ESG 101 hub:Sustainabilitybasics

Simple, low-jargon explanations for all things ESG.

Get a better understanding of the fundamentals, then dive into more detailed explainers linked below. Each section covers one aspect of ESG—foundations, environmental, social, governance, and measurement - so you can build up knowledge and confidence to act.

Illustration of collaborative ESG guidance

THE BASICS

ESG 101 fundamentals

Start with the essentials: history, definitions, and how ESG first entered board agendas.

What is ESG?

Plain-language explainer for teams brand-new to ESG.

History of ESG

Trace how ESG evolved from niche investing to board mandate.

ESG glossary

Keep every conversation grounded in the same terminology.

Triple bottom line

Understand the people, planet, profit framing behind ESG.

ESG stakeholder engagement

Learn how to map and listen to the audiences shaping ESG plans.

E FOR ENVIRONMENT

Environmental focus areas

Help early teams talk confidently about environmental metrics and safeguards.

Biodiversity basics

See why biodiversity sits beside climate in ESG mandates.

Climate change overview

Translate climate science into business priorities and KPIs.

Environmental factors

Break down emissions, water, waste, and resource indicators.

Supply chain sustainability

Understand supplier expectations across industries.

S FOR SOCIAL

Social impact explainers

Equip low-maturity teams with people-first metrics and narratives.

Social factors in ESG

Define social programs spanning employee, community, and customer impact.

Diversity metrics

Set baseline metrics for DEI reporting and improvement.

UN PRI primer

See how the Principles for Responsible Investment guide expectations.

G FOR GOVERNANCE

Governance & oversight guides

Clarify who owns ESG, how boards stay informed, and what regulators expect.

ESG governance overview

Structure decision rights, committees, and reporting routines.

Board oversight of ESG

Learn how directors supervise ESG strategy and risk.

Executive remuneration

Connect ESG outcomes to incentives and pay policies.

ESG due diligence

Embed ESG in M&A, partnerships, and vendor reviews.

ESG IPO readiness

See what exchanges and investors expect before going public.

ESG audit readiness

Prepare evidence, controls, and assurance for ESG audits.

AND MORE

Measurement & market signals

Move from awareness to action with ratings, due diligence, and reporting explainers.

ESG ratings explained

Understand how agencies evaluate ESG data.

Climate & sustainability glossary

Return to key definitions whenever you need them.

RunSustainably keeps education, workflows, and reporting connected so small teams can ramp quickly.

Ready to turn ESG 101 knowledge into action?

Learn more about RunSustainably