In today’s world, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a business imperative. More companies are realizing the importance of prioritizing sustainable practices and responsible governance. Once sustainability is made a priority, the next challenge is determining how to implement it effectively. Collaboration, partnerships, and cross-functional expertise are essential for driving change. For instance, organizations like the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) offer valuable examples. But what about solutions within your own organization? Day-to-day collaborations, such as between Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) teams and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategists, can play a crucial role in advancing sustainability goals.
But here’s the kicker: the Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) teams and the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategists don’t always talk to each other as much as they should.
They should, though. And they can.
If you’re part of the EHS or ESG world (or both), you already know that your work isn’t all that different. You’re both fighting the same fight — it’s just that EHS often focuses inward (on operations, safety, and regulatory compliance), while ESG looks outward (to external risks, investors, and long-term sustainability goals).
Let’s dive into how these two groups can work together to make a bigger impact.
So, What’s the Difference? EHS vs. ESG
EHS (Environmental, Health, and Safety) has been around for a while and is primarily about internal safety and environmental responsibility. It’s compliance-driven, with established regulations to make sure businesses don’t cause harm to their employees or the planet.
ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), on the other hand, is a newer kid on the block. It’s a broader, evolving concept that looks at how a company impacts the world outside — from climate risks to social justice issues. ESG is often guided by voluntary frameworks, and investors, customers, and even employees are the ones driving this train.
But Wait, They Overlap — Big Time!
When you really look at it, EHS and ESG are closer than you might think. Both aim to reduce risks, whether it’s keeping employees safe or managing the impact of climate change. Both care about environmental protection, social responsibility, and making sure the company operates ethically. They just come at it from different angles.
Here’s where the magic happens: when EHS and ESG teams collaborate, they can amplify each other’s efforts. EHS has a deep well of knowledge that ESG can tap into, especially when it comes to data, processes, and accountability.
How EHS Can Power Up ESG (And Vice Versa)
EHS is a Data Goldmine for ESG Reporting
EHS teams have been collecting environmental and safety data for ages. Emissions tracking? Check. Waste reduction? You bet. These metrics are ESG’s bread and butter, so why not share the wealth? EHS data can feed directly into ESG reporting, helping the company track sustainability performance, report to stakeholders, and set future goals.
Accountability is EHS's Superpower
Embedding Sustainability into Core Business Practices
Best Practices for Integrating EHS Principles Into ESG
Want to get started on combining your EHS and ESG efforts? Here are some steps to take:
Align Your Goals: Make sure your EHS objectives sync up with the broader ESG goals. For example, if you have environmental targets in place for reducing emissions, ensure they are in harmony with your overall sustainability strategy.
Get EHS a Seat at the ESG Table: Include an EHS representative in your ESG governance structure or steering committee. After all, they’re the ones on the ground with the real-world experience and data ESG needs.
Leverage Data: Use EHS’s robust data collection processes to identify trends, risks, and opportunities in ESG. From health and safety KPIs to environmental performance metrics, this data can inform smarter ESG strategies.
Keep Learning: Both EHS and ESG are dynamic fields, evolving rapidly. Commit to continuous learning and improvement. Remember, “Learning is in the DO-ing.”
Communicate Up and Down the Chain: It’s important to get buy-in from all levels of the organization. Share what you’re doing and why with leadership, middle management, and front-line employees to create a culture of shared responsibility.
Be Adaptable: Roadblocks are inevitable, but that’s okay! When you hit them, treat them as opportunities to identify gaps and make positive changes. Being flexible is key in both EHS and ESG work.
Think Long-Term: ESG and sustainability efforts are about playing the long game. Sure, there will be wins and losses along the way, but stay the course because the work you’re doing matters.
Your First Steps: Bridging EHS and ESG
If your company is just starting to connect the dots between EHS and ESG, here are three actions you can take right away:
Do Your Homework: Research how your company organizes ESG and EHS. Understand how the two functions interact and identify opportunities for collaboration.
Build Relationships: Start talking to the ESG team (or the EHS team if you’re on the other side). Set up recurring meetings to exchange ideas and knowledge. Build those bridges!
Use Your Existing Network: EHS is built on strong relationships, so use them to support ESG initiatives. Whether it’s the maintenance crew looking for energy-saving solutions or operations managers recycling everything, these are your ESG champions.
Conclusion: Together, We Can Achieve More
At the end of the day, the intersection of EHS and ESG is where real, lasting change happens. By working together, these two teams can lead the charge toward a more sustainable, responsible future for the company — and the world.
So, why not take the first step today? With expertise in both ESG and EHS ESGineering Consulting can help.