Tahmina Day, Global ESG Solution Lead, Archer

Below is an insight into what can be expected from Tahmina’s session at Climate Risk USA 2023.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the thought leader as an individual, and are not attributed to CeFPro or any particular organization.

How can technology be used to manage ESG risk effectively?

Technology plays a vital role in empowering companies to manage ESG risks across the entire risk management lifecycle effectively. From risk identification to control assurance and ongoing monitoring, technological tools can greatly enhance a company’s ability not only to identify but also quantify and mitigate ESG-related risks.

In the risk identification phase, technology serves as a powerful enabler for data analytics. With the ability to process vast sets of historical data, technology can help predict patterns and upcoming risk events. For instance, machine learning algorithms can analyze historical climate data to identify recurring environmental patterns and calculate their potential detrimental effects on business operations. Automation further enhances this stage by enabling the efficient collection and analysis of hundreds of diverse ESG metrics.

At the risk assessment stage, technology takes on an even more critical role. Beyond the traditional two-dimensional risk assessments, advanced Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) platforms facilitate complex, multi-dimensional analyses. These tools make it possible to quantify ESG risks that are non-financial in nature and inherently challenging to measure. By doing so, companies can more precisely quantify the potential impact of ESG risks and develop tailored mitigation strategies.

The significance of technology becomes particularly evident at the control assurance stage. Specialized software not only helps in constructing a comprehensive control library tailored for ESG risks but also can mitigate the intrinsic risk of “greenwashing.” GRC platforms facilitate the process of identifying, assigning, and testing controls focused on ESG reporting. This, in turn, aids companies in generating investment-grade ESG disclosures, reinforcing both transparency and accountability.

Technology provides equally robust capabilities at the ongoing monitoring stage. Sophisticated tracking systems can continuously monitor ESG performance and risk indicators, providing real-time alerts for any deviations from set targets. This enables companies to make timely adjustments to their ESG risk management strategies.

What are the latest trends amongst institutions in ESG management technology? Are there any breakthrough advancements?

The landscape of ESG management technology is undergoing a transformative evolution, with artificial intelligence (AI) serving as its central driving force. At the outset, AI substantially enhances the capabilities of existing ESG software platforms. Natural Language Processing (NLP) algorithms can sift through immense and complex data sets that were previously unmanageable, offering an unprecedented scope for analysis.

This analytical power fuels predictive analytics, enabling businesses to extract actionable ESG insights that inform smarter, more sustainable decision-making.

Additionally, AI-powered climate accounting technologies provide a streamlined approach to measuring key environmental metrics such as emissions, energy consumption, and water usage. By integrating sensors with advanced computing engines, these technologies not only quantify but also help manage environmental footprints more effectively.

Lastly, AI brings a new level of efficiency to ESG management processes. It automates mundane tasks, freeing up human capital for more strategic activities, and employs machine learning algorithms to identify underlying patterns in ESG data. This elevates the entire system, transforming ESG management from a static reporting requirement into a dynamic tool for corporate stewardship.

What are the biggest challenges in transitioning from manual to automated ESG management processes?

One of the most pressing challenges companies face when transitioning from manual Excel and SharePoint workflows to specialized ESG software is the task of establishing an ESG program structure and ensuring accurate ESG data mapping to relevant sources.

Transitioning to an ESG management tool requires a comprehensive approach that includes delineating the scope of the program, identifying the organizational units involved, outlining the processes to be automated, specifying data sources, defining lines of responsibility, and stakeholder engagement. In manual settings, many of these vital components are often either overlooked or poorly defined. To fully unlock the benefits of ESG automation, companies must invest in a preliminary phase to identify and establish these missing or ill-defined elements. Neglecting this crucial foundational step can lead to unnecessary obstacles and frustration down the road.

Fortunately, advanced ESG management platforms are designed to simplify this transition by offering intuitive configurations and pre-established frameworks. This enables organizations to implement their ESG programs more efficiently, minimizing the likelihood of encountering issues related to structure and data alignment.

How can institutions effectively implement ESG technology and begin mitigating risks?

The path to effective ESG technology implementation starts with choosing the right technology solution. In today’s market, there is an array of fragmented ESG options: carbon accounting systems, data collection platforms, risk management software, and specialized ESG risk data vendors, to name a few. This fragmentation creates a challenge for businesses. The result is often a patchwork of disconnected platforms, making comprehensive ESG program management difficult and inefficient.

To streamline this process, the initial step should be to seek out a comprehensive, integrated ESG management software. This type of technology should allow for end-to-end ESG program management, eliminating the need for multiple, narrowly specialized platforms. As part of your evaluation, scrutinize the software’s ability to seamlessly integrate not only risk management components but also an issue management module. This will position companies to adapt as their ESG initiatives grow, evolving from basic data collection to more advanced risk and opportunity management.

The implementation of an ESG software solution is a collaborative effort, requiring input and buy-in from multiple departments. Coordination with your technology team, information security staff, and first & second line counterparts is crucial. Their comprehensive understanding and full support will ensure that the ESG software not only meets technical specifications but also aligns with broader company policies and objectives.