SOCAP22 - Greenwashers Beware: Using ESG for Good, Not Evil
Channel: SOCAP Global
Date: 2023-02-22

As ESG and impact strategies gain traction among investors and regulators, their use in practice can be subjective and complex. And while many Americans don’t know the words (environmental, social, governance) behind ESG, they support it in concept even as it continues to stir political debate.

This increase in demand from investors plus heightened attention from the SEC and other stakeholders are creating an opportunity and a call to action for the industry. During the “Greenwashers Beware: Using ESG for Good, Not Evil” session at SOCAP22, a panel of asset managers, sustainability experts, and advisors discussed the ways that ESG and impact are used in practice, how to keep that commitment rigorous while still pushing boundaries, and their future visions for the field.


Speakers:
– Yusuf George | Managing Director, Engine No. 1
– Ander Iruretagoyena | Vice President, Impact Engine
–Jessica Matthews | Global Head of Sustainable Investing, JP Morgan Private Bank
– Rehana Nathoo | Founder & CEO, Spectrum Impact


Highlighted quotes:
"A shared understanding of what we’re talking about needs to be a part of every conversation. Looking at ESG as a part of your investment discipline is successful for everybody.” – Rehana Nathoo

"We recognize the difference between ESG and impact. For us, ESG is about risk management and impact is about creating outcomes. We’re trying to use ESG as a due diligence tool. … We use that to have conversations with the company on the way in to understand where they are in the ESG journey.” – Ander Iruretagoyena

"“When we value a company, (we consider) are they creating positive benefits for their stakeholders groups? We think a lot about sustainable businesses rather than ESG.” – Yusuf George

"“We view ESG integration — the holistic, looking across an entire portfolio — as a bit different than ESG strategy, (which is) a strategy that a distinct sustainability objective within an ESG fund.”  – Jessica Matthews,


About SOCAP: 
SOCAP Global works under the leadership of Sorenson Impact Center to serve as the thought leadership platform for the accelerating movement towards a more just and sustainable economy. We convene a global ecosystem and marketplace – social entrepreneurs, investors, foundation and nonprofit leaders, government and policy leaders, creators, corporations, academics, and beyond – through live and digital experiences that educate, spur conversation, and inspire investment in positive impact. 

Join us at an upcoming SOCAP: Find all of our events, articles, and resources at www.socapglobal.com.
 
SOCAP22 was held October 17-20, 2022.