ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance—three pillars that form the foundation of a sustainable corporate strategy. While often used interchangeably with sustainability, ESG focuses on measurable criteria that reflect a company’s impact on society, the economy, and the environment.

Environmental factors include carbon emissions, energy use, and waste management. Social factors cover employee wellbeing, diversity, and community engagement. Governance includes leadership, ethics, and transparency.

Together, ESG and sustainability services help businesses integrate these principles into their operations and reporting.
 

ESG and sustainability services refer to professional support that helps organisations understand, manage, and report on their environmental, social, and governance responsibilities. These services are designed to help businesses align with global sustainability standards, reduce risk, and enhance stakeholder trust. 

In New Zealand, ESG considerations are increasingly integrated into business strategy, reporting, and decision-making. RSM New Zealand offers tailored solutions to help businesses navigate this evolving landscape.

New Zealand businesses are facing growing pressure from investors, regulators, customers, and employees to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability. ESG disclosures are no longer optional—they’re becoming essential for long-term success. ESG and sustainability services help businesses:

•  Meet regulatory and reporting requirements
• Improve transparency and accountability
• Strengthen stakeholder relationships
• Drive innovation and long-term value

Any organisation—regardless of size or sector—can benefit from ESG and sustainability services. These services are especially relevant for:

•  Listed companies and large corporates
• SMEs seeking to future-proof their operations
• Businesses with international supply chains
• Organisations preparing for ESG-related audits or disclosures

Even businesses not currently subject to mandatory ESG reporting can gain a competitive edge by proactively adopting sustainable practices.

RSM New Zealand provides a comprehensive suite of ESG and sustainability services, including:

•  ESG strategy development
• Integrated ESG risk management
• ESG reporting and assurance
• Policy and framework design
• Stakeholder engagement and materiality assessments

Our approach is tailored to each business unique ESG journey, ensuring that solutions are practical, scalable, and aligned with business goals.

New Zealand businesses commonly use international frameworks such as:

•  Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
• Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
• Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)
• Integrated Reporting (IR)

RSM New Zealand’s ESG and sustainability services include guidance on selecting and implementing the most appropriate framework for your organisation.

ESG-related risks such as climate change, supply chain disruption, and reputational damage can significantly impact business performance. RSM’s services help identify, assess, and mitigate these risks through:

•  ESG risk mapping
• Scenario analysis
• Policy development
• Internal controls and monitoring systems

By embedding ESG into risk management, businesses can build resilience and adapt to changing stakeholder expectations.

Effective ESG reporting provides:

•  Greater transparency for investors and stakeholders
• Improved access to capital and financing
• Enhanced brand reputation
• Better employee engagement and retention
• Insights for strategic decision-making

RSM’s ESG and sustainability services ensure that your reporting is accurate, meaningful, and aligned with global best practices.

Sustainability is not just about compliance—it’s a catalyst for innovation. By rethinking processes, products, and partnerships through an ESG lens, businesses can uncover new opportunities for growth and differentiation.
 

RSM New Zealand helps clients turn ESG challenges into strategic advantages, fostering innovation that benefits both the business and the wider community.
 

To begin your ESG journey, contact RSM New Zealand for an initial consultation. Our team will assess your current ESG position, identify gaps and opportunities, and develop a tailored roadmap for improvement. 

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance existing initiatives, RSM’s ESG and sustainability services provide the expertise and support needed to make meaningful progress.