ESG: From Process to Product

By: George Serafeim

ESG measurement, analysis, management, and communication is a process that the financial industry has turned into a product, resulting in many investment funds using the ESG label. This has caused confusion, generating demand for a framework that defines the objectives and characteristics of ESG investment products. The main objective is to intentionally allocate capital and influence investees with measurable financial, environmental and/or social outcomes. The key characteristics are those of intentionality and measurability with the additional characteristics of materiality and additionality serving to enhance their overall significance.