After the analysis of the actors and the most material themes for the organisation it is important to understand the current position. Where does the organisation stand. Adopting an ESG maturity model is a good way forward. It will be possible to compare oneself in time, with others and the industry.
Different ESG Maturity Models
Maturity models typically categorise maturity into several levels—ranging from initial awareness and compliance to advanced integration and leadership. For instance, a basic model may include stages such as 'Incidental or Ad Hoc', where companies merely react to ESG issues, progressing to 'Strategic', where ESG considerations are embedded into core business strategies.
Practically, organisations can use these models to assess their current ESG performance, identify gaps, and set targeted improvement goals. For example, a manufacturing firm might evaluate its sustainability practices against the maturity model to move from minimal regulatory compliance to proactive circular economy practices, ultimately improving both reputation and operational resilience. By understanding and applying ESG maturity models, companies not only enhance their sustainability efforts but also align with the growing expectations of involved actors and investors.