Discover why ‘doing business as usual’ is no longer a valid option and the shift to ‘doing business in a sustainable way’ is the only way that will secure companies’ trust and access to financing.

For the sixth consecutive year, the Center for Sustainability and Excellence announced the unique findings from its Research in ESG Ratings and Reporting Trends, focusing on ESG best practices and standards used in 2022. CSE’s research examined the ESG practices and commitments of more than 400 FT 500 companies in North America and Europe from 31 sectors, with a high percentage of profitability within the last years. CSE’s research identified the Top 25 ESG Performing Companies and Top 10 per Sector and explored common success practices, including the most widely used ESG Standards and goals setting.

See related articles: ESG Trends in Chemical Industry; ESG Proptech Trends For A Sustainable Future In Real Estate; Infrastructure, Renewables, ESG Initiatives Lead Trends for 2022;

The research’s findings verified that there is indeed an increased influence between financial performance, brand credibility and ESG good practices. More specifically, the 25 companies such as General Mills, Ford, NIKE, Target, AIG with the highest percentage increase in profits between 2020 and 2021, are characterized by the following: 

Common Practices

High in average consolidated ratings on four ESG ratings (MSCI, CDP, Sustainalytics, and S&P Global), use of ESG-related standards (GRI, SASB, TCFD) and incorporation of stakeholder concerns and preferences into their strategies, comprehensive independent ESG reporting, as well as commitment to ambitious quantitative goals.

Leading and Lagging Sectors

Regarding the ESG incorporation potential, the sectors of “Beverage & Food Consumer Products”, “Real Estate” and “Insurance: Life & Health (Mutual, Stock)” are clearly leading the way. The lagging sectors are Diversified Financials, Food Production, Insurance (Property & Casual), Metals, and Petroleum Refining/Energy. 

Climate Commitments and Transparency

The research demonstrates that although companies set ambitious goals, there is still lack of transparency, e.g 29% of the companies validated near-term reduction targets and almost 50% set net-zero targets. It remains to be seen if these goals are true, or wishful thinking, or unintentional greenwashing.

The rise of ESG Standards. Independent Sustainability Reporting Is Becoming More Important Than Ever

Out of 310 companies evaluated, 86% have published an accessible, independent Sustainability (ESG) report, but only 30% have an External Assurance. 

Τhe preferred ESG Standards: 44% have included reference and commitments to the UN SDGs, 74% have complied with the SASB Standards, and 64% reference the recommendations of the TCFD. The use of specific global standards and frameworks verifies that top companies adopt a more strategic approach towards ESG, aiming to secure better consolidation of scores, easier comparability and greater transparency.

Source: CSE