October 22, 2021
When investors consider where to put their money, they may examine environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria, learn about a company’s core values and decide if they align with their own. Young people, in particular, search out this information to make decisions that align with their morals
Among the three criteria, environmental has been receiving the most attention in recent news. Concerns about the environment have taken on increasing urgency as nations recognize the danger that climate change poses. Businesses that address these environmental concerns tend to stand out to investors.
Environmental Concerns in ESG
Environmental concerns can encompass many factors. The three most prominent are climate change, pollution and natural resources.
Climate Change
Climate change is one of the most significant issues facing us. The changes in weather patterns and rising temperatures pose long-term hazards. Businesses can reduce their contribution to climate change by embracing policies such as:
- Decreasing production of greenhouse gases
- Financing research into environmental impact
- Implementing energy solutions that rely on renewable energy
- Reducing carbon emissions
- Eliminating or cutting back on fossil fuels
Pollution and Natural Resources
The waste and pollution companies put into the world can also have a negative environmental impact. By being more mindful of the natural resources they use, they can lessen the impact on the environment. This may include changing the way raw materials are sourced, investing in biodiversity and ecosystem protection, reducing deforestation and using land responsibly.
Companies can also make concerted efforts to decrease their waste production, including better controls on:
- Toxic emissions
- Water pollution
- Packaging material
- Electronic and solid waste
Impact on Organizations and Business
Environmental factors can have a tangible impact that is recognized by consumers and stakeholders. While governance and social criteria are more nebulous, stakeholders can view environmental policy results directly. This makes it easy to track progress, but it’s also easier to identify companies that don’t meet these standards.
Investors care about how environmental factors impact a company’s competitive position in the marketplace. They want to know about any environmental policies or decisions that affect the bottom line. A company’s risk management is a crucial facet of this, therefore information about risk mitigation tactics should also be available to investors as well.
Companies can incur legal risks if they ignore their policies’ consequences on the environment. They should develop strategies to combat climate change, preserve natural resources and reduce waste generation.
Who Provides ESG Risk Assessments?
TRC offers ESG risk assessment that can help companies gauge where they stand with potential investors. Our thorough and knowledgeable staff has experience assisting businesses to identifing and addressing their ESG risks related to pollution and climate change. You can feel develop confidence about environmental issues and ESG when you use our consulting services. Reach out to learn more and contact us today!
Sharing Our Perspectives
Our practitioners share their insights and perspectives on the trends and challenges shaping the market.
SEC Rules in Favor of Climate-Related Disclosures
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In a long-awaited climate ruling, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) ruled 3-2 in favor of the climate-related disclosures on March 6, 2024.
EPA Proposes Rules for IRA-mandated Waste Emissions Charge for Methane
February 6, 2024
EPA proposed rules to implement the Waste Emissions Charge (WEC) program for facilities that exceed a waste emissions threshold
What You Need to Know about the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
January 19, 2024
January 1, 2024, marks the start of the first reporting timeframe for companies in scope of the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
New Jersey Implements Landmark Environmental Justice Regulations
August 2, 2023
A new landmark Environmental Justice (EJ) law is now effective in New Jersey following a lengthy rulemaking process surrounding the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s (NJDEP) Administration Order (AO) No. 2021-25. It is the first rule of its kind and the strongest EJ regulation in the nation.
EPA Proposes Regulation of Green House Gas Emissions
July 10, 2023
This article highlights the EPA’s proposed rules to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and the potential impact on new and existing fossil fuel-fired facilities.
Organizing for Project Success
June 22, 2023
Many organizations are establishing Project Management Organizations (PMOs) to improve project management within their organizations. While there can be many reasons for establishing a PMO, most are established to improve project management with respect to schedule, cost, quality and risk. This article provides an overview of factors to consider when deciding on which type of PMO is most suitable for your organization and how best to implement a successful and high-performing PMO.
New Executive Order 14096 Broadens Environmental Justice Initiatives
May 9, 2023
Executive Order 14096, Revitalizing Our Nation’s Commitment to Environmental Justice for All, seeks to deepen the Biden administration’s “whole-of-government” approach to environmental justice (EJ) by fully integrating the consideration of unserved and overburdened communities and populations into all aspects of federal agency planning and delivery of services.
Proactive Enforcement is Key in the EPA FY2022-2026 Strategy
October 19, 2022
A core element of the EPA FY2022-2026 Strategic Plan focuses on environmental compliance.
Preparing for EPA Inspections in Environmental Justice Communities
October 4, 2022
The EPA Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Have Expanded Goals to Strengthen Enforcement and Protections Within EJ Communities
TRC Companies Inc. welcomes the Founder and Key Principals of ESG Advisory Firm Enzo Advisors, LLC
September 27, 2022
TRC Companies announces the expansion of its Climate Solutions offering and ESG capabilities with the addition of the Founder and CEO, and key members of Enzo Advisors, LLC
Climate Action and Environmental Justice are at the Forefront of EPA’s Strategic Plan
June 14, 2022
The EPA issued its Fiscal Year 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. Although the strategic plans emphases often change with administrations, we can be reasonably certain that the Plan reflects priorities through 2024.
TRC Companies Pledges to Achieve Net Zero GHG Emissions by 2040
April 26, 2022
TRC Companies, a digitally powered and environmentally focused global professional services firm, announced its commitment to achieve Net Zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its full value chain by 2040, aligning with the most ambitious aim of the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rises to 1.5 °C.
Why Are ESG Frameworks Important?
April 13, 2022
ESG standards significantly impact long-term growth, leading many companies to integrate ESG reporting into their corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies. ESG frameworks are broad and diverse, and establishing a reporting system that covers your industry’s most relevant metrics can be challenging.
How Does ESG Address Environmental Concerns?
October 22, 2021
When investors consider where to put their money, they may examine environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria, learn about a company’s core values and decide if they align with their own. Young people, in particular, search out this information to make decisions that align with their morals.
What Is Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance?
October 10, 2021
Several key considerations help determine whether an investor decides to support a particular company. While many factors can tip the scales, investors are increasingly seeking out businesses that uphold higher standards. Therefore, companies should openly communicate their standards to make it easier for investors to understand their values.
NJDEP Implements New Jersey Environmental Justice Law Through Administrative Order
October 5, 2021
On September 22, 2021, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) Commissioner announced the issuance of Administrative Order (AO) No. 2021-25 to implement New Jersey’s Environmental Justice (EJ) Law. This order is effective immediately, and applicants seeking to site new major source facilities, renew major source permits or expand existing facilities with major source permits (e.g., Title V air permits) in overburdened communities are affected. There are more than 4.5 million people that live within 331 municipalities that are overburdened communities in the state of New Jersey.
Cryptocurrency: The Environmental Threats and Opportunities
August 9, 2021
Cryptocurrency (also known as crypto) is taking the fintech industry by storm, despite the economic experts who still dismiss it as a viable form of currency. Although often criticized for this volatility, whistleblowers are also further shining a light on the severe toll that these digital currencies are taking on the environment.
Managing EHS & ESG Risks Through Integrated Systems Today and Beyond
July 22, 2021
It has been more than 50 years since the development and establishment of the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) which were formed to protect our environment and workplaces across the United States. Significant laws, policies and regulations followed to establish the “regulatory programs” that all applicable businesses and entities must address and meet to ensure these compliance-driven legislative programs would create a foundation to protect our society.
TRC Announces Collaboration with Greenstone Reinforcing Integrated ESG, Sustainability and Climate Risk Solutions
June 26, 2020
The dominant trend in improving the efficiency and profitability of the logistics and supply chain industry will continue to be achieved through automation. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues can be important considerations for investments in this sector due to potential reputational risks for the acquiring entity. Key issues include negative publicity surrounding the perception of job elimination, as well as the procurement of specialty materials required to produce batteries and other components of autonomous robots. The recycling or responsible disposal at the end of the life of the product is also a key focus especially in Europe. TRC was asked to provide ESG risk screening for a foreign auto manufacturer’s investment in a U.S.-based autonomous robotics company. A two-step approach was taken to access the risks associated with this target. The first step evaluated the inherent risks of the target company’s sector based on its geographical spread and operations using public information like the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) and the CDC Investment Works Toolkit. The second step involved deeper analysis of ESG risk assessments & insights based on a review of specific controls that the company uses to manage its risks. This included a questionnaire, reviewing company documents and programs, and interviewing company representatives.
COVID-19 and Implications for ESG Investing
June 3, 2020
This global pandemic has exposed business vulnerabilities and recalibrated material Environmental Social and Governance factors for investors.