Clifford Chance
Corporate social responsibility – sustainable business
Environmental, Social and Governance Frameworks for the 21st Century
In a dramatic departure from its voluntary origins, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is rapidly shifting to hold multinational companies accountable for more than traditional shareholder performance.
This CSR movement is embracing new environmental, social and governance (ESG) frameworks that both promote global sustainability goals and enhance accountability for negative impacts businesses can have on ‘planet and people’. This collection of essays by leading businesspeople, international civil servants, legal practitioners, academics, and other experts offers a forward-looking and pragmatic perspective that illuminates the major themes in this movement towards increasingly sustainable, transparent and accountable business practices.
Partner Rae Lindsay has co-edited a new book as part of an IBA series which includes a compilation of chapters on CSR/ESG issues, with an emphasis on human rights and climate change.
Key takeaways
- New regulatory frameworks around ESG are emerging, representing a shift from voluntary initiatives to mandatory requirements.
- There is a strong business case to incorporate ESG considerations into corporate governance, it is key to 21st century sustainable business models.
- Businesses face practical and legal challenges in implementation of ESG into risk management and business opportunities, and their lawyers are a key partner in this endeavor.
See more information below.
