Originally published: 2024 by TEDx · Recorded at TEDxGateway
Rethinking ESG Ratings
Environmental economist Pavan Sukhdev, who led the global TEEB study (The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity), served as President of WWF International and founded impact-data firm GIST Impact, traces the story of ESG ratings in this TEDxGateway talk. He covers why they emerged, how they grew, why they are increasingly questioned, and what might replace them. Using examples of inconsistent ratings outcomes, he argues that companies should be judged on their real impacts on society and nature, not only on how ESG issues affect their own finances.
Key Themes
- Why ESG ratings became so influential in investment decisions.
- Their limitations: inconsistent methodologies and a focus on risk to the company rather than impact on the world.
- The case for measuring and disclosing corporate externalities: the costs business places on society and nature.
Why It Matters for ESG and Sustainability Management
Ratings still influence investors, lenders and index providers, but credible performance must come from real impact and transparent data. Learn how GreenCo supports ESG rating improvement and double materiality assessment.
Turn Inspiration into Action with GreenCo
GreenCo is an ESG and climate risk advisory firm in Singapore and Hong Kong, trusted since 2016 by public and private companies and multinational companies. We have supported more than 80 listed companies with all-round ESG advisory under one roof, from strategy, materiality and sustainability reporting to GHG accounting, climate scenario analysis, ESG ratings and assurance. We can build your ESG framework from scratch, and our consultants stay actively involved throughout the whole project.
We use AI and digital tools to work faster, but AI is a tool, not the advice. The real value comes from our consultants' professional judgement: understanding your business, interpreting the rules, challenging the numbers and making sure every disclosure stands up to scrutiny.
Our Values
- Integrity – credible, decision-useful disclosures, prevent greenwashing.
- Partnership – hands-on involvement from day one to end of project.
- Tailored expertise – solutions built around your business.
- Knowledge sharing – making ESG regulations clear and accessible for everyone.
- Innovation – using technology to make sustainability work more efficient.
Our Team's Professional Credentials
- Fellow Certified Public Accountant (FCPA)
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) – CFA Institute
- Financial Risk Manager (FRM) – Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP)
- Certified ESG Analyst (CESGA)
- Sustainable Investing Certificate – CFA Institute
- GRI Certified Professional
- Practitioner Member – Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP)
- GRI Certified Sustainability Professional – Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)