Balancing Environmental, Social, and Governance Goals

Walid R. Alameddin, a trusted adviser to global banks and companies, highlights the main elements of environmental, social, and governance goals in this book geared for organizations that want to make sustainability a priority.

He argues for a comprehensive balanced approach when setting these goals to include components from each ESG pillar. Topics include reducing greenhouse emissions, changing the energy mix to achieve net zero by 2050, and addressing water scarcity, air pollution, plastics waste, and the circular economy.

Social goals covered include gender equality, financial inclusion, education, health, and consumer protection. Governance goals include board composition and organization, risk management, digital security, proper reporting and disclosure, and independent assurance and verification.

The author also highlights ESG considerations increasingly demanded by investors and other stakeholders, including clients, employees, suppliers, and regulators.

While the book focuses on banks and companies in emerging countries, the principles serve as an ESG guide to banks and companies everywhere.