Why the distinction between sustainability and ESG really matters — and what it means for business.
","headerModules":[{"type":"header-text","label":null,"title":"ESG: an illusion of change","text":"Why the distinction between sustainability and ESG really matters — and what it means for business.
","goBack":{"text":"Return to journal","href":"/journal"},"fullWidth":false}],"scriptsAtTop":"","scriptsAtBottom":"\n","author":{"name":"","date":null,"image":null},"iconShare":{"title":"Difference between ESG & Sustainability | RY","description":"Understanding ESG vs. Sustainability: Learn why the difference really matters and what it means for business. Download RY's report for essential insights.","url":"https://app-rycomv2-qa.azurewebsites.net/journal/downloads/esg-an-illusion-of-change"},"modules":[{"type":"media-item","alignRight":false,"isAnimated":false,"fullWidth":false,"image":{"src":{"mobile":"/media/shwl3e0c/esg_v_sus_webbanner.jpg?width=600&height=337&format=webp&quality=100&v=1d9e002f53332f0","tablet":"/media/shwl3e0c/esg_v_sus_webbanner.jpg?width=900&height=506&format=webp&quality=100&v=1d9e002f53332f0","desktop":"/media/shwl3e0c/esg_v_sus_webbanner.jpg?width=1540&height=866&format=webp&quality=100&v=1d9e002f53332f0"},"alt":"Black and white graphic featuring the letters 'ESG'","customCursor":null},"mediaType":"image","darkMode":false,"darkModeHalf":false},{"type":"rich-text-content","text":"ESG. News headlines are awash with the term. In just a few short years it has risen to become part of the daily lexicon of business and, for many, synonymous with sustainability.
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But while the terms ‘sustainability’ and ‘ESG’ are often used interchangeably, they don’t mean the same thing.
Differentiating between the two may appear like a matter of semantics, but there’s a crucial distinction – a distinction that, unmade, threatens to derail ESG and, more importantly, stymie real progress on sustainability.
So, as the pressure turns up on ESG, we bring that distinction into sharper focus, post a rallying cry to stop conflating the two concepts and offer practical steps to ensure genuine sustainability progress in a disclosure-focused world.
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Download our report to understand:
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To find out more about how we can help you differentiate between ESG and sustainability, conduct a Double Materiality assessment, drive lasting sustainable change, or report more meaningfully, drop us a line.
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