HWW Hewelt Wojnowski Lindner and Partners provides comprehensive legal advisory services in the area of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance). ESG stands for the factors relating to the environment, social responsibility and corporate governance. In an era of growing environmental and social awareness, as well as increasingly stringent legal regulations, companies must meet new challenges. Our services cover a broad range of activities that help businesses meet rising regulatory requirements and stakeholder expectations in the context of sustainable development and social responsibility.
Our Services
ESG Consulting
We advise on ESG strategy, helping companies implement sustainable development policies and practices. We build ESG strategies tailored to the specific needs and business goals of our clients. Our services include:
- Identifying key ESG indicators: We help companies understand which ESG criteria matter most in their industry and how to monitor them.
- Developing action plans: We prepare concrete action plans that may cover, among others, reducing CO2 emissions, improving working conditions, increasing the transparency of management activities and other ESG measures.
- Implementing the strategy: We support companies at every stage of implementing an ESG strategy, ensuring that all measures are consistent with best practices and regulations.
ESG Reporting
We specialise in preparing ESG reports that comply with the latest standards and regulations, such as the ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards). Our services include:
- Data analysis: We gather and analyse the data required to prepare a comprehensive ESG report.
- Preparing ESG reports: We create ESG reports that accurately reflect a company’s activities and achievements in the area of sustainable development.
- Publishing ESG reports: We assist in the publication process, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and industry standards.
ESG Compliance
We help companies ensure compliance with applicable ESG regulations, including EU directives on ESG reporting. Our advisory covers:
- ESG risk assessment: We analyse risks connected with environmental, social and governance aspects, helping companies minimise potential threats.
- ESG indicators: We help companies identify and monitor the key ESG indicators relevant to their operations.
- ESG policies: We advise on creating and implementing ESG policies consistent with best practices and legal regulations.
ESG Ratings and Scores
We advise on assessing and improving ESG ratings, helping companies understand what ESG means and how to improve their ESG scores. We offer support in:
- Monitoring and analysing ESG performance: We help companies track their ESG results and identify areas for improvement.
- Implementing measures that improve ESG scores: We prepare action plans aimed at improving a company’s ESG performance.
- Preparing companies for assessment by rating agencies: We advise on how to prepare a company for ESG assessments carried out by independent rating agencies and how to achieve higher ESG ratings.
CSR Reporting
We offer assistance in preparing CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) reports that comply with national and international standards. Our services include:
- Preparing CSR reports: We help companies prepare CSR reports that present their social responsibility activities.
- Adapting CSR reports to local requirements: Our CSR reports in Poland are tailored to the specific requirements of local markets and regulations, ensuring compliance with national standards.
Why is ESG important?
Companies around the world are increasingly attaching importance to ESG, because it affects their reputation, market value and relationships with investors. ESG in business is becoming a key element of corporate strategy, and ESG reporting is now mandatory for many companies. We understand that ESG is not only about regulatory compliance, but also an opportunity to build lasting value for all stakeholders. ESG compliance and appropriate ESG strategies can lead to greater operational efficiency, improved relationships with clients and investors, and long-term sustainable growth.
Contact us
If you would like to learn more about ESG, what it is and how we can help your company in this area, we invite you to get in touch. Our team of experts is ready to provide the highest quality legal advice and to support you at every stage of implementing an ESG strategy. We offer individually tailored solutions that help companies achieve sustainable development goals and meet ESG reporting requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does ESG mean? ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, meaning environmental, social and governance factors.
- ESG vs CSR, what is the difference? CSR focuses on the social responsibility of businesses, whereas ESG covers a broader spectrum, including governance and environmental aspects as well.
- Since when has ESG reporting been mandatory? ESG reporting is required under EU directives and may be mandatory depending on specific national regulations.
- What does the abbreviation ESG stand for? The abbreviation ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, that is environmental, social and governance factors.
- What are examples of ESG measures? Examples of ESG measures include reducing CO2 emissions, improving working conditions, increasing the transparency of management activities, implementing equality policies and other measures connected with social and environmental responsibility.
We invite you to work with us and discover how our services can support the growth of your company in the spirit of sustainable development and social responsibility. With us, your company will be ready for the challenges related to ESG and will succeed over the long term.
FAQ - the questions clients ask most often about ESG
What is ESG?
ESG stands for Environmental, Social, Governance, the criteria that assess an organisation’s environmental, social and corporate governance impact.
What are the three pillars of ESG?
The pillars of ESG are: environment (E), social matters (S) and corporate governance (G), each of which covers specific indicators and practices.
Why is ESG important for companies?
ESG helps manage risk, improve reputation, attract investors and can influence the cost of capital and a company’s long-term value.
How to implement an ESG strategy in a company?
Implementation involves assessing the current situation, setting goals and KPIs, integrating ESG into business processes, reporting and engaging stakeholders.
What are the ESG reporting obligations in Poland?
In Poland, reporting obligations are evolving in line with EU legislation (for example the CSRD) and national regulations; the obligations depend on the size and sector of the company.
How does ESG differ from CSR?
CSR is a broad set of activities for social responsibility, whereas ESG is a set of measurable criteria used by investors and regulators to assess risk and impact.
What are the benefits of ESG-aligned investing?
ESG investing can reduce risk, improve long-term performance, increase the resilience of a portfolio and respond to the expectations of socially minded investors.
How do ESG assessment and ratings work?
Agencies and data providers assess companies against a set of ESG indicators, awarding scores or grades based on the available information and methodology.
What are examples of environmental (E) criteria in ESG?
Examples include CO2 emissions, energy consumption, waste management, water usage and impact on biodiversity.