How ESG can transform your business
In the latest episode of The Building Sustainably Podcast, Tunde Agoro, Director of ESG and Sustainable Business at RPS, joins James Bowman to discuss the evolving landscape of ESG practices and the critical role of sustainability in organisations.
Episode overview
In this episode of The Building Sustainably Podcast, Tunde Agoro, Director of ESG and Sustainable Business at RPS, joins James Bowman to discuss the evolving landscape of ESG practices and the critical role of sustainability in organisations.
Tunde shares how ESG went from being an agenda add-on to becoming a business essential, effective approaches to kickstart your ESG strategy or career, and the role of AI in enhancing ESG efforts.
As a Chartered Environmentalist (CEnv) and Sustainability Consultant with nearly 20 years of experience in building design and construction, Tunde is a highly respected leader in ESG.
He leads the development and implementation of ESG policies, strategies, and goals at both organisational and project levels. Passionate about collaboration, Tunde works closely with clients and partners to create long-term value and build socially and environmentally responsible portfolios.
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ESG is effectively a proxy for sustainability, and sustainability really is about purpose and outcomes. It's about the needs of the present and the future generations. It's about understanding our environmental limits. It's about embracing our social purpose. And the key word there is stewardship.
Tunde Agoro
Technical Director - ESG & Sustainable Business
Key highlights
06:10 - 12:00 - How ESG Went from Add-On to Business Essential - ESG has evolved from a niche concept into a core part of business strategy. Initially created by the UN for the financial sector to measure non-financial performance and risks, ESG has now spread across industries, impacting everything from real estate to energy. One major shift is the growing importance of sustainability, with many companies now having dedicated Chief Sustainability Officers and ESG being a key agenda item at board meetings.
12:00 - 16:30 - Getting Started with ESG - If you're looking to start an ESG strategy or transition into an ESG career, having a clear "why" is key. For organisations, start with a vision design workshop, assess gaps, and ensure the strategy is genuinely integrated into the company's values. For those entering the field, immerse yourself in ESG trends, find mentors, and consider further education or certifications in environmental management.
22:36 - 26:27 - Turning ESG Strategy into Action - When implementing ESG, the real work begins after crafting your strategy. It's more than just about a glossy brochure; it's about turning your vision into measurable actions. Start by defining clear objectives and KPIs to track your progress. Collecting the right data, managing it effectively, and ensuring accuracy are key. This may require upskilling your team or hiring dedicated personnel. Moreover, transparency is essential, so consider independent verification of your data and disclosures to ensure credibility and avoid risks like being accused of greenwashing.
Transcript
Watch our webinar: ESG - What good looks like
We believe an ESG Strategy and associated sustainability programmes provides an opportunity for organisations to demonstrate “what good looks like” to all relevant stakeholders while also driving the creation of long-term value.
Our webinar explores how you can:
- Align your corporate vision and set the right ambition
- Drive sustainability outcomes from strategy to implementation
- Manage risks and embrace opportunities
Get involved
Key contacts
James Bowman
Director - Project Management
Tunde Agoro
Technical Director - ESG & Sustainable Business