ESG Consulting and Management

Environmental, Social, Governance – ESG – stands for a holistic business practice that measures and evaluates not only economic parameters, but also the effects of economic activity on the environment, on society, and on corporate management. In this way, ESG minimizes future risks and creates incentives for successful long-term sustainable strategies. Drees & Sommer Switzerland is guided by the ESG regulations and helps customers introduce and comply with them.

ESG stands for Environmental, Social (and Corporate) Governance. It refers to a business practice that, in addition to economic success, also strives to make improvements in these three areas. Compliance with ESG principles results in the creation of sustainability-oriented industrial and financial products.

Many regulations and instruments with specific criteria and indicators have been published in recent years that allow developments and progress in these three areas to be measured and compared. The aim is for the areas E, S and G to be seen as opportunities for creating a sustainable future so that entrepreneurial activity can be aligned accordingly. Until recently, companies have undertaken the systematic assessment of opportunities and risks based on such economic factors as their capital resources or market value. In the future, sustainability and ESG principles will also be crucial elements of such assessments. 

For Swiss companies, ESG has long evolved beyond a voluntary commitment. Regulatory requirements, expectations from investors and financial institutions, as well as international supply and value chains, are increasing the demand for transparent and reliable sustainability information.

In Switzerland, certain companies are already subject to non-financial reporting requirements. They must disclose risks and measures related to environmental, social, and employee matters, human rights, and anti-corruption efforts. Regulatory requirements continue to evolve and are becoming increasingly aligned with international standards.

Even Swiss companies that are not directly subject to mandatory sustainability reporting may be affected indirectly—for example through international supply chains, business activities within the European Union, or information requests from customers, investors, and financing partners.

Developing an ESG strategy at an early stage helps organizations identify relevant requirements, establish robust data structures, and effectively integrate sustainability objectives into existing business processes.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR SWISS COMPANIES?

Depending on a company's size, industry, business activities, and real estate portfolio, different questions may arise:

• Which reporting and due diligence requirements apply to our organization?
• What are the expectations of investors, banks, and business partners?
• How do European regulations affect our business activities?
• Which sustainability data is required today and in the future?
• How can ESG risks be identified and managed at an early stage?
• How can sustainability objectives be translated into concrete and measurable actions?

Drees & Sommer Switzerland helps you identify the ESG requirements relevant to your organization and develop a practical roadmap for successful implementation.

Compliance-oriented

Numerous regulations, many of them complex and far-reaching, have emerged for different market players following the Paris Climate Agreement and Agenda 2030 (Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs). It is important to stay abreast of evolving sustainability systems to ensure that your business activity remains lawful and compliant in the future, and to meet the EU’s ESG criteria. It is also essential to manage sustainability risks and be in a position to act with suitable tools and strategies. We can support you in these areas.

Future-oriented

The sustainability megatrend requires adapted or completely new business models. But it also opens up huge opportunities. Our future-oriented consulting undertakes a 360-degree view with you and supports you on your way to becoming a successful sustainability pioneer – with measures ranging from a Quick Check to developing and implementing an appropriate strategy and reporting.

Whether you want to establish legally compliant reporting or to establish your company as a sustainable pioneer in your sector, we can offer a custom-fit solution.

Organizations begin their ESG journey from different starting points. Some first need greater transparency regarding their existing data and risk exposure, while others have already defined sustainability goals but require support to translate them into practical implementation.

Our approach is therefore tailored to your individual requirements.

Drees & Sommer Switzerland combines ESG consulting with in-depth technical real estate expertise. This enables us to develop strategies that go beyond high-level objectives and are translated into practical measures for buildings, sites, and real estate portfolios.