The sustainable edge: Leading with purpose

The sustainable edge: Leading with purpose | Daily Tribune

In recent years, sustainability has emerged as a major factor for businesses worldwide. Corporate leaders now view the long-term impact of investments on the planet as important as financial returns. This shift towards sustainable investing is driven by a growing recognition that companies have a great responsibility not just to shareholders, but to society.

A key component of sustainable investing is the evaluation of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria, which provide a framework for assessing a corporate entity’s commitment to sustainability. Evaluating a company’s ESG performance allows investors to identify which businesses are aligned with their values.

At Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV), ESG isn’t just a buzzword — it’s part of our DNA. From utilizing technology to minimizing carbon emissions to achieving gender equality in the workplace, we strive to do business the right way, which means making sustainable, ethical and forward-thinking decisions.

The 2024 S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) strengthens AEV’s position as a global sustainability leader, ranking first among Philippine industrial conglomerates for the third year in a row. The company’s score placed it in the upper quartile of other companies in the same category.

Considered as a respected and thorough evaluation of a company’s ESG performance, AEV’s participation in the S&P Global CSA shows its drive to align with global sustainability standards and dedication to responsible business practices.

AEV’s commitment to transparency and good governance sets a benchmark for other industrial conglomerates. Our efforts are reflected in full marks for sustainability reporting assurance, as well as diversity, independence and average tenure of the board.

Aboitiz’s risk and crisis management were also recognized with full scores in emerging risk and risk governance, highlighting its proactive approach to identifying potential challenges and implementing mitigation strategies, which are hallmarks of corporate resilience.

AEV’s dedication to aligning its group business operations with global climate goals is reflected in its full marks for climate-related scenario analysis and low carbon products. Its strong performance in climate governance, and efforts to innovate for lower greenhouse gas emissions show its commitment to energy efficiency and creation of a greener economy.

Another notable achievement are the high scores recorded by AEV when it comes to promoting workforce gender diversity, training and development, and occupational health and safety. Recognizing the value of creating lasting relationships, Aboitiz puts a premium on meeting the needs of its stakeholders, resulting in full marks for customer satisfaction management.

The strong scores received by AEV in people analytics and strategic workforce planning demonstrate its effective leverage of innovation, technology and a startup culture in its evolution to become the Philippines’ first techglomerate.

Looking ahead, there’s room for AEV to strengthen its environmental leadership by expanding the scope of its biodiversity conservation efforts. Similarly, amplifying efforts in material issues for enterprise value creation will bolster its good governance footprint.

The new year brings fresh opportunities for Aboitiz to lead in driving sustainable practices. By addressing gaps and setting new benchmarks, AEV has the potential to solidify its legacy as a transformative force for good.

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Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar is the Chief Reputation and Sustainability Officer of the Aboitiz Group and president of Aboitiz Foundation. With over three decades of senior management experience, she has led projects focusing on stakeholder engagement and sustainability, reshaping the group’s agenda. A passionate artist and avid traveler, Ginggay finds inspiration in drawing, painting and exploring diverse cultures. Ginggay is a dedicated mother — not only to her two grownup daughters, but also as a mom to her three huskies, Olaf, Louis and Grizzly — who balances her dynamic career with personal joy and companionship. For any feedback and recommendations, please reach out directly to Ginggay at ginggay.hontiveros@gmail.com.