Henry Fernandez’s Post

Can #ESG be a lifeline in a volatile market? Research by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) reveals that amid the Covid-19 crisis, "funds with a high ESG rating" outperformed those with a low ESG rating. In times of market turbulence, firms embracing sustainable practices may exhibit better resilience and profitability, with sustainable funding, employee support, and stable growth strategies. Explore more: https://okt.to/A1DoPs

"ESG Can Lead to Higher Profitability"-https://rb.gy/bg6m1 Forbes One of biggest challenges in that ESG has become massively politicized and has been viewed more as a cost center versus a value center. As reported by Equity Quotient https://rb.gy/1zt4z “Companies that proactively embrace their pursuit of stakeholder diversity and other ESG principles tend to be more successful, outperforming peers on every major performance metric. - Revenue higher 19%; Cost of Capital lower by 50bps; EBITDA up 3.5%” #esginvesting #workingcapitalmanagement #scf #marketplaces

Forbes - ESG can lead to higher profitability https://rb.gy/bg6m1 ESG goes beyond moral responsibility; it aligns with sound and long-term business practices. • Revenue: 19% higher • Stock Price: 5% higher • Cost of Capital: 50 bps lower #esgstrategy

Forward ESG – driving business sustainability for our clients >> Introducing Forward ESG: Navigating risks and realising opportunities At Forward ESG, our journey is defined by a singular purpose: to help clients move forward on their #ESG journey, regardless of the stage they are at. We empower businesses and investors by giving them the insight and solutions they need to navigate the fast evolving ESG landscape, in both established markets and higher-risk operating environments. Forward ESG is built upon our expertise in sustainability and risk management; we are not just another consultancy – we are your strategic partners on the path towards business sustainability. >> The team behind Forward ESG: Leveraging 70 years of collective experience Our company was brought to life by a team of seasoned #sustainability professionals who want to make a meaningful difference in how companies and investors identify, address, and communicate ESG #risks and #opportunities. With a deep understanding of the complexities that lie beneath the surface of ESG ratings, we are on a mission to drive clarity, transparency and impactful change. >> What sets us apart: Looking ‘beyond the data’ to deliver actionable insight Forward ESG is focused on more than numbers and metrics. We offer a deep understanding of the links between operational, financial and sustainability performance – and develop integrated solutions. This helps us unlock the full potential of #ESG – identifying untapped opportunities, managing emerging risks, and communicating the unique story that lies within your business. We ‘bridge the gap’ between companies and their investors, based on well-contextualised analysis, active engagement and impactful disclosures. >> Your journey, our expertise: Moving forward together Regardless of where you are on your ESG journey, Forward ESG is here to support you every step of the way – from strategy development through to hands-on implementation. Whether you are a #company striving to amplify your positive impacts and minimise your negative impacts, or an #investor seeking to deepen your understanding of portfolio risks and opportunities, we will help you get there. #businesssustainability #integratedreporting #sustainabilitystrategy #humanrights #climatechange #sociallicence #sharedvalue #ESRS #ISSB

In my recent posts, I described how ESG🌱 objectives shed light on the effectiveness and adaptability of business practices within organizations. Many developing countries and businesses encounter challenges in meeting these standards. 💼🤝🌟 Investors, financial bodies, and aid agencies consider ESG benchmarks for collaborations and partnerships. Falling short of these benchmarks hampers the advancement, growth, and durability of economies and enterprises. 📊🏛️Credit rating firms like Moody's, Fitch and S&P have incorporated ESG goals into their scoring and credit assessment systems. ESG initiatives empower institutions to pursue sound corporate governance, principled business conduct, and impactful stakeholder engagement. #esg #sustainabilityreporting #drivechange

🌟 “Unleashing Synergy: 𝗠𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘆’𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗦𝗖𝗜 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗦𝗚 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲!” 🌟 In a groundbreaking move, Moody’s and MSCI have forged an alliance that promises to reshape the ESG reporting landscape. 🤝🌿 As sustainability champions, we know that the journey toward a more responsible and resilient world requires collaboration, innovation, and shared expertise. Here’s why this partnership matters: * 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗙𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: By combining Moody’s credit insights with MSCI’s robust ESG data, we’re creating a powerhouse of knowledge. 📊🌐 Expect more accurate risk assessments, deeper insights, and smarter investment decisions. * 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: This isn’t just about quarterly reports; it’s about building a sustainable future. 🌎🔍 Together, we’ll drive positive change across industries, influencing corporate behavior, and steering capital toward impactful projects. * 𝗘𝗦𝗚 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Our collaboration accelerates the adoption of global ESG standards. 📈🌱 As companies align with common metrics, investors gain clarity, and markets become more transparent. Share your thoughts! How do you envision this partnership shaping the ESG landscape? What challenges do you think we’ll overcome together? Let’s turn data into action, impact into opportunity, and sustainability into a shared legacy. 🌟💡 P.S. Link to the press release in the comments #ESGLeadership #SustainableFinance #TogetherWeRise #Moodys #MSCI

ESG is not just a trend but a strategic tool for success in a world that demands accountability and transparency. Is there a tradeoff between a robust ESG agenda and financial returns? Evidence suggests that ESG investment funds can outshine traditional equity funds, especially in the long term. While factors like sector composition and market conditions may contribute to that outcome, ESG should still be treated as a game-changer, providing a competitive edge in risk management, innovation, customer loyalty, employee engagement, and regulatory compliance. According to MSCI, the MSCI World ESG Leaders index, tracking high ESG-rated companies, outperformed the traditional MSCI World index by +1.84% from Nov '19 to Mar '21. Similarly, the JP Morgan ESG EMBI Global Diversified index, focusing on emerging market bonds with high ESG scores, outperformed the non-ESG index by +1.94% during the same period. Simply, aligning strategies with ESG principles builds trust, enhances reputation, and secures long-term sustainability and profitability. ESG is not just a trend; it has a business case for success!  #ESG #esgreporting #sustainability

🌱 Prioritizing ESG practices is crucial for today's businesses, fostering sustainability and positive social impact! Let's explore the significance of ESG due diligence, ESG audit, and compliance. 🌍 1️⃣ **ESG Due Diligence:** It's about assessing environmental, social, and governance risks/opportunities in operations, supply chains, and stakeholders. This step ensures long-term sustainability and reputation alignment before partnerships, investments, or mergers. 📊 2️⃣ **ESG Audit:** These audits verify a company's ESG performance against standards, providing transparent insights. They track progress, spotlight areas for growth, and showcase accountability to stakeholders—investors, customers, regulators. 📝 🔄 **Sustainable Operations:** Aligning with ESG standards drives operational efficiency, minimizes environmental impact, and fosters strong governance practices. It's a recipe for long-term value creation and risk reduction. 📉 🤝 **Positive Social Impact:** ESG compliance extends beyond regulations, tackling societal issues like climate change, human rights, and diversity. Prioritizing ESG fosters inclusive workplaces, supports communities, and advances sustainable development goals. 🌱 💼 **Investor Confidence:** Investors now prioritize ESG factors, recognizing their impact on sustainable business practices. Companies adhering to ESG standards attract investment, build trust, and enhance their market reputation. 💰 In a rapidly evolving business landscape, integrating ESG practices isn't just wise—it's essential. Let's champion sustainability, innovation, and value creation for a brighter future! 🚀 #ESG #Sustainability #GRI #BRSR #GreenManufacturing #ResponsibleBusiness #SocialImpact #InvestorConfidence #CorporateResponsibility #EnvironmentalImpact #SocialImpact #Governance #Transparency

🚀 Navigating Change: Emerging ESG Standards and Aligning with Industry Priorities 🌐 The ESG landscape is evolving, and staying ahead means embracing emerging standards that align with the ever-shifting priorities of our industries. Here's a compass to navigate these changes: 1. Understanding Emerging Standards: 🌱 As ESG gains prominence, new frameworks emerge. Stay vigilant about emerging standards that capture the evolving expectations of stakeholders, regulators, and investors. 2. Industry Alignment: 🏭 Not all standards fit every industry like a glove. Choose frameworks that resonate with the specific challenges and opportunities within your sector. Tailor your ESG strategy to align seamlessly with industry priorities. 3. Flexibility in Adoption: 🔄 Prioritize frameworks that offer flexibility in adoption. The ability to evolve with changing business dynamics and accommodate emerging ESG priorities ensures enduring relevance. 4. Comprehensive Coverage: 🌍 Look for frameworks that provide comprehensive coverage across environmental, social, and governance pillars. Holistic reporting ensures that your ESG strategy captures the full spectrum of your business's impact. 5. Investor and Stakeholder Expectations: 👥 Consider the expectations of your investors and stakeholders. Choose frameworks that resonate with their values and align with the metrics they prioritize. This fosters transparency and trust. 6. Strategic Integration: 🌟 Integrate ESG into your business strategy. The chosen framework should not be a mere reporting exercise but a strategic tool that drives positive impact and value creation. 7. Continuous Improvement: 🔄 ESG is a journey, not a destination. Prioritize frameworks that encourage continuous improvement, allowing your organization to adapt to emerging trends and maintain a leadership position. Choosing the right ESG framework is an art of aligning values, industry dynamics, and stakeholder expectations. It's about creating a roadmap that not only meets compliance requirements but propels your business toward a sustainable and impactful future. 🌿 What emerging ESG standards resonate with your industry, and how are you adapting to changing priorities? Let's explore the journey together! #esg #Sustainability #BusinessStrategy #changemanagement

ESG scores are typically numerical values that reflect a company's performance on a specific ESG issue, such as carbon emissions or diversity and inclusion. These scores are often used by investors to compare companies within an industry or sector and identify areas where a company may need to improve its performance. ESG ratings, on the other hand, are typically broader assessments of a company's overall ESG performance. Ratings are typically given by independent agencies like MSCI or Sustainalytics and are based on a variety of things, like a company's policies, practices, and performance with regard to particular ESG issues. Investors frequently use ratings to evaluate a company's overall ESG performance and determine its risk profile. ESG ratings and scores are important for both investors and companies. For investors, these ratings and scores provide a way to assess a company’s management of ESG risks and opportunities. This information can be used to make investment decisions and manage portfolio risk. For companies, ESG ratings and scores provide a way to benchmark their performance on ESG factors against their peers. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement and communicate their ESG performance to stakeholders. #ESG  #ESGSustainability #ESGStrategy  #ESGIntegration #ESGinActionAfrica #SustainableDevelopment #EnvironmentalResponsibility #SocialResponsibility #CorporateSocialResponsibility #ESGFramework