Accessible ESG Methods that Can Improve Business Compliance
17 November 2025
Accessible ESG Methods that Can Improve Business Compliance
Finding, developing, and indeed implementing accessible ESG methods for improved compliance and management is an art and a skill. While Environmental, Social, and Governance standpoints are usually clearly defined in relation to compliance, there are gray areas, and it is typically left to management teams to work within a range of vague guidelines. From selecting suitable frameworks to accountability via governance, here are some ideas.
Technology for Data Management
There are many back-end systems that help organize and indeed meet ESG requirements. However, with so much to juggle, especially when things change, it can be a bit of a balancing act that disrupts everything, throwing the proverbial balls in the air! However, tools like waste management software can help. When you need data collection, reporting, and analysis for ESG and compliance, technologies assist with everything from accuracy to consistency.
Frameworks for Accessible ESG Methods
ESG targets are hard to meet for many businesses, as evident in the UK, where only 43% of mid-sized businesses actually even have targets. However, this is higher than the global average of just 39%! One of the reasons why is that they don’t have frameworks that can help:
- The Global Reporting Initiative is an international standard used by governments that helps them understand and communicate on issues such as climate change.
- The Carbon Disclosure Project helps countries such as China, the US, and the UK, as well as over 13,000 private companies, disclose their overall environmental impact.
- The International Sustainability Standards Board has helped create a common language and framework that investors can use to check the effect of company sustainability.
Defining Goals and Objectives
Businesses thrive on goals, and ESG inclusion is no different. Of course, like business, ESG goals must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). While general goals can help guide decisions, they won’t have much of an impact anytime soon if they are too vague. For example, a goal like “reduce our waste” doesn’t really help much. Instead, think of something like “reduce paper waste by 10% per month for 100% by the year’s end”.
Conducting ESG Audits
Perhaps the best starting point is ESG audits, which are a strong way to get the ball rolling. Across each pillar of the concept, E, S, and G, assess performance on an individual basis. This allows the business to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each, as they will likely vary. Based on the audit, governance, and other management teams can then outline a plan for actions to bring ESG scoring in line with guidance, meet compliance, and track internal KPIs.
Accessible ESG Methods for Transparency
A 2024 report by Mercer found that only 7% of global large companies report on unadjusted gender and ethnic pay gaps. This is an obvious disadvantage when it comes to accessible ESG methods that help businesses increase their rating. Of course, methods like sharing decision-making among teams can help. However, openness and honesty can have major advantages, and there are a few methods you can use to implement more transparency.
Develop KPIs related to ESG
With a focus on ESG and how it affects the business as a whole, metrics and KPIs can be a massive help to keep a company on track so long as they align with internal and ESG goals.
Regularly review and report
With at least an annual report, companies can increase overall transparency as it relates to ESG and compliance, so long as it also includes successes, failures, and challenges faced.
Enlist third-party verification
It’s no good marking your own homework! Third-party services can provide an outside look and highlight things the business might miss through deep dives into specific ESG categories.
It’s hard to say how many businesses are actually transparent, given the vast number of variables and metrics. What we do know is that modern companies are quick to disclose specific data, such as anti-corruption, but often hold back vital statistics on issues like pay gaps.
Core Business Strategy Integration
It is often advised to incorporate ESG awareness into the core business strategy. For example, request reports on how ESG will be affected before making decisions, and how any decisions will impact either the environmental, social, or governance status of the company. By including them as part of the decision-making strategy rather than an afterthought, you can ensure leadership improvements, especially when ESG scores are tied to performance bonuses!
Engaging with Stakeholders
Across any business, there are many people in critical roles who need to be aware of decisions moving forward. Employees, investors, and even suppliers have a stake in the business and are directly impacted by decisions. You can contribute to an improved ESG score by engaging them proactively using methods such as surveys, forums, and regularly updated communications. This results in stronger relationships and trust while bringing the ESG strategy into alignment.
Accessible ESG Methods via Governance
Governance in modern business is a complex subject, but it comes with many benefits. For instance, companies that focus on governance generate an average of 44% more cash flow. So, can governance help your business? Here are some quick methods you can try immediately:
- Establish a structure that clearly defines employee roles and responsibilities.
- Invest in board diversity and challenge board decisions with external committees.
- Hire risk management officers who can develop protocols for responsible management.
Keeping Up with Regulatory Changes
It can be hard to manage so much when everything changes all the time. However, if you want to keep the best ESG score possible, then it becomes necessary to stay compliant and constantly check changes relevant to your business. This will also minimize risk and help your company avoid legal problems. So how can you do this? Networking and monitoring are a great start, as you can freely share information, but it also helps to stay abreast of industry reports.
Summary
You can use technology for data management, such as apps and AI, as a gateway to more accessible ESG methods. This includes transparency, such as KPIs, reviews, and third-party deep dives into the company, as well as keeping up with industry-specific regulatory changes.
Header image by: Freepik
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