2023 Practical ESG Conference

Even with all its uncertainty, 2023 is seeing continued acceleration and change for ESG. This panel will discuss some of the more important and interesting developments from the past year and how you can address them in your company sooner rather than later.

ESG is ill-defined, yet it continues to attract capital while impacting corporate resource allocation and public policy. Is it “fit for purpose” – or is it an unhelpful distraction? Ken will offer his candid views based on his research, writing, network and operating experience. He will give suggestions on how to advance authentic sustainable practice.

DEI leaders (both external consultants and internal DEI practitioners) are tasked with making progress in DEI while navigating a variety of challenges. With the high turnover of DEI practitioners and the slow progress of many DEI initiatives, it’s time to take a pause and ask our DEI practitioners what they need to do to make impactful DEI progress and learn ways to support them as they lead the charge. During this Q&A, our guest will share the challenges that DEI practitioners face and what you can do to empower them to make real progress. In this session you’ll get a candid look at what your DEI leader wants you to know.

Corporate disclosure on climate matters is being scrutinized like never before, even where it isn’t legally required. Much of the quality of these disclosures depends on the GHG emissions used by companies. This panel will give an overview of top concerns on GHG data collection, validation and management and how you can reduce your reporting risk.

One of the biggest surprises in 2022-2023 was the rise of the Anti-ESG movement. While primarily a political battle, operating companies suffered the wounds since their programs, actions and reporting were at the center of the conflict. This panel will give an update on what is happening in the Anti-ESG movement and importantly – how companies should or should not respond.

DEI struggles to find a home in organizations. Because DEI work is cross-functional, and impacts all areas of the organization, it isn’t clear what department or business area it belongs to. Some companies put DEI in their HR function, while others place it in the ESG function. Some have even seen fit to put it in the legal or compliance function of the organization. This session will explore the ongoing question of where DEI should live in an organization.

Corporate greenwashing in ESG reporting is changing against headwinds of public and investor backlash. This panel will discuss new developments in greenwashing and fraud and what you should think about in writing your next report to minimize potential problems with consumers, regulators, investors and the media.

ESG is firmly now a risk to boards and their individual members. This panel will cover the current risk landscape for active and passive boards and various approaches boards as a whole and individual directors can take to minimize liabilities.

An open panel discussion on topics of the day and offering additional perspectives, suggestions and tools. Answers to questions that came in throughout the day.