If you have been paying attention to business news recently, you have probably come across the term ESG. Short for Environmental, Social, and Governance, ESG is no longer just a buzzword. It is becoming essential for organisations of all sizes, from social enterprises and non-profits to corporates in Dublin and across Ireland.

But what does ESG really mean, why does it matter to your organisation, and how do you go about creating a policy? Let us break it down.

What exactly is ESG?

Think of ESG as a framework for measuring how responsible, sustainable, and transparent a business is. It focuses on three key areas:

Environmental – How your organisation impacts the planet: carbon emissions, energy use, waste management, and resource conservation.
Social – How you treat people: employees, suppliers, customers, and the communities you serve. This includes diversity, fair pay, working conditions, and community engagement.
Governance – How your organisation is run: transparency, ethical decision-making, board diversity, and accountability to stakeholders.

An ESG policy is simply a written plan that outlines how you will approach these areas and hold yourself accountable. For organisations focused on purpose-driven marketing in Ireland, ESG provides a strong foundation for communicating impact clearly and credibly.

Why should your organisation care about ESG?

An ESG policy is not just about looking good. It brings practical benefits that strengthen both reputation and performance:

Investors care – ESG performance is influencing more and more funding decisions. Whether you are a non-profit applying for grants or a business seeking investment, demonstrating clear commitments is essential.
Customers and employees expect it – People increasingly want to support and work with organisations that align with their values. ESG builds trust, which is vital for ethical business communications.
It protects your organisation – A clear ESG policy helps anticipate risks such as new regulations, supply chain challenges, or reputational damage.
It can improve performance – Research shows companies with strong ESG practices often perform better than their competitors.
In short, ESG is not only about responsibility. It is also about smart, purpose-led business marketing that drives growth while deepening social impact.

How do you start building an ESG policy?

If you are new to ESG, the process might feel daunting. With a clear structure, however, you can make steady progress.

Take stock of where you are
Assess your current practices. How much energy are you using? What is your approach to diversity and inclusion? How transparent are your governance processes?
Listen to stakeholders
Talk to employees, customers, suppliers, and investors. Their insights can reveal areas for improvement that you may otherwise miss.
Set clear goals
Choose a few measurable targets. For example, “Reduce energy use by 20% in three years” or “Increase women in leadership roles by 15%”.
Make a plan
Map out the steps needed to reach your goals. This could mean switching to renewable energy, updating HR policies, or publishing an annual sustainability report.
Write it down and share it
Put your ESG commitments into a policy document. Share it publicly on your website or in reports to show accountability and build trust.
Review and improve
ESG is an ongoing process. Regularly check progress, communicate updates, and refine your strategy.

ESG as part of your wider communications strategy

For organisations working in marketing for social enterprises and non-profits, or for businesses looking to communicate ESG in Dublin and Ireland, an ESG policy is more than compliance. It is also a communications tool.

It signals transparency, strengthens your voice in sustainability communications, and provides authentic stories to share with your stakeholders. Within the wider landscape of sustainable communications in Ireland, ESG helps your brand demonstrate how it creates positive change.

Ready to share your ESG story with clarity?
Talk to us about ESG communications

Irish SME ESG / Sustainability Case Studies

1. Sweet N Green café, Ennis, Co Clare

What they did: This café made sustainability central to its business from the beginning. They used local suppliers and designed a menu with dietary variety in mind. Enterprise Ireland
ESG actions / projects:
• They obtained support through the Local Enterprise Office for the Green for Business programme and an Energy Efficiency Grant. Enterprise Ireland
• They adapted during COVID-19 by introducing an online ordering system, click & collect, and items for the deli fridge. They also bought a second-hand blast chill fridge and rented display refrigeration, which conserved cost and resources. Enterprise Ireland

2. Fifty Shades Greener (Training & Education SME)

What they do: They provide training and certification in sustainability for sectors like hospitality, sectors in schools, etc.
ESG impact:
• Their Green Manager training programme is fully funded by the Education and Training Board for hospitality & tourism businesses.
• They work to build sustainability skills in these sectors, which spreads awareness and best practice.

3. All-Ireland Climate Action Pilot Programme for SMEs

What it is: A pilot programme by Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) in collaboration with large companies, which supported 22 SMEs to take action on climate.
ESG actions / projects:
• Helping SMEs measure and reduce emissions (including Scope 3 emissions which are often less visible).
• Shared learning and collaboration among SMEs and larger companies in their supply/value chains.

4. Smart Steps to Sustainability for SMEs (General Practices)

Not one business but a set of practical actions many SMEs are using.
Examples include:
• Getting eco-certifications like Origin Green or ISO 14001.
• Looking at energy efficiency measures, waste reduction, better sourcing.

The bigger picture

An ESG policy isn’t just a corporate buzzword. It’s a practical way to run a more sustainable, ethical, and successful business. By starting small and building over time, you can make ESG part of your company’s DNA — and create real value for your people, your investors, and the planet.

Ready to start communicating your ESG?

If you want to show your stakeholders the impact you are making, we can help. At Canopy Creative, we specialise in sustainable communications in Ireland, supporting social enterprises, non-profits, and ethical businesses to share their ESG commitments with clarity and authenticity. Start making your ESG part of the conversation in Ireland.

ESG and Your Business: Why It Matters and How to Get Started