Introduction
Creating an ESG policy within the KEY ESG platform allows your organisation to formalise and communicate its approach to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters. This helps align internal stakeholders and demonstrates your commitment to long-term sustainability and governance goals to external audiences, including ESG ratings organisations.
Steps to create an ESG policy
Navigate to the "Policies" section: on the left-hand menu under "IMPROVE", select "Policies".
Add policy details: enter a policy name that's descriptive of its purpose, a description summarising key objectives and intended impact, and upload the policy document.
Assign policy owner and details: designate an owner responsible for upkeep and implementation, select a category, assign the responsible person/role/department, and optionally set a review or expiry date.
Finalise and save: once all fields are complete, click "Create policy".
Key aspects to understand when creating an ESG policy
Purpose and value: an ESG policy is a communication tool for internal and external stakeholders. It creates shared language and clarity of purpose internally, and externally signals a thoughtful, strategic approach to long-term value creation — important for stakeholders such as ESG ratings organisations.
Tailoring to your organisation: your ESG policy should reflect your organisation's unique culture and values. Base it on the results of your materiality assessment for maximum credibility and impact.
Example
Policy Name: "Sustainable Resource Management"
Description: This policy outlines the organisation's commitment to managing resources sustainably, minimising waste, and reducing carbon emissions in line with global environmental standards.
Category: "Environmental"
Policy Owner: "Head of Sustainability"
Responsible Department: "Operations"
Conclusion
Creating a well-structured ESG policy is an essential step towards aligning your organisation's strategy with long-term sustainability goals. Using the KEY ESG platform, you can easily establish and formalise these commitments, ensuring they're clear to internal and external stakeholders alike.
If you need further assistance or have any questions, our team is here to help. Reach out via the in-platform chat function or email support@keyesg.com.