Why Most ESG Efforts Fail to Deliver Value (And What Leading Organisations Do Differently)
A practical introduction to applying ESG in real decisions — and how to move from ambition to structured, defensible action.
The Problem: ESG Without Decisions
Over the past decade, ESG has become standard practice.
Frameworks have improved transparency. Reports have become more sophisticated.
But a critical problem remains:
Most ESG efforts do not influence real business decisions.
They remain:
- Reporting exercises
- Compliance activities
- Communication tools
Rather than what they should be:
A system for decision-making.
What Leading Organisations Do Differently
Leading organisations approach ESG differently.
They focus on four practical areas:
1. Applying ESG in Day-to-Day Decisions
2. Developing a Realistic Net Zero Approach
3. Using Data and Digital Tools
4. Using Value Chain Double Materiality
This is ESG as governance.
Not just reporting.
The Reality Organisations Face
Today, organisations are under pressure from:
- Investors demanding transparency
- Regulators tightening requirements
- Banks linking financing to ESG
- Clients requiring supply chain accountability
Yet many still:
- Over-engineer reporting without strategy
- Under-report and create compliance risk
- Lack internal capability to act
A Practical Way Forward
To address this gap, Brunel Business School and FBRH have developed a structured programme:
https://shortcourses.brunel.ac.uk/product?catalog=Sustainable-Leadership-for-ESG-Transformation-GRI
This programme combines:
- Strategic ESG leadership (Brunel)
- GRI-aligned implementation (FBRH)
- A structured Plan of Action methodology
It is designed to move organisations from:
ESG understanding → structured reporting → decision-making capability
Start with the Webinar
Before committing to the full programme, you can join the free executive webinar:
https://bruneluniversity.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_oHLvAPE4TFulBOpi9ZDcIg#/registration
In this session, you will explore:
- How ESG is applied in real decisions
- How to approach Net Zero realistically
- How to use data effectively
- How double materiality drives strategy
Who This Is For
This is designed for professionals responsible for:
- Sustainability
- Finance and reporting
- Risk and compliance
- Strategy and operations
No prior reporting experience is required, but participants should influence ESG decisions within their organisation
Why Brunel & FBRH?
Brunel Business School provides internationally recognised academic expertise in sustainability, governance and strategic management.
FBRH is a GRI Certified Training Partner with over 25 years of professional experience in sustainability and governance, delivering structured reporting methodologies and assurance-ready frameworks.
Together, they provide a complete pathway from sustainability ambition to structured disclosure.
Most organisations are doing ESG.
Very few are using it to make better decisions.
The difference is not more data.
It is structure, clarity, and a decision-focused approach.