What is Corporate ESG?
Sustainability report, also known as an ESG (environmental, social and governance) impacts report, is a publication by a company or organisation that highlights its environmental, social, and governance impacts. The increasing significance of Sustainability reports is driven by investor and stakeholder demands for greater disclosure on sustainability and ESG strategies. Corporate ESG in South Africa will play a vital role in making South African corporates more aware of their actions when it comes to their impact on the environment, staff wellness, communities where they operate, and more.
ESG Sustainability Strategies for Business
There are many ESG strategies that businesses can incorporate in their day-to-day dealings, but where do we start? Let’s start by looking at some of the options, then define which is best suited to the business infrastructure/sector/needs, and list them form (a) quick immediate implementations, to (b) medium implementation (3-6 months), to long-term that requires more work and more insights before actioning (more than 6 months).
ESG Strategies Include:
- Implementing renewable energy sources and reducing carbon emissions.
- Using carbon footprint calculators to calculate carbon emissions (flights, car travel, office heating, manufacturing processes etc.) and using calculated offsets to create new practises, and/or contribute to sustainable development projects.
- Adopting sustainable supply chain practices, such as responsible sourcing, supporting local, and fair trade.
- Promoting diversity and inclusion within the workforce.
- Implementing waste reduction and recycling programs.
- Investing in energy-efficient technologies and infrastructure.
- Engaging in community development and philanthropic initiatives.
- Ensuring ethical business practices and transparency in operations.
- Prioritising employee health and well-being through wellness programs and education.
- Incorporating sustainable product design and packaging.
- Monitoring and reporting on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance.
- Using greener products and practises for conferences, events, and meetings. Transform any gathering into a milestone for sustainability.
- Gifting the ‘gift of giving back’ – via sustainable development projects such as reforestation, coral reef restoration, community farming projects, climate protection projects in Africa, etc.
- Rethinking marketing strategies and branded products.
- Using digital where possible, instead of print.
ESG promotes transparency, showcasing risks and opportunities, and serves as a communication tool to demonstrate the company’s genuine commitment to stakeholders.
Communication tools include:
- Digital Report (online PDF)
- Animated Training Videos for Staff
- Training Documents for Staff
- Digital Screens Messaging
- Video Production (Short Films)
- Social Media & Online Campaigns
- Sustainable Branded Products
- Surveys
- TV Ads & more
Digital Communication Tools and ESG
Digital Reports
Did you know that transmitting larger files online can result in higher energy consumption and CO2 emissions due to increased data transfer?
Recommendations:
- Use smaller, professionally designed PDF files in compressed web format for reporting.
- Think before you print – printed documents use paper production, ink, and disposal and have large carbon emissions.
- Use digital signature tools for signing documents and reports instead of printing them out and scanning them back in.
Digital Training
Incorporate corporate learning management systems (LMS) software to train staff online and limit in-person training sessions where travel is required.
Recommendations:
- Staff can complete courses online at their own pace and give feedback on course material. The feedback can serve to incorporate new KPIs, to expand course material, or make adjustments to company policies/health & safety/etc. to fit specific needs of individual/team members.
- Use professionally produced videos, and animation videos to make learning interesting and engaging. The same video can be viewed by team members across the world in an online forum instead of staff members travelling to an event location.
- Use online software to communicate company values, messages, alerts, etc. instead of printed notices.
- Run competitions and/or think-tanks to get employees involved in solving sustainability challenges, incorporating diversity and inclusivity, and formulate new business models based on new ideas and concepts.
Digital Screens
Use digital screens in office buildings instead of printed posters, banners, etc. Digital screens can also replace POS making artwork changes more effective and reducing printing and distribution costs and carbon emissions.
Recommendations:
- Digital screens in offices can serve as messaging boards for visitors, communicate wellness messages, serve as internal HR notice boards, and give insights into current events and projects.
- Use animation, video and design to attract attention. Always use professionally designed content as it is a reflection of your brand and corporate culture.
- Use POS, menu designs, posters, and marketing material in digital screen format instead of print. This also saves manufacturing and distribution offset.
- Use solar or renewable energy to charge screens where possible.
- Upload content from one central point across all screens to reduce carbon offset.
Digital Ads
Choose quality over quantity. Use the power of digital marketing to communicate company values around sustainability and ESG.
Recommendations:
- Use curated content in the form of storytelling, that is informative and entertaining. Let your audience relate to the message. Create brand awareness and communicate your values around ESG.
- Have a ‘quality over quantity’ approach. Make your messaging impactful. Digital is oversaturated with mediocre marketing.
- Direct some of your marketing budget to make a real difference by co-creating content with HR in CSI projects.
- Invest in sponsored video awareness projects that focus on sustainability/social impact/other ESG projects in the form of TV ads, short films or documentaries.
- Create mindful social media campaigns that encourages wellbeing, positive social change, inclusivity, and sustainability awareness.
Podcasts
Educate and raise awareness about ESG issues. Provide in-depth discussions, interviews, and expert insights, helping to inform and engage listeners on sustainability topics.
Recommendations:
- Podcasts offer a unique opportunity to engage with stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, and the wider community. By hosting ESG-focused podcasts, businesses can foster dialogue, share updates on sustainability initiatives, and gather feedback from their audience.
- Podcasts allow businesses to establish themselves as thought leaders in the ESG space. By hosting industry experts, sharing best practices, and discussing emerging trends, companies can position themselves as knowledgeable and committed to sustainable practices.
- Podcasts can be used internally to engage employees in ESG strategies. By featuring employee stories, success stories, and interviews with sustainability champions within the organisation, podcasts can inspire and motivate employees to actively participate in sustainability efforts.
- Collaborate and partner with other organisations, NGOs, or sustainability experts. By hosting joint episodes or featuring guest speakers, businesses can foster collaboration, share insights, and amplify the impact of their ESG strategies.
Need help with your digital ESG strategy?
We are an expert South African digital agency that can strategise, create, and help implement your ESG strategy in digital marketing.
- Video Production
- Graphic Design
- Photography
- Animation Videos
- Campaign Concepts
- Podcasts
- Strategies
- Content Writing
- TV Ads & more
Sustainability Calculators
Start your journey to being part of the solution. Here are a few calculators to get you started.