Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) concepts have evolved from a theoretical idea to a concrete and essential component of business plans all over the world in recent years. Businesses are realizing more and more that incorporating ESG practices into their operations improves their competitiveness and long-term viability in addition to being in line with cultural norms.

As Cyprus is positioning itself as a hub for international businesses and sustainable development, companies operating within the island must adopt these practices to stay relevant and compliant. In 2024, the focus on ESG compliance and reporting has intensified, and companies need to treat it as a structured project, leveraging project management methodologies to ensure success.

The increasing demand for sustainability and transparency, combined with regulatory pressures, has made ESG more than just a trend. The European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which took effect in 2024, requires large companies (and later, small and medium-sized enterprises) to disclose non-financial ESG-related information. Cyprus, as an EU member state, must ensure its companies comply with these standards.
ESG is more than simply a legal necessity for Cyprus businesses. They now use it to minimize risk, stay competitive, and take advantage of the growing interest of investors.

These practices also enhance the company’s ability to attract talent and enhance consumer confidence.
Here’s why adopting ESG is crucial for companies in Cyprus:
• Compliance with Regulations (ESG Reporting): Failure to comply may lead to fines and reputational damage.
• Attracting Investors: Globally, institutional investors are increasingly prioritizing ESG-focused companies. Cyprus-based firms with strong ESG practices will be better positioned to attract foreign investments, especially from Europe and beyond.
• Sustainability as a Competitive Advantage: Integrating ESG principles allows companies to create sustainable long-term value, leading to more efficient resource management, cost savings, and enhanced corporate reputation.
• Market Opportunities: Cyprus is developing green financing frameworks, encouraging industries such as renewable energy, tourism, and shipping to align with ESG goals. Companies that adopt sustainable practices will be able to capture new market opportunities.

ESG Reporting as a Project: Applying Project Management Methodology
The intricate process of creating an ESG report can be substantially aided by organized project management. Using a well-defined project management approach may guarantee that the project is carried out smoothly and produces quantifiable results, as ESG reporting necessitates multi-stakeholder participation, data gathering, analysis, and strategy alignment.
Establishing a project team and outlining the parameters of ESG initiatives to make sure they align with the business’s overarching plan are the first steps in this process. Setting certain ESG objectives and KPIs, like lowering carbon emissions or enhancing diversity, is part of the planning stage.

Linking ESG Reporting to Strategic Objectives
ESG reporting is an important part of the company’s overall strategy and should not be seen as a stand-alone endeavour. Businesses in Cyprus can make sure that ESG initiatives are in line with long-term strategic goals by employing a project management methodology.

• Balanced Scorecards: This framework links ESG initiatives with financial performance, internal business processes, and customer satisfaction. For instance, improving energy efficiency not only helps reduce emissions (environmental goal) but also cuts operational costs, thus improving financial performance.
• SMART Goals: ESG targets should follow the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) framework. For example, a goal such as “reduce carbon emissions by 20% by the end of 2025” is a clear, measurable objective that aligns with both environmental sustainability and cost management.
• KPIs and Metrics: These will help quantify the company’s ESG progress. Examples include:
o Carbon footprint reduction (environmental)
o Gender diversity in senior management (social)
o Board independence and governance (governance)
Organizations must take into account that comprehensive ESG reporting is now necessary for business sustainability and growth as Cyprus continues to align with international ESG norms. They may guarantee compliance, improve their reputation, and open up new business prospects by approaching ESG reporting as a planned project and incorporating it with their strategic objectives.
Applying project management techniques maximize that ESG reporting satisfies stakeholder expectations, improves performance, and conforms to regulatory requirements.
ESG advocates will prosper in a more sustainable and just future as 2024 goes on, while those who don’t value it risk falling behind.
Andreas Ketonis
Senior Associate Consultant