For entrepreneurs and business owners in New York, sustainability is no longer just a buzzword anymore. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is becoming a core part of how businesses are run. Boards and business owners that treat ESG as seriously as financial reporting can reduce risk and earn trust from stakeholders.
What is Moving the Market
Reuters profiled Dubai’s 2050 clean energy plan that incorporates innovative projects and tools like AI. Simply put, it sets a new standard.
Your investors, bank, customers, and other business partners are all starting to ask for proof of your sustainability practices. They want to see that you’re serious about things like your environmental impact, how you treat your employees, and how you run your company ethically. Businesses that ignore ESG practices may find it more difficult to get funding, win big contracts, and even attract good talent.
Even if you’re a small business in New York, your customers and investors are hearing these global stories, and this gives you an opportunity to share your sustainability practices and build trust in your industry.
What Should You Do Right Now?
Don’t make vague claims surrounding ESG. Rather, highlight a few key things that are relevant to your business. For example:
- Energy: How much energy do you use per product you make, or per square foot of your office?
- Waste: How much waste do you produce, and how much do you recycle?
- Suppliers: Do you check that your suppliers are ethical and sustainable?
Define how you measure these things. Be clear. If you say you’re reducing emissions, explain how you calculated that number.
Turning ESG Into an Advantage for Your Business
The best way to make ESG work for you is to connect it directly to your revenue.
Use these metrics to make budget decisions. If investing in new, energy-efficient equipment saves you money in the long run, that’s a clear win. Public reporting should follow, not lead, operational work. That sequence cuts greenwashing risk and improves credibility.
In New York, the pressure for businesses to be more sustainable and responsible is only growing. If you’re an entrepreneur or business owner, you should be treating ESG as an important aspect of your business analytics. You will not only reduce risks but also find new ways to save money, attract customers, and build a trusted business that is good for the planet.
If you want to ensure your business remains compliant, reach out to the Corporate Law Team at Mandelbaum Barrett PC and see how legal counsel can help.