Every new directive, framework, or customer demand means a shift in the ESG space. We’re covering the most important ESG statistics from the past years to see how the space will evolve and what you can expect based on real facts, not suppositions.
Here’s everything that’s changing or continuing in 2025:
More companies are adopt new frameworks for ESG reporting
- In 2024, 13% of reports referenced the CSRD framework, reflecting growing corporate efforts to prepare for compliance. Additionally, 5% of companies mentioned IFRS. (Teneo)
- Reports referencing key frameworks like SASB, TCFD, and nature-related standards have increased, with TNFD mentions doubling from 22% to 52% and SBTN rising from 14% to 30%. (WBCSD)
- 82% of companies disclosed information in line with at least one of the 11 TCFD-recommended disclosures. (IFRS)
- Over 320 companies and financial institutions have pledged to follow the reporting principles established by the Taskforce for Nature-Related Financial Disclosures. (TNFD)
- 75% of American companies are using SASB standards, 100% of Singaporean organizations follow GRI standards, and 100% of South African businesses adhere to stock exchange guidelines. (KPMG)
ESG leaders are seeing great results despite the challenges
- 36% of managers say they lack the funding needed to meet sustainability goals. (Fictiv)
- 39% of executives say they don’t have the necessary skills within their teams to advance sustainability. (IBM)
- 30% of executives have made significant progress in executing their sustainability strategy. (IBM)
- 82% of leaders believe the importance of ESG in corporate performance will keep increasing. (Reuters)
- Organizations that integrate sustainability are 75% more likely to see greater revenue growth from their sustainability initiatives and 52% more likely to outperform their competitors in terms of profitability. (IBM)
- 55% of CEOs say they’re looking forward to seeing substantial returns out of their planned sustainability investments by 2030. (KPMG)
- By 2025, 11% to 15% of U.S. investment managers are expected to allocate 40% of their portfolios to ESG investments. (Investors)
Leaders recognize challenges and adapt
- 70% of CxOs say climate change will have a high or very high impact on ESG practices. 45% of them are taking another look at their business models to make climate change and sustainability part of their main strategy. (Deloitte)
- 53% of CFOs have integrated or are in the process of integrating sustainability principles into their core business strategy. (BDO)
- Over 60% of companies reported feeling pressure to address climate change from consumers, clients, employees, and civil society. (Deloitte)
- Nearly 80% of companies conducted materiality assessments, while double materiality assessments tripled from 9% to 27% in 2024. (Teneo)
- 77% of the reviewed reports disclose a double materiality process, an increase from 55% in 2023. (WBCSD)
- 70% of companies (by market capitalization) have disclosed a GHG emission reduction target, with nearly half setting 2030 as the target year. (OECD)
More focus on supply chain sustainability
- 54% of companies are finding it difficult to fully control the sustainability standards in their supply chain. (Fictiv)
- 80% of senior supply chain executives are placing greater focus on environmental, social, and governance initiatives. (EY)
- 20% of executives surveyed within biopharma indicated that their organization is expected to adopt technology solutions for sustainability reporting within the next two years. (Deloitte)
AI is here to stay as long as it’s used responsibly
- 21% of companies now include responsible AI use in their reports. (Teneo)
- While 43% of finance leaders are eager to use AI in corporate reporting, concerns about costs (39%) and compliance with AI-related regulations (36%) remain significant. (EY)
- 73% of leaders are planning on boosting their investment in generative AI for sustainability. (IBM)
- 77% of CFOs and sustainability leaders believe AI will have a high or transformational impact on their work over the next five years, highlighting its growing role in ESG reporting and compliance. (Thomson Reuters)
Dealing with rising investor pressure on climate and sustainability
- 83% of investors now integrate sustainability data into their fundamental analysis. (Deloitte)
- 93% of global institutional investors actively take ESG and sustainability into consideration when making investment decisions, with 17% seeing it as a crucial tool. (Aviva Investors)
- 71% of investors believe that companies should integrate ESG and sustainability directly into their corporate strategy. (PwC)
- 43% of investors have calculated the carbon footprint of their holdings in various asset classes using Scope 1 and 2 emissions. Additionally, 28% have taken steps to measure Scope 3 emissions through available data and modeling. (Robeco)
More consumers are driving ESG needs
- 79% of consumers want to be able to make a difference in saving the planet over the next years and have adapted their purchase behaviors accordingly. (Capgemini)
- 68% of people reported that they aim to reduce waste “in every aspect of their life”. (Kantar)
- Only 36% of organizations are aware that consumers have changed or may change their purchase preferences based on social, economic, or environmental impact. (Capgemini)
- American consumers are willing to pay an average of 11% more for sustainable products, whereas companies typically charge 28% more. (Bain & Company)
- 77% of organizations say their sustainability approaches increase customer loyalty and 63% have seen a revenue uptick. (Capgemini)
- By 2032, the global green technology and sustainability market is projected to exceed $105 billion USD, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 22.4% from 2024 to 2032. (Fortune Business Insights)
As ESG priorities continue to redefine business landscapes, the 2025 insights underscore a clear trajectory: sustainability is no longer a peripheral concern but a core driver of business strategy. Use the above statistics to guide your plans.