How ESG is an Investment in the Future.

Trends and sayings are constantly shifting in the working world. Terms like “agile” and “actionable” are a dime a dozen and often are only used because they have a nice, business-like ring to them. But one acronym sets itself apart as something worth remembering: ESG. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) is an investment strategy that has gone from a niche curiosity to a mainstream force, influencing business decisions and sparking debates.

ESG is more than just an investment in a company; it’s an investment in the well-being of the planet. It’s more than just a buzzword and continues to gain steam even as detractors attempt to call it out as a flowery word without substance. US Cloud is committed to integrating ESG into our ongoing process.

ESG is like a tripod, using three legs to prop businesses up so they can view the bigger picture on a solid foundation. Its three pillars are:

1. Environmental: This leg focuses on a company’s impact on the natural world. This includes elements like greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, pollution levels, and waste management. Investors are waking up to the reality that unsustainable practices pose long-term risks, from rising resource costs to hefty fines and reputational damage. Conversely, companies embracing clean energy, resource efficiency, and environmental innovation stand to capitalize from a growing “green economy.”
2. Social: The social aspect examines a company’s relationship with its stakeholders. From employees and communities to broader ethical considerations. Labor practices, diversity and inclusion, human rights, and community engagement come into focus here. Investors are recognizing that companies with fair wages, strong safety cultures, and positive community ties not only attract and retain talent, but also foster long-term stability and resilience.
3. Governance: ️Finally, governance delves into the internal workings of a company, scrutinizing its leadership structure, executive compensation, board composition, and transparency in financial reporting and risk management. Responsible leadership, ethical business practices, and robust oversight mechanisms are key for investors seeking to protect their interests. Companies with strong governance are more likely to make sound decisions, manage risks effectively, and build trust with all stakeholders.

ESG isn’t just about good intentions and feeling good about your investments. It’s about making smart, forward-thinking financial decisions. It’s about following through on those intentions to make an impact on the world around you. Studies have consistently shown that companies with strong ESG practices tend to outperform their peers over the long term.

Why? It boils down to resilience. These companies are better equipped to manage risks, adapt to changing regulations, and attract and retain the best talent. Additionally, ESG investing allows you to align your values with your portfolio, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future.

Despite its growing popularity, ESG investing isn’t without its bumps in the road. A lack of standardized metrics and reporting frameworks makes comparing companies with and without ESG a bit tricky. Greenwashing, where companies exaggerate their green credentials to attract investors, is also a concern. However, the field is rapidly evolving, with new standards and regulations emerging to address these challenges. For instance, the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) is developing industry specific ESG reporting standards, and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) provides a widely used framework for corporate sustainability reporting.

Large companies across the world are continually adding ESG goals and achievements to their list of services. For example, Microsoft has redoubled their ESG efforts in recent years and created a wide array of ESG-related positions, tools, and initiatives. These include solutions like a Microsoft sustainability manager that gives you valuable insights on your organizations environmental impact and an emissions impact dashboard, to help you calculate your cloud footprint using Power BI.

Other companies like Nvidia and Salesforce are rolling out green initiatives and investing in ESG solutions. As more companies shift to a greener mindset, their impact on the world grows. Organizations that were only known for providing specific services now have a way to help others, passively or actively. With so many businesses moving towards an ESG model, hopefully this means that we can start taking small steps to improving the world for future generations in the next few years.

While ESG might be considered the most recent buzzword, its underlying principles are here to stay. They stem from a simple truth: long-term prosperity for companies and economies hinges on the well-being of our planet and its people. ESG investing isn’t just a fad; it’s a necessary evolution in the financial landscape, propelling us towards a future where financial gain and sustainability go together.

US Cloud is invested in growing our company with these ideals in mind to create a workplace that impacts our clients in more ways than proactive Microsoft support. As an equal opportunity employer, we commit to our employees and our community in equal measure. People who want to grow their careers in a Microsoft field will find us in ample supply of resources and chances to improve. Fair wages and a strong culture of comradery keep every employee focused on growth. Our retention rate and monumental growth in recent years is a testament to our commitment. There’s a reason we’ve been voted as a top place to work in St. Louis by the Post Dispatch two years in a row.

Transparency and upper management organization is also a big focus. We keep everyone in the company informed on the most important aspects that are going on every step of the way. Everyone has an equal voice in matters of company growth and how to make that growth as smooth as possible. Every decision made is done so with every employee in mind so that nobody feels like they have been ignored or left out. US Cloud is here to help the community, our employees, and our clients walk into a brighter future together, made possible with the help of ESG.