Private Companies and Sustainability

October 22, 2024 02:00 PM ET - 03:30 PM ET | Hybrid Meeting

To date, much of the conversation around ESG issues has centered on public companies. However, CEOs of private companies are increasingly focusing on ESG as well, demonstrating strong leadership and commitment in this area. This shift is not just about meeting compliance standards, even though most ESG regulations and reporting requirements primarily target public companies. For both public and private enterprises, ESG is a strategic priority that goes beyond mere compliance. It offers a pathway to mitigate pressure from external stakeholders and presents a unique opportunity to create competitive advantages by integrating sustainability into their core business strategies.

This roundtable discussion will explore the unique challenges and opportunities that private companies face in the realm of ESG. We will also examine best practices that private companies can adopt from their public counterparts, particularly in articulating their sustainability narratives and engaging a growing array of stakeholders, including employees, business partners, investors, customers, and others.

Topics include:

The unique challenges of ESG for private companies. We'll explore the specific challenges private companies face in the ESG landscape, including understanding current and emerging regulations that impact them differently than public companies. We'll discuss how private companies can navigate ESG implementation with potentially fewer resources and smaller teams and develop effective ESG reporting practices that meet their unique needs.

Opportunities for competitive advantage through sustainability. This session will focus on how private companies can leverage ESG initiatives to differentiate themselves in competitive markets. We will examine successful ESG strategies from public companies that private companies can adapt and present case studies highlighting private companies that have successfully integrated ESG into their business models.

Role of debt markets in promoting sustainability. We will discuss how private companies can utilize green bonds and other sustainable financing instruments to fund environmentally friendly projects. The discussion will also cover the growing trend of loans with interest rates linked to achieving specific ESG goals and how ESG factors influence credit ratings and the cost of capital for private companies.

To Attend:

The session will be held both virtually and in person at The Conference Board, located at 845 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022.

To register for in-person attendance or inquire about speaking opportunities, please email Lindsay Beltzer, Senior Program Producer, at lbeltzer@tcb.org. For virtual participation, please log in to our website using the link at the top of this page.

ESG Center Roundtable discussions provide a platform for business leaders to engage in strategic conversations on timely issues, all under the Chatham House Rule. These sessions offer actionable insights for participants and their organizations. Participation is an exclusive benefit for ESG Center Members, with no fee associated with the program.

For registration issues or questions about your company’s membership status, please contact Jon Yankelewitz, Member Engagement Director, at Jon.Y@tcb.org.

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