Why now is the perfect time to update your ESG policies
Why now is the perfect time to update your ESG policies
As the foundation of your sustainability strategy, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policies are far more than just formalities. They define your company's commitments, guide day-to-day operations, and signal to your stakeholders that sustainability is a priority.
Why ESG policies matter
Clear, updated ESG policies demonstrate that your organisation takes its environmental impact, human rights responsibilities, and ethical standards seriously. They serve as a critical reference point—not just for internal teams, but also for customers, investors, rating agencies, and regulators.
With a new sustainability reporting cycle just around the corner, now is the perfect time to review your ESG policies and make sure they’re aligned with:
- Evolving regulatory expectations (e.g. CSRD, CSDDD)
- Shifting stakeholder demands
- Your own company’s sustainability goals and KPIs
The link between policies and performance
Strong policies help tie your strategy to measurable action. Many sustainability goals—such as reducing emissions, protecting human rights in your supply chain, or improving DEI—depend on clear, well-defined commitments in your ESG documentation.
Outdated or vague policies can make it harder to demonstrate progress and may create gaps in your ESG risk management framework. On the other hand, well-structured, updated policies ensure that your operations are aligned with your ambitions—and make your reporting more credible.
Boosting ESG ratings through policy updates
If you’re aiming to improve your score in frameworks like EcoVadis, CDP, or S&P Global, policy quality and recency matter, as assessors look at how specific and up-to-date your policies are. Regular updates show proactive engagement, which can directly translate into better scores.
A tip for EcoVadis users: if you’re updating policies to submit to EcoVadis, keep in mind that there’s a 2-month cut-off before submission. Make sure your documents are finished well in advance!
Why summer is the best time
The summer period often brings a natural slowdown in day-to-day operations, making it an ideal moment to review and update policies. Instead of waiting until reporting season is in full swing, take the opportunity now to assess and refresh:
- Environmental and climate policies
- Human rights and supply chain standards
- Ethics, anti-corruption, and governance commitments
- DEI and social impact policies
How we can help?
At 2Impact, we support companies in reviewing, updating, or drafting ESG policies that are practical, aligned with leading frameworks, and tailored to your business. Reach out to esther@2impact.nl to start a conversation.
