First U.S. ESG strategy began in 1898 with Friends Fiduciary (Morgan Stanley). In 1898, they adopted a “no weapons, alcohol or tobacco” investment policy designed to align their investment funds with their core values.

Jargon: The Sustainable Development Goals uses goals, targets, and indicators. The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) uses indicators. ESG uses metrics at the single metric level while when ESG metrics are combined, they are combined into ESG scores. Scores can then be sorted into pillars. And once this is done, you have ESG ratings.

As of 2020, 88% of publicly traded companies, 79% of venture and private equity-backed companies, and 67% of privately-owned companies had ESG initiatives in place. [NAVEX Global].

More than three out of four (77%) small and mid-caps have a formal purpose statement related to ESG. [Quoted Companies Alliance].

80% of the world’s largest companies are reporting exposure to physical or market transition risks associated with climate change [S&P Global Market Intelligence].

76% of consumers say they will stop buying from companies that treat the environment, employees, or the community in which they operate poorly [PwC].