Impact metrics: putting purpose into practice

ESG (environmental, social and governance) policies are widely adopted. Are ESG and impact the same?

No, they are two sides of the same coin. ESG is more about internal processes, ensuring compliance with regulations and standards. It's more of a box-ticking exercise, such as reducing CO2 emissions, implementing DE&I (diversity, equity and inclusion) plans and, on a very basic level, respecting human rights - basically, how you operate your company. ESG is a risk-mitigation and value-creation strategy, designed to have a good effect on your bottom line, either immediately or more likely over time.