The approach to the importance of ESG-related topics in corporate strategies has changed dramatically. Difficult geopolitical and economic realities have changed the market’s perspective – the value of a company is defined not only by its profit-generating potential for shareholders, but also by the preservation of its ability to do business in the long term. It is possible to identify specific entities that are building their business and ‘story’ around resilience to the challenges of the future – particularly in relation to the green transition. The ESG perspective is becoming the backbone of companies’ business strategies and entities that fail to recognise this are increasingly suffering business (less investor interest, problems accessing financial services) and image losses as a result.
A strategy is a document that structures an organisation’s approach to ESG in a well-defined time perspective. Its creation is the first link in the company’s transformation process, without which it is impossible to carry out systemic actions for the environment and social environment and, very importantly, it is impossible to report reliably.
Definition of strategic directions and creation of a strategy
We help update or create strategies in which ESG threads are closely linked to business directions and meet the challenges associated with the CSRD. We seek to align them with market expectations based on realistic objectives described by specific indicators and proposals for action. We participate both in the processes of creating ESG strategies operating in parallel with (but closely linked to) business strategies and in those combining both perspectives within a single document. We place great emphasis on implementing specific commitments and measures of success (KPIs) into the strategy, which in the years of implementation will enable reliable reporting on the fulfilment of assumptions.
As part of the first stages of the work, we carry out a detailed baseline analysis. In most cases, we perform this task as part of a dual materiality analysis, preparing our clients also for the CSRD-compliant reporting process. By analysing the regulatory requirements for the disclosure of non-financial information (both current and upcoming), we ensure that the organisation is prepared to meet them in the perspective of the operation of the strategy. In our work, we use market benchmarks – both Polish and global. We systematise knowledge derived from historical dialogue with the environment. The key, however, is the knowledge functioning within the company, which we organise in workshops with key people in the company. In consultation, we create a document together with our clients and assist in the internal approval process.
Implementation and communication of the strategy
Even the best strategy is worthless in isolation from the implementation process, which consists, first and foremost, of defining the responsibilities of individuals in the organisation and assigning measures of success to them (summarised regularly, above all in the annual reporting process). As part of our projects, we support the creation of structures within the company, building awareness among employees and the environment of the importance of the commitments made. We emphasise the creation of mechanisms enabling monitoring and reporting by providing appropriate procedures and tools. Thanks to our media relations and IR competences, we ensure the quality of communication around the strategy using communications and meetings with journalists, social media and ESG sites.