The top 5 most relevant ESG issues in 2023

As 2022 was a year characterized by multiple uncertainties, it is safe to say that companies will have plenty to work on in 2023. We believe efforts on the ESG front will be no exception. Because of this, we want to share what we believe will be the top 5 most relevant ESG issues in 2023.

Ready?

1)      Regulation to avoid greenwashing will increase.

Policy development on ESG issues has grown exponentially during the last couple of years. Between 2023 and 2025, different corporate disclosure requirements across the world will start to be in effect. These include the European Union’s SFDR (Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation) and ISSB’s (International Sustainability Standards Board) framework, which now requires companies to disclose on Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions as mandatory accounting metrics.

Miranda ESG’s recommendation: Try to be ahead of the curve regarding policies and regulatory changes that will apply to your company’s sector or activities. Preparing ahead of time allows you to make the necessary organizational changes to have best-in-class disclosure.

2)      Environmental issues beyond emissions will gain strength.

Reducing emissions and carbon footprints have been the greatest focus thus far in terms of environmental efforts. However, resource management and biodiversity are becoming other areas of focus as issues surrounding scarcity become more visible. We believe water management will become more pressing as time goes by.

Miranda ESG’s recommendation: Carbon footprints aren’t always the most relevant environmental topic for all companies. Consider carrying out a materiality analysis (if you haven’t done one already) to identify the environmental topics that you should be focusing on.

3)      Labor practices will continue to be relevant.

Workplace issues are likely to continue in the spotlight in 2023. Flexible work, DEI efforts, and zero tolerance on sexual harassment are clear examples of things that people want to see in companies they dedicate their work life to.

Miranda ESG’s recommendation: Have you measured employee satisfaction recently? Are you comfortable with your results? Maybe it is worth it to rethink some pre-pandemic policies that might put you at a disadvantage vs. your peers in the labor market.

4)      Data privacy and cybersecurity continue to cost millions to the unprepared.

With the integration of AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools into daily work, digital security challenges have never been greater. Companies that are unprepared to face these challenges every year are paying more money to cyber criminals.

Miranda ESG’s recommendation: Although your risk level could vary depending on your business model, looking into the quality of your data protection protocols is worth it. Having the right mitigation and remediation policies will be key.

5)      Supply chains will improve but managing supply chain risk will still be fundamental.

While supply issues are likely going to be smaller than last year’s, companies that haven’t caught up with mapping their supply chain risks thoroughly will be more judged by their stakeholders than before.

Miranda ESG’s recommendation: Make sure you have fully understood your supply chain risks and prepared for them. Sustainable supply chains are usually more resilient. It might be worth to look into it.

ESG strategies are constantly evolving and will need to be refined with time. 2023 will be an important year for sustainability efforts, particularly for reporting. In this ever evolving world of so many topics mixed into one, it is always worth it to think ahead.

I hope you found this interesting. As usual, if there is anything we can help you with, or if there is an ESG topic you would like to know more about, please let us know.

Best,

Marimar

CEO, Miranda ESG