Sustainability LIVE: Net Zero – Global ESG Strategies Panel
As sustainability and net-zero targets continue to dominate corporate agendas, the discussion at Sustainability LIVE: Net Zero shifted towards the broader topic of global ESG strategies.
Led by moderator Tim Curtis, a panel of industry experts explored the challenges companies face in navigating ESG across different regions, how businesses are responding to shifting regulatory landscapes, and the future of sustainable investment.
Panellists included:
- Joe Murphy, Executive Lead (Business Network) at Ellen Macarthur Foundation
- Michael Batstone, Global Climate Strategy Manager at IFS
- Olivia Ruggles-Brise, Vice President of Sustainability at BCD Travel
- Kuram Gwakyaa, Head of Sustainability at Mitie
- Alessandro Spagarino, Climate Impact Advisor and Business Development Manager at Terraformation
Navigating ESG in a shifting global landscape
The panel opened with a discussion on how ESG has been facing increasing scrutiny in some regions. Tim Curtis acknowledged the growing pushback against ESG initiatives in certain parts of the world and posed the question of how multinational corporations can successfully navigate these differing perspectives.
Olivia Ruggles-Brise, Vice President of Sustainability at BCD Travel, highlighted that while ESG opposition is growing in some areas, the fundamental drivers behind sustainability remain unchanged.
“For us, it's pretty much business as usual,” she said, adding that their sustainability strategy is embedded within their broader business model.
She also noted that companies are adapting their messaging, shifting focus towards sustainability rather than ESG, which has become a politically charged term in some regions.
Alessandro Spagarino, Climate Impact Advisor and Business Development Manager at Terraformation, agreed, emphasising the regional differences in ESG approaches.
“Europe is taking a leadership role, doubling down on climate commitments, whereas in the US, we see some regulatory rollbacks. However, the private sector is stepping up to drive sustainability efforts forward.”
From a facilities management perspective, Kuram Gwakyaa, Head of Sustainability at Mitie, reinforced the idea that ESG is not just about compliance but also a competitive advantage.
With the built environment responsible for around 40% of global greenhouse gas emissions, he stressed the importance of embedding ESG across all business operations.
“Our clients demand that we integrate ESG into everything we do,” he said, highlighting the role of stakeholder engagement and clear communication in ensuring ESG strategies are effectively implemented.
Regulation vs. business value: What drives ESG success?
A key question that emerged during the discussion was whether regulation or business value is the primary driver of successful ESG strategies.
Olivia noted that, for many companies, it is not necessarily a trade-off between the two.
“Regulation can be a useful tool, but for us, customer demand is the biggest driver,” she said.
She pointed out that regulatory uncertainty – where rules are frequently changing – can be challenging, but businesses with a clear understanding of their sustainability goals can remain resilient.
Michael Batstone, Global Climate Strategy Manager at IFS, echoed this view, arguing that while regulation plays a role, investors are increasingly prioritising sustainability.
“When asked if they consider sustainability factors in investment decisions, the answer is almost always yes,” he said.
He suggested that the short-term backlash against ESG is part of a broader evolution, where companies are moving away from compliance-driven sustainability towards tangible business value.
Joe Murphy, Executive Lead (Business Network) at Ellen Macarthur Foundation framed the debate in terms of company mindsets.
“Some businesses see ESG as a reporting exercise, a defensive approach to regulatory requirements. Others see it as a long-term value creation opportunity, investing in strategies like circular economy models,” he explained.
He cited IKEA as an example of a company successfully integrating ESG into its business model. Since 2016, IKEA has reduced its climate footprint by 24% while increasing revenue by 31%, demonstrating that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
Future trends and key takeaways
As the discussion concluded, the panel shared insights into future ESG trends and offered practical advice for businesses.
A shift towards impact measurement: Olivia predicted that the next phase of ESG would focus more on tangible impact rather than broad sustainability targets.
“By 2030, it will become clear how many targets have been missed. The focus will shift to what companies have actually achieved rather than just what they set out to do.”
Advancements in data and AI: Michael highlighted the growing role of AI in improving ESG data quality.
“Better data enables companies to make stronger business cases for sustainability,” he said. However, he warned that many companies still rely on outdated systems, making ESG reporting a manual and inefficient process.
Collaboration and policy alignment: Joe stressed that businesses must work with governments to drive ESG progress.
“We need ambitious industrial policies alongside business innovation to create the infrastructure required for long-term sustainability.”
For companies looking to refine their ESG strategies, the panellists emphasised the importance of integrating sustainability into core business functions, using data effectively and focusing on areas where they can make the most impact.
As ESG continues to evolve, businesses that can adapt and demonstrate tangible value will be best positioned for long-term success.
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