The Esg and Sustainability Deskbook for Business: A Guide to Policy, Regulation, and Practice

The interest in sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) from stakeholders across all sectors is growing and will continue to do so as we are in the most pivotal decade for meeting the global goals on climate change and sustainable development. This book is a compendium of the international agreements, regulatory advancements, and current practicum to inform a 360-degree viewpoint of the organizations, frameworks, and stakeholders that shape the evolving landscape.

Written in a straightforward and conversational tone, you'll embark on a knowledge journey on the progression of ESG and sustainability and how it directly shapes and informs current practice. The book provides insights, discussion, and topical briefings as a side-by-side reader to accompany the rise of ESG and sustainability in business and the markets. You will learn about the origins of sustainability in treaties and policy, the differentiation of ESG, sustainability, and social responsibility, and the emerging trends. Readers will examine the respective roles of the corporation, the financial and investment sector, the international bodies, the business interest groups, the NGOs and the philanthropic community.

What were once regarded as "nice-to-have" initiatives with voluntary reporting have moved into the regulated sphere with mandatory public disclosures and reporting requirements on greenhouse gas emissions, climate risk and transition planning, biodiversity and nature-related impacts, supply chain transparency, human rights, human capital, and board diversity. The ESG and Sustainability Deskbook for Business threads the needle with best practices, case studies, and takeaways to illustrate the applications and to enhance understanding.

Kristyn Noeth is an accomplished advisor and speaker who collaborates with leaders and organizations worldwide as the Founder of Verde Legal, a law practice, and of Verde Impact, a purpose-driven advisory and consulting firm. Her current portfolio includes advising a climate tech company nominated for The Earthshot Prize, working as the sustainability advisor to an award-winning Bloomberg TV show, and partnering with changemakers and companies in all growth stages to advance their environmental, social, and governance goals toward a more equitable and sustainable future. She is frequently interviewed, and writes and presents, on a range of global change topics.

Kristyn previously held in-house executive and legal roles in global corporations, law firms, charitable organizations, and the White House. Those positions include Chief Sustainability Officer, Chief Counsel, Sustainability, Head of Government Relations & Public Policy, and CCO, Charitable Foundations & Corporate Social Responsibility at market-leading companies, including Nestlé, Hess, and USAA. She also worked as an attorney at Weil, Gotshal & Manges and other top law firms. Kristyn began her career as a Presidential Management Fellow in the White House, working on COP3 and the Kyoto Protocol and has subsequently been engaged in the primary global policy, legislative, and regulatory initiatives on climate and sustainability.

With a keen interest in the power of philanthropy and nonprofit programs to advance social good, Kristyn has been a member of the Board of Directors of Voss Foundation, Alzheimer's Association, CITYarts, and MAG America. She has also served as pro bono counsel to many nonprofits throughout the course of her career.

Kristyn holds a J.D. from Georgetown Law and a B.U.E.P. and an M.U.E.P. from the University of Virginia (UVA). Her thesis was entitled, "Implementing Market Mechanisms to Address Environmental and Social Cost," and she was a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency NNEMS Fellow at UVA. Kristyn lives in Los Angeles and teaches the "Global Business Practices in Sustainability" course at UCLA Extension.

Contact information and more is available at www.verdeimpact.com.