Frauenpower is driving sustainability: top companies in the ESG ranking 2024!

Frauenpower is driving sustainability: top companies in the ESG ranking 2024!

Österreich - PwC Austria took a close look at the ESG performance of 140 most sales-strong companies in the country and achieved amazing results. According to the analyzes based on sustainability reports, the average ESG performance in 2024 rose to 32 percent compared to 26 percent in the previous year. Nevertheless, no company reached the maximum possible score, which indicates existing gaps in the sustainable practices. The study emphasizes that companies with a higher proportion of women in the management level achieved significantly better results: The 19 companies with at least 30 percent women performed by 50 percent better than the average. reports , there is a correlating relationship between diversity in management levels and the ESG performance, an interesting dynamic that could also represent opportunities for companies.

improvement requires

Despite the progress, the need for action remains significantly in certain areas. 40 percent of the companies examined measured their emissions, but only 14 percent have been able to demonstrate actual reduction in their CO₂ emissions in the past three years. In particular, the integration of ESG criteria into the management remuneration and increasing the proportion of women in management positions could be crucial here. "The mechanisms are known: data form the basis for goals and goals are driving performance," said Philipp Gaggl from PWC Austria and emphasized the need for clear and measurable climate goals in order to really improve the sustainability performance.

Overall, it can be stated that listed companies in particular are the leaders in the implementation of ESG criteria. These achieve an average performance of 50 percent, while non-listed companies are only 25 percent. The pressure from both financial markets and regulatory requirements promotes this development. PWC emphasizes the relevance of clearly defined ESG transparency and dealing with challenges in sustainability as a business opportunity. As Leadersnet notes , it remains to be seen how companies implement the new requirements of corporate sustainability reporting directive (CSRD) from 2025 become.