Over the course of 2025, our keynote speakers have covered different aspects of ESG – Environmental, Social, and Governance – as we sought to bring insights to help you become even more sustainable as a business. Simultaneously, we’ve covered numerous related topics through our regular Industry Updates.
But with so much ground to cover, you’d be forgiven for thinking these are all standalone subjects. We round up the key insights and various aspects related to ESG in a single, easy-to-read overview that sets out how each pillar relates to the next, why they matter, and how you too can integrate a solid ESG policy into your daily operations.
Rest assured: although it all sounds rather overwhelming, once you break it down into bite sized pieces, meeting client expectations becomes manageable. Get ready to shine in 2026 by going down the ESG rabbit hole with us:
'Increasingly, corporate Requests for Proposals – RFPs – require potential suppliers to report on their sustainability efforts. Despite what certain governments might have you believe, sustainability remains a key consideration when it comes to awarding tenders.'
ESG: what is it and why do we need it?
Increasingly, corporate Requests for Proposals – RFPs – require potential suppliers to report on their sustainability efforts. Despite what certain governments might have you believe, sustainability remains a key consideration when it comes to awarding tenders.
Sustainability Explained
The dictionary tells us that something is sustainable when it can be maintained at a certain rate or level. And this doesn’t just mean environmental sustainability, it means sustainable economic growth and a healthy, cohesive society too.
After all, sustainability is a broad issue which only becomes clearer when you divide it into three components: better for me, better for the planet, and better for society. Which is where the three pillars of ESG come into play:
ESG: Three Pillars to Compliance
Environmental Sustainability
From reducing your greenhouse gas emissions to recycling your waste, even organising cleanups as a teambuilding event, there are many ways in which you can do your bit for the planet and help inject a sense of purpose into the job.
As a destination service provider, there are myriad ways in which you can show your commitment to be green. From replacing your inhouse fleet with electric or hybrid vehicles to educating your assignees on local practices, even helping them adopt new habits, there is much to be gained through small and simple integrations that you can shout about.
“The silver lining of the current chaos and uncertainty around sustainability legislation is that we have a pause in the madness, some breathing room to find solutions that are practical and sustainable from a business perspective. But don’t think that this is the end of sustainability compliance: the pendulum will swing back – so better prepare now to be ready and ahead of the competition!” – Magali Horbert, Communications & Sustainability Manager at FIDI Global Alliance.
Social Sustainability
You can attract the cream of the crop, but if your talent is unhappy, they will leave. It’s as simple as that. It all begins with the interview process, of course. But it’s what happens after that, that defines whether you are an attractive employer and a worthy corporate supplier.
Because clients expect a single point of contact who knows their files, understands their concerns, and excels at meeting their priorities. They also want to know they can trust you. DEI initiatives are just the beginning of policymaking. It’s your leadership that shapes experience and ensures you create an organisation that nurtures resilience, belonging, and long-term growth.
“Our environment shapes us. How we adapt. How we regulate. How we connect. We thrive when the world around us supports us rather than overwhelms us. Regenerative cultures don’t just include people, but restore, nourish, and strengthen them. Cultures where belonging is not a programme. Where well-being is not an initiative. Where design supports the nervous system — instead of fighting it.” – Georgia Kyriakopoulos, keynote speaker and author
Governance
To ensure your Environmental and Social efforts are effective, measurable, and credible, you need strong Governance. It is the backbone that ensures your processes are trustworthy, consistent, and legally compliant. Finally, you’ll need policies, decisions, and solid data that proves you are walking the walk.
By fully understanding what your ESG goals are and underpinning them with a solid strategy, you can avoid beginner’s mistakes such as greenwashing or window dressing your performance, which in turn can weaken client trust.
“Good governance is a business necessity, not an administrative exercise. It builds client trust, ensures compliance, safeguards reputation, and reduces operational and reputational risks. When embedded across the organization and value chain, strong governance becomes a competitive advantage — showing that your company is compliant, professional, and safe to work with.” – Marie-Anne Theodoroudis, Reyprocity
We Congratulate You
Congratulations on starting your ESG journey with ABRA! You’ve attended our meetings and are reading our industry updates, which set out how to create a company policy that will give you the edge when dealing with prospective clients.
Our meetings and updates serve as part of leadership and team training events. Now it’s up to you to put it all together and create an ESG policy that will carry you forward. Even more, we have legal teams amongst our membership who are happy to help you officialise your ESG endeavours.
Not an ABRA member yet but interested in finding out more? Reach out to us.
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