launching a global
ESg program
Case Study
The Situation
A global professional services firm sought to align its business practices with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. The firm was receiving increasing requests for ESG elements such as Science-Based Targets, with Requests for Proposals (RFPs) routinely including ESG-related questions. Recognizing the need to formalize its sustainability initiatives, meet client expectations, and outpace competitors, leadership turned to Longview Strategies to develop a comprehensive ESG strategy.
Our Approach
Longview Strategies collaborated with the company’s sustainability committee on a step-by-step process to build a strong ESG foundation, enabling the organization to respond effectively to stakeholder demands and client requirements. Key initiatives included:
ESG Policies and Statements: Longview collaborated with internal stakeholders to create foundational ESG policies and statements. These included a detailed environmental policy, human rights statement, business code of conduct, and supplier code of conduct. These policies not only aligned with global standards, they also articulated the firm’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices.
Materiality Assessment: To identify and prioritize the most relevant ESG topics, Longview conducted the firm’s first materiality assessment. This process involved:
- Benchmarking against peers and ESG frameworks.
- Stakeholder engagement through surveys and interviews.
- Developing a materiality matrix to visually represent key ESG priorities. The insights from this assessment informed the ESG strategy, ensuring alignment with stakeholder expectations and business objectives.
Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Assessment and SBTi Validation: Longview managed the company’s first comprehensive GHG assessment, covering Scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions. This data served as the foundation for setting science-based targets, which were validated by the SBTi.
ESG Report: To enhance transparency and accountability, Longview developed an inaugural ESG report in accordance with GRI standards. The report highlighted the firm’s ESG initiatives, progress, and commitments, positioning it as a trusted partner for clients with ESG requirements.
The Result
The firm’s proactive approach to ESG resulted in significant benefits, including:
- Client Relations: By meeting the ESG requirements of its largest clients, the firm safeguarded business relationships and reinforced opportunities in sustainability-focused markets.
- Strategic Alignment: The materiality assessment and ESG policies provided a clear roadmap for integrating ESG into the overall business strategy.
This company’s ESG journey demonstrates the power of forward-looking, strategic ESG integration. By partnering with Longview Strategies, the firm created a strong ESG foundation and bolstered its position in the marketplace.