International Standard

ESG 1000 is based on the evaluation of the CSR management systems of economic entities (companies or organizations of any type), in particular through the analysis of their governance structures and the CSR initiatives undertaken, on the basis of risks mapping, clearly identified and compared to universal sectoral benchmarks.

ESG 1000 is intended to be a simple, clear and transparent approach. The objective aims to a sectoral standardization of CSR evaluation criteria, in order to unify international recommendations and regulations, through an upward leveling of the various practices adopted on a large scale. This approach makes it possible to identify committed actors wishing to participate in collective efforts in terms of sustainable development.

The CSR challenges that the ESG 1000 standard addresses :

01

CSR policies: a generator of growth and a source of opportunity and attractiveness

CSR policies: a generator of growth and a source of opportunity and attractiveness

CSR or sustainable development in general, could be perceived as a constraint, generated by the pressure from public opinion or governments. In reality, there is no contradiction between CSR and economic performance, quite the contrary. The CSR approach of a company must therefore be transformed into opportunity and become a growth-generating factor. CSR performance is indeed a key success factor for any organization.

Competitive development through a so-called, sustainable business model

Succeeding to grow without increasing environmental impacts is a sustainable development challenge. In particular, it is a question of achieving this in a spirit of fairness, through a redistribution of benefits to the four major stakeholders directly concerned: investors, customers, employees and civil society. In the same way, all the companies which associate “sustainability” on their policy and strategy, as a key factor of success, are those which will prosper in the future. Indeed, it has been demonstrated that the so-called “sustainable” business model is not only a question of compliance or regulation, but a real opportunity to create long-term value

02

Competitive development through a so-called, sustainable business model

03

Build a resilient organization through management of the risks and of the operational impacts

Build a resilient organization through management of the risks and of the operational impacts

Raising awareness and understanding of your own risk mapping (in terms of: human rights, environmental, climate, business conduct, information system security, etc.) and its scope, taking into account the "Sector/Country" couple (multi-territoriality)”, makes it possible to build a resilient structure by developing its own monitoring and warning systems, and by anticipating faults and malfunctions to come.

Economic viability and CSR performance, two interrelated principles

It is equally important that a company be both: part of a sustainable and committed approach, while being economically viable and sustainable. Economic viability is measured through satisfactory financial results and tangible impacts. This is why the quality of a company's financial management and the relationship established between economic performance and CSR performance is a requirement of Standard ESG 1000; with regard to current challenges: economic, environmental and social.

04

Economic viability and CSR performance, two interrelated principles

05

Standardization of ESG criteria

Standardization of ESG criteria

In view of the regulatory avalanche that is recently looming, particularly in terms of climate and sustainable development, most economic and financial players are advocating greater standardization of the approaches adopted. Standardization is not opposed to innovation, quite the opposite, it makes it possible to centralize and facilitate access to data, allowing companies to focus fully on their activity and the products or services offered; particularly in view of increasingly demanding consumers, themselves concerned by environmental, societal and ethical challenges.

Involvement of all stakeholders of the value chain

Supporting dialogue and mutual commitments, with all stakeholders, must be at the heart of a company's CSR strategy, in order to maximize the achievement of established objectives. This makes it possible to find solutions to the identified CSR challenges in conjunction with the direct ecosystem, in order to offer products and/or services that are truly adapted to the needs of the market; while controlling their environmental, societal and ethical impact.

06

Involvement of all stakeholders of the value chain

07

The 17 objectives to address the challenges of globalization

The 17 objectives to address the challenges of globalization

In September 2015, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as part of the "Agenda 2030", were unanimously adopted by the 197 member countries of the United Nations. These objectives shape a new development paradigm that aims to be universal, inclusive and sustainable, taking into account, in an integrated and interdependent manner, the social, economic and environmental dimensions. The objective of the ESG 1000 standard is therefore to address them individually and to ensure that companies certified to this Standard present real guarantees of commitment and contribution.

Why get certified ESG 1000 ?

Achieving ESG 1000 certification is becoming a strategic step and an essential component in the life of a company, for the following reasons:

  • Structure and improve a CSR approach;
  • Validate a status of CSR compliance through an external audit, in order to respond to the collaboration policies of your customers, suppliers, partners, investors, creditors ;
  • Meet the obligations defined by regulators and comply with regulatory and market constraints ;
  • Integrate within a dynamic of sustainable growth, a company concerned about its environment ;
  • Become a committed company and engage in a virtuous circle of continuous improvement ;
  • Gain in attractiveness and competitiveness, through a strong competitive advantage.

Advantages for a company to be certified

  • Promote the compliance of extra-financial governance
  • Make a positive impact of general interest
  • Consolidate attractiveness and maintain its brand image
  • Identify and control over time and in a preventive manner, the CSR risks inherent in the activity
  • Make informed decisions
  • Strengthen ties with stakeholders of its ecosystem
  • Strengthen its ability to attract and increase loyalty of its employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders, creditors, donors and investors
  • Increase the chances of success for equity, fundraising or IPO operations; trough a strong argument for the contractors
  • Benefit from a competitive advantage

Scientific committee

Born out of a public interest initiative, the ESG 1000 standard is validated by an independent committee of experts. The committee is composed of international professionals and experts in societal and environmental policy.The ESG 1000 committee is chaired by Mr. Christian Levesque.

Mr. Levesque is the President and Head of the ISO delegation of Canada on the standards: ISO 37000 Anti-bribery management systems (since 2012) and ISO 37001 Governance of organizations (since 2017). In the past, Mr. Levesque was the President of the Quebec Chamber of Commerce in Canada and was a Member of Parliament responsible for the portfolios of Treasury, Public Finance, and Economic Development. Today, Mr. Levesque serves as the Francophone Africa Forensic Leader at Deloitte, as well as a leading international expert on ISO 37000 and ISO 37001 standards.

Mr. Levesque is frequently called upon to speak as a lecturer on the international stage. He is also the President of the Circle of Former Members of the National Assembly of Quebec.