ESG Reporting as a Force for Good – in the Corporate World

We had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Marc Lepere, Lead in ESG and Sustainability at King’s Business School, King’s College London.  Dr Marc Lepere to discuss the future of ESG & Sustainability Reporting in the corporate world ahead of our ESG and Sustainability Reporting Conference.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) measures are becoming an indispensable part of business operations, regardless of size or industry. While not all ESG reporting is mandatory for UK businesses yet, the rapid expansion of sustainability regulations, coupled with heightened expectations from investors, employees, consumers, and society, is making it crucial for organisations to master ESG reporting sooner rather than later. 

What do you see as the most significant trends shaping the future of ESG reporting in the corporate world? 

Dr.Marc Lepere: One of the most important trends is the increasing adoption of the IFRS sustainability accounting standards. These are critical because they bring consistency to non-financial data, making it comparable with financial data. The integration of these two types of data is becoming essential in corporate accounting and reporting. It ensures that sustainability metrics are as reliable and meaningful as financial statements, helping investors and stakeholders make better-informed decisions. 

How can companies effectively integrate ESG principles into their core business strategies to drive long-term value? 

Dr.Marc Lepere: To truly drive long-term value, companies need to focus on setting hard objectives that are measurable and aligned with their principles and values. It’s not just about having lofty goals—there needs to be a way to track progress and demonstrate impact. Integration into the business strategy means making ESG part of the company’s DNA, and this requires clear alignment with financial and operational goals. 

What role do you believe innovation and emerging technologies will play in the evolution of ESG practices? 

Dr. Marc Lepere: Innovation and technology are going to be central to the future of ESG. Particularly in the field of science and data, we are seeing more advanced ways to measure and track ESG performance. This includes real-time data analytics, AI for predictive modeling, and blockchain for transparency in supply chains. These tools will help companies be more proactive, accurate, and accountable in their ESG efforts. 

You co-founded a platform in 2021 that focuses on ESG reporting. Can you tell us more about that?  

Dr. Marc Lepere: Yes, that’s correct. In 2021, I co-founded a platform called Omnevue designed to streamline ESG reporting, bookkeeping, and advisory services for clients. The idea behind it was to provide businesses with a user-friendly way to manage and report their ESG data. The platform helps ensure that companies not only comply with regulations but also leverage ESG insights to enhance their strategies and operations. 

 How can multinational corporations balance the demands of sustainability with the need for economic growth and profitability? 

Dr. Marc Lepere: It requires a shift in mindset. Too often, businesses have been focused on short-term profit maximisation. However, companies need to extend their time horizon to achieve sustainability and profitability. It’s about creating value over a longer period and understanding that sustainability initiatives can lead to greater efficiency, innovation, and brand loyalty, which ultimately drive profitability. 

What data metrics and benchmarks should companies focus on to measure the success of their ESG initiatives in their sustainability reporting? 

Dr.Marc Lepere: The landscape of ESG metrics is evolving, and we are seeing more standardised defaults as regulations and accounting standards develop. Metrics should cover environmental impact, social responsibility, and governance practices, but companies need to ensure their data is accurate and audited. 

What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for advancing global sustainability goals through corporate ESG initiatives? 

Dr. Marc Lepere: The biggest challenge is ensuring consistency and accuracy in ESG reporting. There is a risk of “greenwashing,” where companies exaggerate their sustainability efforts without substantive action. On the other hand, there is a massive opportunity for businesses that can integrate sustainability authentically into their operations. Companies that do so will not only meet regulatory demands but also create competitive advantages by building trust with consumers and investors.   

As businesses increasingly focus on ESG, the challenges and opportunities ahead will require innovation, strategic thinking, and a commitment to transparency. Our ESG and Sustainability Reporting Conference explores how to ensure you have the right skills and resources to successfully embed ESG reporting into existing business models.  

You can access Dr. Marc Lepere’s papers and research here. These resources provide further insights into ESG reporting and sustainability practices, offering valuable information for those looking to deepen their understanding of these critical topics.