Role

ESG and Sustainability: The Board’s Role

A New agenda for the board of Directors by www.unglobalcompact.org

How companies Engage Investors on Sustainability by www.ceres.org

Guide to ESG reporting by London LSEG

ESG Reporting Nasdaq

What Boards Need to Know About Sustainability Ratings & Assessment

How Board Members Really Feel About ESG, from Deniers to True Believers

What to read next

Using AI to Make Knowledge Workers More Effective

How Board Members Really Feel About ESG, from Deniers to True Believers

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The Board and ESG

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