Winds of Change:Environmental Sustainability Rises to the Board Level

KEY TAKEAWAYS

447 Respondents → 46 Countries⊲ 80% of respondents are directors

Download the full report at: diligentinstitute.com/sustainability-report

DISCUSSION FREQUENCY

46%

34%

92%

60%

43%

PAST FUTUREHad board-level conversations over the past 3 years

Discussed issues at least annually

Covered the topic at least quarterly

Expect board-level conversations in the next3 years

Expect to discuss issues annually

Expect to cover the topic at least quarterly

80%

89%Expect an increase/ same level of discussion over the next 3 years

2%Expect a decrease in discussion over the next 3 yearsDIRECTOR MOTIVATIONS

40%Societal Impact

37%Long-term viability

9%Investor pressure

13%Current regulations

35%Reputational risk

TOP

BOTTOM

SUSTAINABILITY GOVERNANCE

Entrust ownership to the full board

Place it with a board committee

Use some form of below-the-board

oversight

20% 19%30%

25%Say environmental and sustainability issues are not overseen at all

10%Did not know if these issues were being addressed

How often do boards discuss environmental sustainability issues?

What motivates directors to discuss environmental sustainability issues at the board level?

Which governing bodies own the oversight of environmental sustainability issues?

Who responded to the survey?

This Diligent Institute report Winds of Change: Environmental Sustainability Rises to the Board Level explores how boards around the world are handling oversight of environmental sustainability issues. Below are some of the key findings.