Joint Workshop: Reframing ESG as EESG

A full audience at the workshop held at NUS Business School’s Mochtar Riady Building.

It’s back to school for many of NUS Business School’s alumni and our community as they attended the workshop “Reframing ESG as EESG: Including Economics for the New Sustainability Era” on 12 July.

Jointly organised by NUS Business School and NUS School of Continuing and Lifelong Education, the workshop was also convened by the NUS Centre for Governance and Sustainability (CGS), NUS BIZAlum (the school’s alumni office) and NUS Business School Executive Education.

*Prof Lawrence Loh (far right), Director, CGS, shared why sustainability should include economics.*

In his lecture, Prof Lawrence Loh, Director, CGS, shared numerous key points:

-Sustainability standards are evolving. In addition, authorities have shifted from urging companies to set voluntary sustainability goals to rolling out mandatory regulations. Companies need to adapt to these changes early.

-Corporate greenwashing has emerged as a response to regulatory pressure and stakeholder expectations. Both regulations and consumer awareness (including the ability to verify green claims) will be needed to combat this practice.

-The advocacy for Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) could include Economics in the equation. Economic growth needs to be balanced with environmental and social considerations. At the same time, money is also needed to drive sustainability efforts. EESG can be achieved when companies see sustainability as more than responsibilities and risk control—sustainability could also be a way to seek returns.

Catch a short clip of the workshop here!