Last updated on September 11, 2023
Forward-looking organizations are diving into environmental, social and governance (ESG) and sustainability, which can feel like ESG alphabet soup, a seemingly never-ending list of acronyms for varying ESG concepts, frameworks, rating agencies, regulations and regulatory bodies. It can be challenging to keep up, which is why we’ve developed this guide as a tool to quickly catch up.
Let’s get into it.
General sustainability definitions
Two types of climate risks exist, transition risks and physical risks. According to the EPA, transition risks are related to the transition to a lower-carbon economy, while physical risks are associated to the physical impacts of climate change.
CSR is viewed as a form of self-regulation or a voluntary initiative by organizations to contribute to environmental or social goals and to be accountable to themselves, their stakeholders and broader society. Corporate Social Responsibility may also be referred to as corporate sustainability.
DEI is a conceptual framework that promotes the fair treatment and full participation of all people within the workplace. DEI may also be referred to as JEDI, which stands for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
GHG emissions, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, are one of the most popular ESG metrics reported on. They are easily quantifiable and strongly relate to how well an organization measures and manages its carbon footprint. GHG emissions are calculated in accordance with the GHG Protocol, which are standards for the accounting of GHG emissions.



