What is ESG in a company and why is it important

ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance, and refers to the key factors that define a company’s responsibility toward the environment, society, and corporate management. These indicators have become critical in today’s business world, as investors, governments, and consumers demand sustainable, ethical, and transparent practices.

At Aleatica, sustainability, safety, and corporate integrity are pillars that guide our operations. But first, let’s explore what ESG means in a company, why it is important, and how it shapes the future of business.

What is ESG in a company?

ESG in a company represents a set of standards used to measure how an organization manages:

• Environmental factors: resource use, carbon footprint, waste management, and climate impact.
• Social factors: treatment of employees, community engagement, diversity, and human rights.
• Governance factors: transparency, ethics, compliance, and accountability in decision-making.

These dimensions allow stakeholders to assess whether a company operates responsibly and sustainably beyond profit.

Why are ESG factors important for businesses?

ESG factors are no longer optional; they directly influence how companies are perceived, valued, and regulated. Their importance lies in several points:

• Companies with strong ESG performance build brand loyalty and reputation.
• Poor ESG practices can lead to legal penalties, reputational damage, and financial risks.
• Sustainable businesses usually achieve better long-term financial performance by optimizing resources.
• Investors and regulators use ESG benchmarks to decide where to allocate capital.

In short, ESG factors combine responsibility with profitability, creating shared value for companies, communities, and the planet.

What changed with the implementation of ESG?

Before ESG became a measurable standard, companies focused mainly on profit and compliance. Issues such as climate change, community impact, and fair labor practices were often overlooked.

Today, global awareness and regulation have driven businesses to integrate ESG into their strategic planning and operations, making it a requirement to ensure long-term viability and social acceptance.

Which organizations regulate or promote ESG?

There is no single global regulator for ESG. Instead, several organizations provide guidance, standards, and monitoring, such as:

• OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development): develops guidelines for corporate responsibility.
• PRI (Principles for Responsible Investment): encourages investors to integrate ESG in decision-making.
• GRI (Global Reporting Initiative): sets sustainability reporting standards.
• European Commission: enforces ESG-related regulations for European companies and investors.

Additionally, many countries have adopted national ESG regulations aligned with international standards.

How does Aleatica integrate ESG into its strategy?

Aleatica recognizes that true corporate value goes beyond infrastructure projects. In 2021, we created our ESG Committee, composed of management members and concession representatives. Its main objectives are:

• Ensuring ESG strategies are integrated into the company’s overall business plan.
• Promoting internal dialogue to align employees and partners with ESG goals.
• Assessing the social and environmental impact of operations, including human rights risks.
• Aligning actions with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030).

Through this committee, Aleatica guarantees that sustainability, safety, and integrity remain at the center of every decision, delivering smart, safe, and sustainable mobility solutions for the long term.

Conclusion

ESG in a company is not just a regulatory requirement — it is a driver of reputation, financial growth, and corporate responsibility. At Aleatica, we embrace ESG as part of our identity, ensuring that our projects generate a positive and lasting impact on society and the environment.