Author – Yash Krishnani
Editor – Jahnavi Mishra

In the contemporary landscape, the allure of aesthetics often eclipses the substance within, exemplifying the sentiment that priority is given to appearance over intrinsic value. This is the very essence that encapsulates the spirit of ESG in the market. We begin by taking a closer look at ESG, the acronym signifying Environmental, Social, and Governance. Yet, one might provocatively interject that ESG could equally embody the ethos of “Everything Should Look Good.”

The “E,” in ESG, a foundational element, is emblematic of “environmental”. This complex component reveals a tapestry encompassing a broad range of topics, such as utilization of energy, emissions management, pollution mitigation, and resource allocation, among others. The “E” serves as the narrative thread that unifies the company’s environmental saga, shedding light on the manner in which it champions or opposes environmental stewardship. It narrates the tale of a company’s ecological imprint and its commitment to harmonious coexistence with the environment.

Following “E”, we venture into the realm of “S” – representing “social” responsibility, where a company’s dynamic relationship with both internal and external stakeholders comes to the fore. This encompasses an intricate web of humanitarian concerns, such as diversity/ inclusion initiatives, gender equality imperatives, discrimination eradication, community development endeavors, and the battle against favoritism. “S” represents a business’s social responsibility, demonstrating its commitment to fostering positive connections with all stakeholders across its corporate domain.

Lastly, we embark on the pivotal “G” in ESG, denoting governance. It is a crucial facet of an organization’s internal dynamics, centered on the individuals who shape the enterprise. This encompasses considerations such as leadership structures, board diversity, executive compensation, and the overall framework for decision-making. In essence, “G” draws attention to a company’s management style, transparency efforts, and compliance of moral and legal requirements. Since it indicates a company’s dedication to conducting business ethically and responsibly, good corporate governance is essential for fostering confidence with stakeholders and shareholders.

In contemporary discourse, ESG has ascended to the forefront, basking in a surge of prominence. It spotlights the non-financial facets of a company’s performance, enveloping a realm that transcends the direct association with profits. This paradigm change is emphasized by the growing number of ESG investors, a discerning group of people who have a strong interest in examining a company’s non-financial performance as a proxy for its long-term sustainability.

How do ESG investors ascertain a company’s performance? They turn their judicious gaze towards the comprehensive reports proffered by the companies themselves. Hence, a salient question arises—could these companies selectively spotlight a few favorable aspects while conveniently veiling others or perhaps embellish their non-financial pursuits? In the realm of ESG investments, this practice is often referred to as “greenwashing.” A tactic where companies skillfully craft an illusion of sustainability, all while effecting minimal substantive changes to their non-financial practices. This effectively challenges the true commitment of a company to the environmental, social, and governance ideals.

A multitude of instances exists where companies find themselves ensnared in their own web of disingenuous portrayals, obscuring the veritable truth. Often, grand conglomerates conspicuously display themselves as environmentally conscious and sustainable personas on billboards, yet the reality diverges significantly from the luminous spotlight. Consider the shift in Shell Energy, which on its exterior appears to be embracing green principles but, in fact, clinches the inevitable title of being the fourth-largest polluter in the world. Coca-Cola also serves as a case study in numerous ESG violations due to its involvement in groundwater depletion, plastic waste, and water contamination in the vicinity of its production facilities.

In the domain of technology, Apple found itself embroiled in controversy due to its professed dedication to reducing plastic consumption. Paradoxically, the decision to exclude chargers from product packaging, aimed at diminishing plastic use, inadvertently results in a surge of plastic waste when consumers procure these chargers separately, accompanied by excessive packaging, emphasizing the fundamental paradox of unintended consequences.

Even industry behemoth Unilever, despite its commitment to collecting and processing plastics in excess of its sales by 2025, grappled with a controversial approach to chemical recycling that resulted in the cessation of its recycling efforts in Indonesia, as unveiled by an investigation led by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA). These episodes of corporate complexity underscore the importance of unearthing the genuine commitment to ESG values beneath the glittering veneer.

In the grand tapestry of corporate responsibility, the journey through ESG has been nothing short of transformative, offering a holistic framework for sustainable practices. Yet, it becomes abundantly clear that, while the concept is undeniably viable, the complexities that surface in its implementation, measurement, and interpretation often beckon forth many raised eyebrows. We can only fully understand the true tableau beneath the glorified surface by delving into the depths of authenticity, removing the layers of intention, and challenging the narratives that are put forward.