— Vhahangwele Manavhela , Environment , Social & Governance Manager , PIC

planning . But there are quick wins as well : changing light bulbs , installing water meters . What you do is encourage companies to adopt the strategies where they can get those quick wins , and then turn those into long term strategies .”

Despite all the obstacles making ESG mandatory for investors and within invested companies could be a game changer for achieving sustainability . The principles of responsible investment , as championed by institution like UNPRI and Global Compact , are key drive to driving sustainability .

In April-May 2018 Manavhela was part of the 7 weeks global programme

under the auspices of Eisenhower Fellowship ( EF ) in the United States . The purpose of her EF journey was to to determine if the US market has evolved in terms of ESG integration to a point where ESG is fully integrated into the investment process , and consequently if they are able to quantify its value as part of equity valuation . Based on the information she collected during her fellowship , Manavhela decided to pursue her aspiration of studying and is currently working on her PHD , further exploring the role and value of ESG in business . In the conclusion of her report , Examining Models for Quantifying the Contribution of ESG-Related Activities to Financial Performance , she writes : “ I was on a mission to find both meaning and new ways to advance sustainability in this changing world . The redefining of sustainability has forced me to reconsider my current role in the society and the contribution I can make to advance sustainability in a more meaningful and clearly defined way .”

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