One of the most hotly debated topics in boardrooms and among investors is ESG investing, or investing in companies with strong environmental, social, and governance profiles.
What Is ESG and What Does It Mean?
Many investors consider a company’s ethics and environmental impact before investing. When looking into a company’s culture and overall goals, social and governance considerations are more important to these investors. When determining whether or not to invest their hard-earned money in a firm, these factors are just as significant to some investors as financial factors. ESG investment entails taking into account a company’s strategies and achievements in the following areas:
- Environmental: Future investors want to know what actions corporations are taking to protect the Earth’s resources while still operating in a profitable manner. What is the environmental policy of the company?
- Social: Some investors believe that understanding a company’s connections with its employees and vendors is just as important as knowing its financials. Do they provide equal opportunities to everyone? Are they nice and approachable to other businesses, consumers, and the community in which they work? What role does the company play in the community’s growth and prosperity?
- Governance: ESG investors are also interested in how a company’s board of directors and management team are monitored. What policies and procedures are in place to ensure that the business is operated properly and fairly, and that all employees, regardless of their demographics, have an equal opportunity?
In this case, the infographic comes in handy. Companies with high ESG scores are less likely to face regulatory fines, disgruntled shareholders, public humiliation, and other potentially negative, value-destroying occurrences. Additionally, companies that are socially responsible have reduced employee turnover and a more engaged and productive workforce. Because of these and other characteristics, high-scoring ESG companies are strong long-term investment options. Continue reading to find out more.
