3 Examples of ESG Implementation in Companies Towards Sustainable Business
In the modern business era, sustainability is no longer merely an option, but a strategic necessity. Investors, customers, regulators, and employees are now placing greater attention on a company’s social and environmental responsibility.
This has positioned ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) as a new compass for navigating long-term growth.
The question is, what do examples of ESG implementation in companies actually look like, and how can you begin?
Many companies are still confused about what constitutes an ESG strategy, how to measure it, and more importantly, how to implement it in real business operations.
This article will help you understand the ESG concept comprehensively, complete with practical examples and globally recognized standards.
If you are a business leader, decision-maker, or professional who wants to steer your organization toward a more sustainable direction, this article provides practical guidance that you can directly adapt.
What Is ESG in a Company?
ESG is a framework used to measure an organization’s sustainability impact and performance across three main areas: environmental (Environmental), social (Social), and corporate governance (Governance).
On the Environmental side, companies focus on issues such as carbon emissions, waste management, energy efficiency, and natural resource conservation.
The Social aspect highlights the company’s relationships with employees, local communities, and the supply chain.
Meanwhile, Governance relates to corporate governance practices, transparency, business ethics, and decision-making structures.
By implementing ESG, your company not only demonstrates responsibility, but also creates added value through efficiency, innovation, and increased public trust.
What Are Examples of ESG Actions?
A study published in the International Review of Economics & Finance (2024) found that every increase in a company’s ESG score raises Economic Value Added (EVA) by 0.63% and reduces bankruptcy risk by 0.32%, significantly enhancing corporate resilience.
Meanwhile, a broad meta-analysis by NYU Stern (2023) shows that 58% of more than 1,000 studies found a positive correlation between ESG performance and corporate financial outcomes, while only 8% identified a negative impact.
It is therefore unsurprising that more companies are taking concrete steps across the three main ESG pillars: environmental, social, and governance.
However, many business actors are still unsure what real ESG commitment looks like in practice.
In this section, you will find real-world examples of ESG actions that can be applied across various types of companies, along with their strategic benefits.
1. Environmental Practices
ESG actions in the environmental aspect focus on how companies manage their impact on ecosystems.
One of the most popular initiatives is reducing greenhouse gas emissions, for example by transitioning to renewable energy sources such as solar power or biomass.
In addition, many companies have implemented waste recycling systems to reduce landfill waste while improving production efficiency.
Another equally important step is reducing carbon footprints through environmentally friendly transportation and supply chain optimization.
The use of electric vehicles for internal operations or collaboration with green logistics vendors is now becoming a trend.
Beyond environmental friendliness, these actions have been proven to reduce long-term operational costs.
For example, Unilever has successfully saved millions of dollars annually after implementing energy efficiency technologies and sustainable packaging strategies across its production lines.
2. Social Practices
In the social dimension, companies can demonstrate responsibility through various initiatives that support employee well-being and the wider community.
Examples include workplace mental health programs, which are increasingly important amid the pressures of the digital era.
In addition, skills training for local communities, such as digital literacy or entrepreneurship programs, represents a tangible form of social contribution.
Equally important, companies must ensure inclusive and discrimination-free work environments.
This includes fair recruitment policies, diversity training, and the provision of disability-friendly facilities.
Companies that demonstrate strong commitment to social aspects typically enjoy higher employee loyalty, stronger brand image, and lower turnover rates.
This is not only beneficial for reputation, but also directly impacts business performance and continuity.
3. Governance Practices
The governance aspect emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and integrity in corporate management.
One example is the implementation of strict anti-corruption policies and regular internal audits to maintain investor and public trust.
In addition, companies that are serious about ESG implementation often establish ESG committees at the board of directors level, ensuring sustainability issues are embedded in top-level strategic decisions.
Governance standards can also be strengthened by adopting guidelines from international organizations such as the OECD or ISO 37000.
Good governance not only reduces legal and reputational risks, but also enhances competitiveness in attracting capital and strategic partners.
Companies that consistently uphold governance principles tend to earn greater trust from regulators, financial institutions, and the broader public—especially in an increasingly transparency-driven global business environment.
What Are Examples of ESG Standards?
Amid rising pressure from global investors and regulators, companies are now expected not only to “do good,” but also to report it properly.
The PwC Global Investor ESG Survey (2023) shows that 94% of investors want companies to disclose ESG information in globally comparable formats and standards.
Unfortunately, many companies are still confused about which ESG reporting standards to adopt.
To help you build a credible ESG strategy aligned with market expectations, this section discusses three of the most widely used ESG standards internationally, along with their benefits and business applications.
1. GRI (Global Reporting Initiative)
GRI is one of the most comprehensive and globally recognized sustainability reporting standards.
Its role is to provide a framework that enables companies to systematically and structurally report their economic, environmental, and social impacts.
This standard is flexible and applicable to a wide range of organizations across almost all industries.
For those seeking to build public trust and strengthen transparency, GRI is a highly relevant choice.
By following GRI guidelines, you can demonstrate accountability for sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility.
Moreover, GRI-based ESG reports are often used as key references by international ESG rating agencies and sustainable investment analysts.
2. SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board)
Unlike GRI, which is more general in nature, SASB is designed to identify industry-specific material ESG issues.
SASB provides reporting standards that are more focused and relevant to business dynamics across sectors such as energy, technology, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Through this approach, companies can save time while producing reports that truly reflect the risks and opportunities inherent in their businesses.
If your company operates in a highly regulated industry or faces unique environmental and social challenges, SASB can be particularly helpful in ensuring you report on what matters most to stakeholders and investors.
This materiality-based approach also makes ESG reporting more strategic—not merely an administrative obligation, but a communication tool for corporate value and performance.
3. TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures)
TCFD has become increasingly relevant amid growing climate-related risks to corporate operations and financial performance.
Developed by the Financial Stability Board, this standard has been adopted by many regulators and stock exchanges globally, including those in Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
TCFD’s primary focus is transparency around climate-related risks and opportunities in corporate financial reporting.
TCFD encourages companies to evaluate climate change scenarios and integrate the findings into long-term business planning processes.
By adopting TCFD, you can demonstrate to investors that your company is prepared for the transition toward a low-carbon economy.
Furthermore, TCFD adoption adds value when seeking access to green financing or partnerships with businesses that have already embraced strict ESG principles.
Examples of ESG Implementation in Companies
According to the Deloitte 2024 CxO Sustainability Report, 85% of organizations reported increasing sustainability investments in 2024, up from 75% the previous year.
This trend is also evident in Indonesia, where many large companies are beginning to align their business strategies with sustainability principles.
These efforts go beyond social responsibility; they are strategic moves to ensure business continuity amid market pressure, stricter regulations, and increasingly environmentally conscious consumers.
Below are several concrete examples from national and multinational companies that have successfully implemented ESG in a structured manner—serving as valuable references for those looking to begin or enhance sustainability practices within their organizations.
1. Unilever
Unilever has been a pioneer in embedding ESG not as an additional initiative, but as a core part of its global business strategy.
Through the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan, the company aims to halve the environmental footprint of its products while increasing positive social impact—from improving smallholder farmer livelihoods to expanding access to health and hygiene.
Unilever’s efforts go beyond emissions reduction and supply chain efficiency.
The company also implements full transparency in production and distribution processes, builds long-term partnerships with local stakeholders, and actively addresses social issues such as gender equality and inclusion.
This demonstrates that sustainability can serve as a competitive advantage that strengthens brand positioning in the global market.
2. Bank BCA
Bank Central Asia (BCA) is a clear example of an Indonesian company that has successfully integrated ESG principles into its core business processes.
In recent years, BCA has increasingly published sustainability reports that reflect its commitment to good governance, transparency, and social and environmental responsibility.
In addition to strong anti-corruption policies and risk management practices, BCA promotes financial inclusion by reaching MSMEs through digital banking services and financial education initiatives.
These efforts not only expand economic access for communities, but also strengthen the long-term sustainability of the bank’s business.
As ESG commitment increases, trust from customers and stakeholders continues to grow.
3. Pertamina
As a strategic state-owned enterprise in the energy sector, Pertamina plays a crucial role in Indonesia’s transition toward a low-carbon economy.
One of its key initiatives is the development of renewable energy, such as bioenergy and green refineries, aimed at reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions.
Beyond clean energy, Pertamina also carries out environmental conservation and responsible hazardous waste management.
These efforts include environmental restoration in operational areas and collaboration with local communities to create sustainable empowerment programs.
Through an integrated ESG approach, Pertamina demonstrates that energy companies can pursue green transformation without sacrificing profitability.
Is It Time for Your Company to Implement ESG?
Implementing ESG is not only about meeting market expectations, but also about building a business foundation that is resilient to change.
Whether you lead a large corporation, a mid-sized company, or a startup, developing an ESG strategy will enhance competitiveness, efficiency, and corporate credibility.
However, designing and executing ESG initiatives requires knowledge, skills, and a systematic approach.
This is the time to invest in building ESG capabilities within your organization.
Prasmul-eli is here to support you through training and strategic programs in corporate ESG development.
Visit our website to find the ESG training program that best suits your needs.
Because the future of business is not only about growth, but about sustainability with real impact.
