In today's dynamic business landscape, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices have become a cornerstone for sustainable success. But have you ever paused to ponder the true efficiency of your 'E' in ESG?

This report offers a unique game-changing conceptual clarification aimed at reshaping the way industries perceive and approach environmental responsibility. Introducing the Efficiency Quotient (EQ) – a groundbreaking metric designed to gauge the real efficiency of your environmental initiatives. Beyond the standard metrics, EQ takes a holistic approach, assessing not just the 'what' but the 'how' of your ESG strategy. Industry leaders, stakeholders, and forward-thinking organisations are already embracing this innovative framework.



Research & Advocacy Dept, IoD Nigeria, 2023

In an era where corporate sustainability is under intense scrutiny, the need for genuine environmental responsibility has never been greater. However, the landscape is rife with vague claims and misleading practices, often termed "greenwashing." Enter the Efficiency Quotient (EQ), an innovative approach that transcends mere claims, focusing instead on quantifiable impacts, tangible strategies, and relatable results. With EQ, the revolutionization of the corporate governance industry offers a beacon of transparency and authenticity.

Quantifying Impact, Dispelling Doubt

Goodbye to nebulous declarations and hello to undeniable outcomes. EQ penetrates the fog of greenwashing by dissecting the real-world effects of your environmental endeavours. Rather than a shallow pat on the back, EQ resonates with quantifiable results – a refreshing departure from the sea of imprecise assertions.

The Analytical Advantage

EQ does not stop applauding the end results; it delves into the very engines propelling your eco-friendly actions. By evaluating the strategies, technologies, and processes steering your sustainability initiatives, EQ provides a game-changing edge for companies committed to elevating their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) efforts. The result? A sharpened ability to optimize ESG strategies, transform practices, and lead with integrity.

From Buzzwords to Tangibility

Industry jargon can often alienate stakeholders. EQ steps in as an effective translator, rendering complex environmental initiatives into terms that resonate with industry leaders. It goes beyond theoretical constructs, vividly illustrating the concrete change brought about by your actions – whether it's slashing energy consumption, driving resource optimisation, or fostering sustainable innovation.

Crafting Competitive Advantage

Forward-thinking organisations understand that sustainability is no longer just an ethical duty; it's a strategic imperative. EQ provides a competitive edge that resonates in an increasingly conscious market. With a high-Efficiency Quotient, your company stands as a shining example of sustainable innovation, attracting the attention of consumers, investors, and partners who share your commitment to a better future.

Empowering Through Insight

Information is the bedrock of transformation. EQ's user-friendly dashboard goes beyond superficiality, offering an immersive dive into the intricacies of your Efficiency Quotient. By breaking down data, revealing patterns, and highlighting potential areas for growth, EQ captivates industry leaders and stakeholders alike. It's a powerful tool for fostering engagement, driving dialogue, and catalysing actionable change.

In the realm of corporate governance, authenticity is the currency of trust. EQ enables companies to transcend greenwashing, charting a course towards genuine sustainability, accountability, and positive environmental impact. As industries navigate an era of heightened consciousness, EQ becomes the compass, guiding companies toward a future where sustainability is not just a promise, but a reality.

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are increasingly important for businesses and investors, as they reflect the impact and performance of a company on various sustainability issues. But how can a company measure and improve its environmental efficiency? How can it demonstrate its commitment to reducing its ecological footprint and creating positive value for the planet? And how can it communicate its progress and achievements to its stakeholders in a transparent and credible way?

One possible answer is to use ESG metrics. ESG metrics are indicators of a company's overall performance and risk profile across important environmental criteria, such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, water use, waste management, environmental compliance, and innovation. ESG metrics help a company quantify its environmental impact, set targets and goals, monitor progress, identify areas for improvement, and report on its achievements.

ESG Frameworks and Standards

There are various frameworks and standards that provide guidance on how to select, measure, and disclose ESG metrics. Some of the most widely used ones are:

    The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), which provides recommendations on how to disclose climate-related risks and opportunities in financial reports.

   The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), which offers a comprehensive set of standards for sustainability reporting, covering economic, environmental, social, and governance topics.

    The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), which develops industry-specific standards for disclosing material sustainability information to investors.

   The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), was established by the International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation in 2021 to create a global baseline for sustainability reporting.

These frameworks and standards are starting to converge, creating the possibility of a more standardised and harmonised landscape for tracking and measuring ESG performance. However, there is still no universal set of ESG metrics that applies to all companies and sectors. Therefore, each company needs to determine which metrics are most relevant and material to its business model, strategy, stakeholders, and context.

What does E measures in ESG?

Some examples of common environmental ESG metrics are:

    Greenhouse Gas Emissions: This metric measures the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted by a company's operations and value chain. GHGs are the main drivers of climate change and have significant implications for a company's exposure to physical and transition risks. It has significantly increased in the past three decades. Reducing GHG emissions is essential for achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement and limiting global warming to well below 2°C.

However, the current administration has expressed support for increased oil and gas production for domestic consumption and export. Whilst policies and targets represent a fair contribution to limiting global warming with resources, to actually reduce emissions to a level consistent with 1.5ºC it needs to decarbonise its economy. This is a clear dichotomy between climate goals and the direction the government is heading. This consequence is Climate Action Target rating Nigeria’s climate targets and policies as “Almost sufficient” indicating that climate commitment is not yet in consistence with Paris Agreement.

Mitigating this required the use of alternate sources of energy like zero-emission fuels such as clean electricity and hydrogen instead of natural gas and biomass which are currently affected by technical know-how, cost of production, and investment in changing machinery to accommodate their adoption. This is a challenge in adopting full integration of ESG in corporate governance in Nigeria.

   Energy Consumption: This metric measures the total amount of energy used by a company's operations and value chain. Energy consumption is closely linked to GHG emissions, as well as to operational costs and efficiency. Improving energy efficiency and switching to renewable energy sources can help a company lower its environmental impact and enhance its competitiveness. Renewable sources like substituting calcined clay with clinker in cement production due to its lower carbon footprint and using Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), and replacing fossil fuel in industrial heating.  However, these come with a huge cost

Water Use: This metric measures the total amount of water withdrawn, consumed, recycled, or discharged by a company's operations and value chain. Water is a vital resource for many industries and communities, but it is also increasingly scarce and polluted. Scare because available water is heavily polluted due to the discharge of untreated or inadequately treated water bodies. Lagos is a good example; the state of aquatic splendour, yet very scarce portable water. Managing water use efficiently and responsibly can help a company reduce its water footprint, mitigate water-related risks, and contribute to water security.

 Waste Management: This metric measures the total amount of waste generated, recycled, reused, or disposed of by a company's operations and value chain. Waste can have negative effects on the environment, human health, and social well-being.  Reducing waste generation and increasing waste diversion can help a company minimise its environmental impact, save costs, and create new business opportunities.

Research and Advocacy Department, IoD Nigeria