Follow-Up: ESG – How to turn compliance into a competitive advantage

On 30 October 2024, an informative event on the topic of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) took place at the Zunfthaus zur Schmiden in Zurich. Participants had the opportunity to be inspired by renowned speakers and gain valuable insights.

Syiana Gurova from the ZHAW explained the fundamental aspects of ESG and its integration into business strategies. Nico Ros from SkyCell presented innovative approaches to promoting sustainability in the logistics industry. Thorsten Kleibold from OBT showed how companies can manage compliance risks, while Marius Schlegel from Swisscom addressed the importance of communicating ESG initiatives.

Highlights of the panel discussion

Following the keynote speeches, a panel discussion provided the speakers with a platform to discuss realisable strategies in greater depth. The discussion covered the following topics:

• Proactive ESG as business value: The panellists agreed that companies that go beyond compliance not only enhance their brand reputation, but also gain a financial advantage as investors increasingly prioritise sustainable and ethical companies.
• Challenges in ESG reporting: The panellists acknowledged that data collection and the complexity of reporting present challenges. EU regulations impose an extensive list of requirements for ESG compliance. Deregulation could help small companies in particular to better overcome these hurdles.

The stimulating discussions continued at the drinks reception, where networking and dialogue among the guests took centre stage.

Key findings and practical solutions

• Digital solutions for ESG compliance: Utilising digital tools such as automated reporting and real-time data collection is critical. Swisscom’s insights into technology-enabled ESG management show that companies can simplify compliance while improving accountability.
• Building ESG into the corporate culture: Speakers emphasised that meaningful change happens when ESG values are embedded into corporate culture. Initiatives such as employee training and transparent communication about goals create an environment in which sustainability thrives.
• Set measurable targets: SkyCell’s approach to carbon neutrality was an excellent case study. It was recommended to set achievable, transparent targets and report publicly on progress to increase credibility and attract investors looking for long-term growth.

Conclusion

The event emphasised that ESG compliance is not just about compliance, but is an essential element in gaining trust, reducing risk and standing out from the competition. Companies striving for a sustainable future can use ESG to differentiate themselves, attract investment and build resilient brands that resonate in today’s values-led marketplace.

A gallery of photos from the event captures the atmosphere and engagement of attendees. This can be found below.