Investors consider a wide range of behaviors when evaluating a firm based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. Energy consumption, waste, pollution, natural resource conservation, and animal care are all examples of environmental criteria. The criteria may also be used to assess any environmental hazards that a firm may face and how those risks are being managed. Are there issues with its ownership of contaminated land, hazardous waste disposal, toxic emissions management, or compliance with government environmental regulations, for example?
The company’s commercial connections are examined using social standards. Is it working with vendors who share the same values as it claims? Is the firm willing to contribute a portion of its earnings to the community or encourage workers to volunteer there? Do the company’s working conditions demonstrate strong respect for the health and safety of its employees? Are the interests of other stakeholders considered?
Investors may want to know that a business employs accurate and transparent accounting procedures and that stockholders are given the chance to vote on major issues when it comes to governance. They may also seek guarantees that firms do not choose board members with conflicts of interest, do not utilize political contributions to get excessively preferential treatment, and, of course, do not participate in legal practices.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria are a set of standards used to evaluate a company’s sustainability and ethical impact.
- Environmental looks at how a company manages natural resources and climate risks.
- Social assesses labor practices, community impact, and human rights.
- Governance reviews leadership, transparency, and ethical behavior.
At SGS India, we help organizations integrate ESG practices into their operations through audits, assessments, and certification—supporting responsible growth and investor confidence.