A good ESG primer for beginners

– For those new to ESG, a transcript of a panel with four professors is helpful.

This transcript of a roundtable with four professors does a great job of describing the basics of ESG – and even digs a little deeper. It’s an easy read because it’s conversational. The panel covers:

A. The Basics of ESG

• Why do we need ESG Investing?
• Why is ESG relevant now?
• Academic evidence and estimation issues

B.   Does ESG work?

• • –      Exclusion lists and engagement
  • –      The impact on returns

C.   ESG in Practice

• Is the push for ESG coming more from clients or asset managers?
• The role of asset managers
• ESG data
• Do academics have a role in setting the standard on data?