Table of contents

  1. What is ESG?
  2. Why is ESG essential today?
  3. Evolution and Historical Overview of ESG
  4. Which Organisations Must Report on ESG?
  5. How to Implement an ESG Strategy – Step by Step
  6. Business Benefits of ESG Implementation
  7. Working with Global Certification Body (GCB) – Your ESG Partner

What is ESG?

ESG represents a holistic business approach built on three core pillars:

  • Environmental: resource management, greenhouse gas reduction, energy efficiency, waste management, biodiversity protection and operational sustainability.
  • Social: labour conditions, health & safety, diversity and inclusion, human rights, local community impact, supplier relationships and corporate reputation.
  • Governance: organisational structure, transparency, business ethics, anti‑corruption, board accountability, stakeholder engagement and decision‑making integrity.

Why is ESG essential today?

ESG has risen to prominence due to:

  • Expanding regulatory requirements, particularly in the EU – including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Non‑Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD).
  • Changing investor and market expectations – companies with strong ESG credentials attract greater capital and partnership opportunities.
  • Environmental and social pressure – implementing ESG mitigates reputational, operational and regulatory risks.
  • Integration with digital transformation and cybersecurity strategies – ESG is now part of managing change, technology and organisational resilience.

Evolution and Historical Overview of ESG

The foundations of ESG trace back to the 1960s and 70s with the emergence of environmental and social movements. Through the 1980s and 90s, investors began incorporating social and environmental criteria into decision‑making. In 2005, the United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) formalised this integration. With the adoption of the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agreement in 2015, ESG entered the mainstream of global business strategy and governance.

Which Organisations Must Report on ESG?

Under the CSRD, reporting obligations target:

  • All listed companies regardless of size;
  • Large enterprises (e.g., > 250 employees, > €40 million turnover or > €20 million assets);
  • From 2026 also non‑listed SBOs and small/medium enterprises (MSEs) in certain cases.

These organisations must publish an ESG report compliant with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and the principle of double materiality.

How to Implement an ESG Strategy – Step by Step

  1. ESG Readiness Audit – assess maturity, identify gaps and define material issues.
  2. Board Engagement – ESG must be driven from leadership and integrated into governance.
  3. Identify Key Areas & Materiality Analysis – map risks and opportunities, engage stakeholders and establish materiality.
  4. Set ESG Goals & KPIs – e.g., CO₂ reduction targets, workforce diversity, community engagement.
  5. Action Plan & Policies – allocate resources, define budgets, schedule activities, assign responsibilities.
  6. Training & Culture Building – educate every level of staff to ensure engagement and behavioural change.
  7. Monitoring, Reporting & Audit – implement reporting systems, measure impact and publish reports in line with ESRS.
  8. Risk Management & Regulatory Compliance – monitor legislative changes and embed mechanisms to ensure compliance.
  9. Continuous Improvement – adapt strategies to evolving market, social and regulatory conditions.

Business Benefits of ESG Implementation

Deploying an ESG strategy delivers tangible and intangible gains, such as:

  • Access to investment, improved capital attractiveness;
  • Enhanced reputation and stakeholder engagement;
  • Reduced operational costs and risk from efficiency gains;
  • Competitive differentiation as a future‑proof, responsible business;
  • Better positioning in search engines and AI/semantics‑driven ecosystems due to socially‑relevant content.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) can also benefit by focusing on priority areas like energy efficiency, waste reduction and ethical supply‑chain partnerships, thereby building ESG value even with limited resources.

Working with Global Certification Body (GCB) – Your ESG Partner

Global Certification Body is a Polish‑based notified certification body offering comprehensive support for organisations at every stage of ESG implementation – from readiness audits, KPI & report development to full certification of ESG systems. Our services help you meet regulatory obligations, enhance business value and embed resilience.