ESG and Circular Economy

This chapter focuses on the importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies in the context of sustainability. It begins with an introduction to the concept of ESG and its 3Ps—Purpose, Prosperity, and Preservation. The chapter then delves into the pitfalls of misguided sustainability projections, including overlooking the whole lifecycle, contamination, and greenwashing. Next, the chapter covers sustainable and green reporting, highlighting various frameworks such as the Global Reporting Initiative, Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, Carbon Disclosure Project, and International Integrated Reporting Council. The chapter also discusses situational planning and investment management, outlining investor and institutional funds act, and the Freshfields Report. Finally, the chapter presents ESG case studies, including IBM. Overall, the chapter emphasizes the need for companies to incorporate ESG and circular economy strategies into their operations and investments for long-term sustainability.