Creating a Sustainable Organization: Approaches for Enhancing Corporate Value Through Sustainability

8. Defining, Measuring, and Reporting ES&G Performance

Very few people who have worked in or around business have not heard the phrase “What gets measured gets managed.” As discussed in Chapter 5, I am a firm believer in the importance of defining what outcomes are desired from a business-related activity; establishing metrics or indicators to evaluate whether those outcomes are being attained (or are likely); and collecting and periodically reviewing information to determine whether an activity, initiative, or organization is on course and likely to succeed. This chapter discusses in a bit more detail why this type of mindset and approach is important; how sustainability performance is typically defined and measured, and by and for whom; and ...