ESG, CSR, and Sustainability: What’s the difference and why it matters?

Are ESG, CSR, and Sustainability the same? Many business leaders find it hard to differentiate these key concepts—let's clarify!

Why it matters? Understanding these differences can help businesses make better decisions and communicate more effectively.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the key distinctions:

ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance)

A set of measurable criteria used to evaluate a company’s performance, risks and opportunities in environmental, social, and governance areas. 

CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)

A company’s voluntary initiatives to achieve a balance of economic, environmental and social imperatives (“Triple-Bottom-Line- Approach”), while at the same time addressing the expectations of shareholders and stakeholders.

Sustainability

A long-term goal focused on balancing economic, social, and environmental aspects for the long-term well-being of present and future generations.

What challenges have you faced in navigating these concepts? Share your thoughts or questions below!