Six in ten Poles already admit that environmental, social and governance issues influence their decisions regarding political, food or purchasing choices, and four in ten take them into account when choosing an employer. Nearly three-quarters of Poles also expect companies to care about how their activities impact the environment and society – according to the latest ESG Monitor study by SEC Newgate.
An even greater increase in interest in various aspects of sustainable development can be observed, which was announced this year by 61%. Poles by up to 13 percentage points. More than a year ago. The situation is similar in the world, where the percentage of those interested in this issue has risen to 67%.
Most importantly, consumers are increasingly aware of the impact that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards have on their lives. Because behind this acronym there are actually issues related to the state of the natural environment, health care as well as improving working conditions and wages.
Therefore, two-thirds of those surveyed in Poland and 68 percent worldwide believe that companies should more transparently inform consumers and investors about the results of their activities for the widely understood environment – the environment, local communities and employees. Consumer opinion is also accompanied by legislative changes that in the near future will impose on companies an obligation to report non-financially. However, there are companies that already do this. An example is Wedel’s recent ESG report “With Joy for the Future.”
Tradition and modernity
The FIDEL report is a good example of the transformation of modern corporate business, which must reconcile ancient traditions with modern challenges.
Wedel, for the first time in its 170-year history, calculated its carbon footprint this year. It is also the first step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decarbonizing production. As of 2020, the electricity purchased by the company to power the factory and office is emission-free energy from renewable sources, thanks to which 12,616 tons of carbon dioxide will not be released into the atmosphere in 2022.
Wedel also constantly implements other activities that reduce the company’s impact on the natural environment, including: through rational waste management, responsible sourcing of raw materials and increased efficiency at all stages of production.
Social issues are no less important. The confectionery manufacturer focuses on equality and diversity and creates friendly and developmental workplaces, including: Thanks to the pioneering program “CzekoSprawni”, which works to mainstream the employment of people with disabilities (OzN) and education on the subject.
Also important areas of the company are fair and transparent remuneration and promotion of people working in similar positions who perform the same work, regardless of gender. Wedel’s sustainable development is also supported by the company’s organizational culture. This includes, among other things: monitoring food quality and safety. And also choose suppliers carefully. The Rainforest Alliance Cocoa Certification was recently implemented. Purchasing products bearing this organization’s seal means that we are helping to improve the quality of life and work of families and communities, while protecting the environment.
Three foundations for development
Although the term ESG is commonly used, it is useful to remember what lies behind these three letters. ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) includes three areas of sustainable development: environmental, social, governance and corporate governance.
Environmental Aspects (E-Environmental) It is the widely understood impact of companies and organizations on the natural environment. In this regard, greenhouse gas emissions, consumption of water and other resources, waste management, protection of biodiversity and use of alternative energy sources are taken into account.
The letter S symbolizes social aspects (S – Social) – Includes employee relations, occupational safety, human rights, participation in local community life, supporting and promoting diversity and inclusion, and caring for customer relationships.
Management Issues (G – Governance) They, in turn, relate to the structure and management practices of institutions, including corporate governance, business ethics, transparency, responsibility of the board of directors, independence of the supervisory board, quality of financial reporting, sustainable development issues, and application of market standards.
Companies build their long-term strategies on these three foundations, and an important element of this strategy is annual company scouting reports, which “explore the company” and transparently describe how companies manage their relationships with stakeholders – employees, partners and local communities.
Try your hand at this contest
One thing is for sure – today ESG reporting has become mainstream. It is worth understanding its purpose and what information it contains.
That’s why we invite you to take the test. Test your knowledge about sustainable development.
ESG and ESG knowledge test at WEDEL:
Non-financial reporting includes sharing information related to:
Environmental issues related to the organization’s involvement in environmental or pro-environmental activities
Social issues for the benefit of local communities or society in general
Environmental, social and corporate governance issues in the organization
Environmental and social issues as key indicators for responsible business
Environmental, social and corporate governance issues in the organization
Next question
The letter E in a company’s ESG strategy, in which a company presents its approach to environmental, social and corporate governance issues, means:
Ecology, from ecology
Economics, from English economics
Environment, from English environment
Environment, from English environment
Next question
Circular economy is an important acronym that defines the approach to treating waste as raw materials in the economy. It is the opposite of a linear economy, which focuses on producing more to meet needs, and assumes a circular life cycle of the product. What does this term mean:
Public Procurement Group
Mixed waste management
Circular economy
Complex recovery economics
Circular economy
Next question
The UN document, known as the 2030 Agenda, formulates specific goals that will be implemented as part of sustainable development policy. How many are there?
One of the elements of sustainable corporate development is a diversity and inclusion policy. What is totalitarianism?
It is a way of behavior that takes into account, respects and accepts diversity
It is non-discrimination on the grounds of gender, age, origin, orientation, religion, disability status or beliefs
It’s about creating an inclusive culture that fosters harmonious collaboration between teams
It’s about building a socially responsible company image
It is a way of behavior that takes into account, respects and accepts diversity
Next question
What is the title of Wedel’s sustainable report?
With pleasure for generations
Sustainability with the joy of chocolate
With pleasure for the future
With pleasure for the future
Next question
What is carbon removal?
This means reducing or completely eliminating carbon dioxide production
It is moving away from fossil fuels
It’s a carbon footprint calculation
This is a climate risk analysis
This means reducing or completely eliminating carbon dioxide production
Next question
What is carbon footprint?
The total amount of greenhouse gas emissions resulting directly or indirectly from an individual, organization, event, or product
The impact that closed mines leave on the environment
A number representing carbon dioxide emissions resulting from burning coal
Traces of plants and animals left behind by the Carboniferous era
The total amount of greenhouse gas emissions resulting directly or indirectly from an individual, organization, event, or product
Next question
In 2022, Wedel implemented a cocoa certification system for its factory, which confirms that the crops from which this raw material comes are done in a sustainable way, that is, friendly to the environment and people. The first products bearing the symbolic “frog” logo are already on the market. What is a certificate?
Rainforest Alliance
Next question
Is the principle of sustainable development included in the current Constitution of the Republic of Poland of 1997?
Yes, it is mentioned in Article 5, which states that the Republic of Poland guarantees the protection of the environment, guided by the principle of sustainable development
Yes, art. 68 Section Article 4 of the Constitution of the Republic of Poland obligates public authorities to take measures aimed at preventing negative health effects resulting from environmental degradation
No, not in the constitution
Yes, the preamble to the Constitution says so.
Yes, it is mentioned in Article 5, which states that the Republic of Poland guarantees the protection of the environment, guided by the principle of sustainable development
Next question
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