In this episode, Shargiil discusses Chapters 7 and 8 of his book, focusing on measurement, reporting, and continuous improvement in sustainability. He begins by stressing the fundamental importance of measurement in assessing whether an organisation is succeeding or failing in its sustainability journey.
Setting clear KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) is essential. They must be embedded within business objectives and broken down across departments to ensure collective progress.
Bashir argues that internal reporting must happen regularly, not just annually, as many firms currently do. This is to ensure that they are always on the right track, and to illustrate weaknesses, strengths and how to improve upon them.
The episode also highlights the importance of third-party assurance in validating ESG data, thereby enhancing credibility and reducing the risk of greenwashing. Shargiil differentiates between intentional greenwashing and honest mistakes resulting from immature data practices, advocating for a learning mindset over punitive responses.
With evolving global challenges, changing stakeholder expectations, and regulatory shifts, companies must be agile and adjust quickly and effectively. This emphasises the need for frequent performance checks within a business.
Shargiil emphasises that sustainability should not be viewed as a temporary project or trend, but rather as a core business discipline, integrated into annual planning cycles and aligned with broader business objectives. While new priorities, such as AI or geopolitical concerns, may dominate headlines, sustainability remains a long-term necessity.