ESG501 End-of-Course Assessment- SDGs, ESG Backlash & GHG Emissions January Semester 2025, Singapore

Section A (100 ma0rks)

Answer all questions in this section.

Question 1

In 2015, the United Nations Global Compact and its partners published the SDG Compass (https://unglobalcompact.org/library/3101) to guide companies on aligning their strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and managing their contributions to these goals.

According to an October 2023 study by the NUS Business School (https://bschool.nus.edu.sg/cgs/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2023/11/CGS-SGXSustainability-Reporting-Review-2023_Report.pdf), 42% of SGX-listed companies reported their contributions to the SDGs in their sustainability reports. This includes issuers such as CDL, ST Engineering, Wilmar International, ESR-LOGOS REIT, Tuan Sing Holdings and Kimly Group.

Select an SGX-listed company that has reported on the SDGs in its sustainability report. This can be one of the companies listed above or you can pick some other SGX-listed company.

Question 1a

Using the SDG Compass as a reference, assess whether the company has adopted a robust and credible approach to aligning their strategies to the SDGs, as well as measuring and managing their contributions to the goals.

15 marks

Question 1b

Propose two ways in which the company can improve their SDG reporting and minimise the risk of greenwashing.

10 marks

Question 2

While critical sustainability issues such as climate change and labour practices have become central to corporate strategy and operations, there has in recent years been an ESG backlash or anti-ESG movement that “believes a focus on better business must automatically result in worse profits” (https://weforum.org/stories/2023/11/esgbacklash/).

Question 2a

By searching and reviewing relevant articles, evaluate whether the ESG backlash represents a genuine critique of current ESG trends and practices.

10 marks

Question 2b

Using specific examples, create strategies that organisations and policymakers can adopt to address or mitigate the challenges posed by the ESG backlash.

15 marks

Question 3

Close to 10,000 companies globally have adopted science-based targets and/or made net-zero commitments in reducing their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in accordance with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The companies can be viewed here: https://sciencebasedtargets.org/companies-taking-action#dashboard.

Imagine you are the Head of Sustainability at a company in Singapore that is expanding overseas. In your answer, you should select and identify the industry that the company is in.

Question 3a

Formulate arguments to convince the company’s leadership of the value in reducing GHG emissions and committing to science-based targets.

13 marks

Question 3b

By reviewing the case studies on SBTi’s website

(https://sciencebasedtargets.org/companies-taking-action/case-studies), plan the steps that your company has to take, including engagement with the relevant stakeholders, to develop and implement the science-based targets.

12 marks

Question 4

This course covered the Stockholm Resilience Centre’s nine planetary boundaries.

Question 4a

Critically assess the concept of planetary boundaries and its implications for businesses.

13 marks

Question 4b

Propose ways in which the planetary boundaries can represent opportunities (rather than limits) for businesses to integrate innovation, expand market presence, and create positive social impact.

12 marks