The discussion on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) has moved past any concept of whether to act. Rather the discussion is how to take action in a way that addresses the expectation of regulators, shareholders and workforce.

We spoke to 30 industry leaders and surveyed 245 more across grocery, food manufacturing, fashion and beauty, industrials, telco, tech, air travel, investment, energy, and recycling.

One voice captured the response in a single breath, “I have never seen such rapid change as I have with the ESG cause.”

Some companies have started action but all concede that they have a long way to go and by 2030 the job of achieving their ESG goals will be far from over.




What does ESG look like in 2030?




57%


of respondents say they are ready to
deal with implementing their
environmental priorities today

94%


of CFO respondents believe
social will be an important priority
for their organisation in 2030

43%


of respondents said complying with
regulatory change
will be one of the top three
challenges when it comes to ESG

in 2030


the top ESG priorities for organisations will be
Customer Experience and Technology


    Top ESG priorities in 2030:


  • 1. Cyber risk and privacy

  • 2. Customer Experience

  • 3. Technology


    Key ESG challenges in 2030:


  • ✓ Complying with regulatory change

  • ✓ Navigating technology complexity

  • ✓ Mitigating operational risk





What our leaders say about shifting from commitment to action

  • CEO Nestle


    "The challenges are so great, the actions we need to take are so urgent, we must constantly collaborate to find a way through, and we are investing in smaller companies and start-ups to support us.”

    Sandra Martinez
    CEO
    Nestle

  • CFO, ELMO


    “For a company to have good ESG practices, its operating model must be fit for purpose...”

    James Haslem
    CFO
    ELMO

  • Sustainability Executive, Worley


    “Progressive leadership is important. Understanding ESG risks and opportunities is a required skillset.”

    Sue Brown
    Director of Sustainability
    Worley

  • CEO, Muru Office Supplies


    “By being a trailblazer for Australia’s First Nations community, we hope that our people will want to come work for us...”

    Mitchell Ross
    CEO & Founder
    Muru Office Supplies

  • Head of Sustainability, NBN Co


    "Harnessing the power of strategic and collaborative partnerships allowed us to accelerate innovation and shape more sustainable and equitable outcomes...”

    Stephen Smith
    Head of Sustainability
    NBN Co



Four key areas discussed in the report




ESG maturity and journey

In 2030, organisations of all sizes will still be on a journey to ESG maturity while larger companies have progressed further and are more confident than small to medium enterprise peers

Accountability, responsibility and regulation

In 2030, directors will be personally responsible and accountable for their organisation’s decisions when it comes to environmental, social and governance action



Supply chain and operations

Cross-sector and whole-of-supply chain partnerships will be the most effective way to solve complex ESG challenges

The ESG workforce

Soon (if not already) a company’s workforce will influence policy and practice just as much as customers and investors





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