The 7 Key ESG Metrics Every Company Should Track in 2025

ESG metrics help companies achieve their sustainability goals, minimize risks, and seize opportunities. Since the introduction of the CSRD Directive in 2024, around 14,600 German companies are required to systematically report on ESG. Investors are increasingly evaluating companies based on ESG criteria, which also impacts capital raising and aligns with a global trend: according to a 2023 report by PwC, 81% of institutional investors across Europe now consider ESG factors as an integral part of their investment strategy (source).

The 7 Most Important ESG Metrics at a Glance:

1. CO₂ Emissions Monitoring: Measuring and reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions.
2. Energy Consumption Management: Optimizing energy use, e.g., through ISO 50001.
3. Water and Waste Data: Efficient resource use and circular economy practices.
4. Employee Diversity: Promoting equality and inclusion.
5. Safety and Training Records: Preventing accidents and fostering employee qualifications.
6. Ethics and Compliance Data: Transparency in business practices, e.g., whistleblowing and supply chain law.
7. ESG-Based Compensation: Incentive systems for executives based on ESG targets.

Benefits of ESG Integration:

• Better Risk Management: Identifying and managing sustainability risks.
• Attractive to Investors: ESG performance builds trust and eases access to capital.
• Increased Efficiency: Savings potential in energy, water, and waste.
• Long-Term Competitiveness: Sustainability as a strategic success factor.

Implementation requires clear goals, digital tools, and stakeholder engagement. Companies benefit from structured approaches and the use of standards such as GRI, SASB, or ESRS. According to the Global Reporting Initiative, over 10,000 organizations worldwide use GRI standards to enhance transparency and comparability (source).

What Are ESG Metrics?

ESG metrics capture performance in the areas of Environment, Social, and Governance. They help companies systematically assess non-financial risks and opportunities. As regulatory scrutiny and stakeholder expectations rise, these metrics are becoming essential for corporate transparency and accountability (Harvard Business Review).

Why Are ESG Metrics Important?

The importance of these metrics is clear: Sustainable investments in Germany rose from €200.6 billion in 2020 to €336.6 billion in 2021. An analysis of more than 2,000 studies also shows that ESG criteria have a positive impact on returns (PRI meta-study). These figures illustrate how such metrics provide insights into various ESG aspects and drive both financial and reputational value for organizations.

Which Areas Do ESG Metrics Cover?

ESG Metrics in Risk Management

Sustainability risks are among the greatest challenges. This is evident in practice: 85% of companies are actively working to improve ESG transparency (EY Global). Integrating ESG metrics into risk management is crucial to meet EU standards and to proactively address reputational, regulatory, and operational risks.

Uniform Standards Through EU Directives

The CSRD Directive provides a clear framework for ESG reporting in the areas of environment, social, and governance. Companies must integrate and regularly monitor ESG metrics. Global standards such as GRI, SASB, and ESRS play a central role in making reports comparable and credible, supporting investor confidence and regulatory compliance.

1. CO₂ Emissions Monitoring

Accurately tracking CO₂ emissions is a core component of ESG management. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol distinguishes three main categories of emissions, which are particularly relevant for companies in Germany and globally. According to the CDP, over 13,000 companies disclosed emissions data in 2023, reflecting the growing demand for transparency (CDP).

The Three Emission Categories at a Glance

This classification helps to specifically analyze climate impacts and plan measures. Notably, Scope 3 emissions often account for more than 70% of a company’s total carbon footprint, underscoring the importance of value chain engagement (McKinsey).

Different Effects of Greenhouse Gases

Not all greenhouse gases are equally harmful. Methane (CH₄) has a climate impact 27.9 times stronger than CO₂ over 100 years. Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is even 273 times more damaging than CO₂. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) highlights the urgent need to address all major greenhouse gases for effective climate action (IPCC AR6).

Legal Requirements

The EU requires detailed reporting on climate impacts under CSRD regulations. The GHG Protocol clearly states:

"Direct emissions are emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the reporting company."

Practical Steps for CO₂ Tracking

Reliable CO₂ monitoring requires structured data collection, regular reviews, and transparent documentation of measurement methods. Current statistics show that Scope 2 emissions account for at least one third of global greenhouse gas emissions. This category is especially important as it can be directly influenced by energy purchasing decisions (IEA).

"Indirect emissions are emissions that are a consequence of the activities of the reporting company, but occur at sources owned or controlled by another company."

This comprehensive approach enables companies to better understand and specifically reduce their climate impact. The CO₂ balance is a key indicator for climate management.

2. Energy Consumption Management

Well-organized energy management helps companies cut costs and achieve their ESG goals. Implementing an energy management system according to ISO 50001 lays the foundation for systematic improvements. According to the International Energy Agency, energy efficiency measures could deliver over 40% of the emissions reductions needed to meet global climate targets by 2040 (IEA).

Energy Saving Potentials at a Glance

Studies with 386 companies show average savings potentials of 60%. The greatest opportunities are in the following areas:

Structured Energy Management

An energy management system certified to ISO 50001 offers the following benefits:

• Energy Consumption Tracking: Provides a clear overview of energy needs.
• Identifying Savings Potential: Pinpoints areas for improvement.
• Continuous Improvement: Drives long-term efficiency gains.

Digital Energy Monitoring

Modern systems for monitoring energy consumption deliver detailed data—even down to individual machines or production lines. They enable:

• Real-Time Tracking: Monitor energy use as it happens.
• Automated CO₂ Accounting: Simplifies environmental reporting.
• Detection of Energy Waste: Identifies inefficient processes.
• Peak Load Optimization: Reduces costs through targeted control.

A real-world example: 22 German municipalities already use specialized energy management systems to increase transparency and efficiency. Globally, companies like Siemens and Schneider Electric have demonstrated significant cost and emissions savings through digital energy monitoring (Siemens).

Measures for Energy Optimization

Companies with ISO 50001 certification tap into savings potential more effectively. Key measures include:

• Modernizing building envelope and heating systems: Reduces energy loss.
• Implementing building automation: Improves energy flow control.
• Optimizing lighting: Lowers electricity consumption.
• Load management: Prevents unnecessary peak loads.

Lower savings potential exists in refrigeration (18%), electric drives (31%), and compressed air supply (37%). Well-structured energy management not only boosts efficiency but also improves environmental performance—a plus for ESG reporting.

3. Water and Waste Data

Tracking water and waste data plays a central role in ESG management. With a projected global water deficit of 40% by 2030, this topic is becoming increasingly important (UN Water).

Key Metrics for Water Management

Good water management relies on three core metrics:

Digital monitoring systems make it possible to capture and improve these metrics in real time. Companies like Nestlé and Microsoft have implemented advanced water stewardship programs, resulting in substantial reductions in water use and improved reporting (Nestlé).

Digital Monitoring Systems

Modern technologies offer precise control over water consumption. One example is the AI solution from FIDO Tech, introduced in London in 2023. It automatically detects leaks and prioritizes their repair. Using this approach, Microsoft was able to save several million cubic meters of water annually (FIDO Tech).

"FIDO AI helps companies and utilities create a world without water scarcity" – FIDO AI

In addition to monitoring water consumption, efficient waste management is also crucial.

Waste Management and Circular Economy

The German Circular Economy Act requires systematic tracking and recycling of waste. Key aspects include:

• Waste volume: Documentation by type and quantity
• Recycling rates: Share of recycled materials
• Disposal routes: Tracking waste streams

Practical Approaches

For successful water and waste management, the following measures are recommended:

• Digital monitoring and leakage management: Automated systems monitor water use and waste streams in real time. This is especially relevant as 88% of global freshwater withdrawal is attributed to industry and agriculture (World Bank).
• Data-driven optimization: Regular analysis of collected data helps identify savings potential and implement targeted measures. For example, reducing hot water consumption can also save energy.

Combining these approaches enables efficient management of water and waste flows—with benefits for both the environment and the economy.

4. Employee Diversity Metrics

Measuring diversity plays a central role—studies show it not only promotes social responsibility but can also give companies a competitive edge. According to McKinsey, companies in the top quartile for gender diversity are 25% more likely to outperform on profitability (McKinsey).

Key Diversity Metrics

Digital Diversity Monitoring

Modern HR systems enable precise tracking and analysis of diversity metrics. Key features include:

• Metric analysis: Overview of current status.
• Goal achievement analysis: Checking if set targets are met.
• Trend analysis: Identifying areas needing action.

Companies are already successfully using these data-driven approaches to actively promote diversity. For instance, Salesforce publishes annual diversity reports and ties executive compensation to diversity goals (Salesforce).

Successful Real-World Examples

Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Berliner Wasserbetriebe are pioneers in diversity management. Both companies were recognized in March 2024 for their commitment spanning over ten years.

"Companies that invest in women have a business advantage!"
– Barbara Lutz, Founder of FKi Diversity for Success

These examples show how targeted promotion of diversity can drive positive change.

Transforming Corporate Culture

Implementing successful diversity strategies requires:

• Clear goals: Setting measurable and realistic targets.
• Regular reviews: Ongoing monitoring of progress.
• Flexibility: Adapting strategies to new challenges.

In addition to quantitative data analysis, qualitative aspects such as perceptions of corporate culture should also be considered. This creates a foundation for long-term change and an inclusive work environment. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals emphasize the importance of equality and inclusion as drivers of sustainable growth.

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5. Safety and Training Records

In ESG reporting, safety and training records are gaining importance alongside environmental and social metrics. Safety programs and targeted training play a central role. Well-implemented safety measures can reduce the costs of injuries and illness-related absences by 20–40 percent.

Proactive and Reactive Safety Indicators

Safety indicators can be divided into three categories:

Digital Capture and Analysis

Today’s compliance-tracking systems facilitate the capture and analysis of safety-relevant data. They automatically document incidents, analyze trends, and integrate this information directly into ESG reporting. Precise data capture is crucial for making informed decisions.

Successful Case Examples

Some companies demonstrate how effective safety measures can deliver tangible results:

• DuPont: Through comprehensive safety training, lost workdays due to accidents were reduced by 90 percent.
• Alcoa: Targeted prioritization of safety training led to injury-rate reductions of up to 70 percent in some plants.

Training Management

Effective training management should include the following points:

• Needs Analysis: Regular review of training requirements.
• Variety of Methods: Combination of in-person sessions and e-learning.
• Success Monitoring: Assessing effectiveness based on clearly defined KPIs.
• Documentation: Thorough recording of all qualification measures.

Integrating these records into ESG reporting increases transparency and strengthens stakeholder confidence. This structured approach forms the foundation for the ethics and compliance metrics covered in the next section.

6. Ethics and Compliance Data

Collecting ethics and compliance data plays a central role in ESG management. The CSRD directive emphasizes the importance of transparent documentation. This data complements environmental, social, and governance metrics by making ethical business practices traceable.

Key Areas of Compliance Monitoring

Modern digital solutions are indispensable to apply these metrics efficiently.

Digital Compliance Documentation

Effective compliance systems should:

• Automatically document incidents
• Enable real-time monitoring of metrics
• Seamlessly integrate into existing ESG systems

Such digital approaches also ensure reliable and regular reporting to stakeholders.

Reporting to Stakeholders

The CSRD directive requires providing stakeholders—such as customers, suppliers, and investors—with substantiated information. The following measures are necessary:

• Transparent presentation of compliance performance
• Traceable documentation of measures
• Regular updating of data
• Clear communication of goals and progress

Practical Implementation

The following steps are recommended for successful implementation:

• Process Integration: Embed into existing workflows
• Employee Training: Conduct regular qualification sessions
• Risk Management: Systematically assess risks
• Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and adjust measures

Collecting and using ethics and compliance data forms the basis for sustainable management and can be integrated into ESG-based executive compensation.

7. ESG-Based Executive Compensation

Executive compensation is increasingly aligned with ESG criteria (environmental, social, and governance). This method links predetermined ESG metrics to concrete incentive systems, forming an important component of ESG management.

Current Compensation Practices

About 15 percent of total executive compensation is now based on ESG factors. These criteria are included in both short-term and long-term compensation models.

Practical Implementation

Several factors play a role in successfully implementing ESG-based compensation systems:

• Relevant Metrics: Selected ESG metrics should support the company’s sustainability strategy.
• Measurable Goals: ESG goals must be clearly defined and measurable.
• Balanced Targets: A balance between financial and ESG goals is important.
• Regular Adjustment: Strategic alignment should be continuously reviewed and adjusted as needed.

These approaches help address common challenges in integrating ESG criteria into compensation systems.

Best Practices

An example from practice: the British fashion retailer Boohoo included ESG metrics for labor rights in its compensation structure. Such measures demonstrate how ESG goals can be successfully integrated but also reveal potential weaknesses.

Challenges and Solutions

Companies face the following challenges:

• There are no uniform standards for evaluating ESG criteria.
• Incentive systems may act in isolation rather than holistically.
• Selecting appropriate ESG metrics is often complex.

To address these issues, companies should:

• Clearly identify and regularly review ESG factors.
• Communicate goals and progress openly and transparently.
• Integrate ESG metrics into long-term compensation plans.

German companies in the Prime Standard already show that incorporating non-financial aspects into compensation systems yields positive results.

Implementing ESG Metrics in Practice

Implementing ESG metrics requires a clear plan supported by digital tools and established frameworks. A structured approach is indispensable, especially regarding CSRD requirements.

Digital Solutions for ESG Management

Modern software solutions play a central role in ESG management. They enable efficient management of ESG data and seamless integration into existing ERP systems such as SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, or DATEV. This facilitates, among other things, the calculation of CO₂ emissions. Automation can reduce up to 90 percent of manual work while improving data quality.

In addition to using digital tools, the EU Taxonomy provides clear guidance for assessing sustainability activities.

EU Taxonomy as an Assessment Framework

The EU Taxonomy serves as a guideline for evaluating the sustainability of economic activities. A four-step approach has proven effective:

1. Identify Activities: Assign company activities based on the NACE classification system.
2. Assess Taxonomy Compliance: Evaluate and document activities according to EU Taxonomy criteria.
3. Meet Minimum Safeguards: Pay special attention to “Do No Significant Harm” (DNSH) criteria and social minimum standards.
4. Reporting: Structure results in accordance with the delegated act on disclosures.

Practical Application Examples

The theoretical foundations of ESG implementation are put into practice by modern solutions. An example is the Envizi ESG Suite by IBM. This platform enables centralized management of all ESG data, calculation of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, and support in goal setting and reporting.

Successful Implementation: Key Steps

For effective implementation, companies should:

• Formulate ESG goals clearly and measurably
• Regularly review progress
• Integrate ESG criteria into decision-making processes
• Actively involve stakeholders

The combination of technological solutions and structured processes enables companies to efficiently achieve their ESG goals and communicate progress transparently.

Common ESG Challenges and Solutions

Implementing ESG metrics presents many obstacles for companies. Here are the most common problems and possible solutions.

Data Quality and Availability

One of the biggest challenges is consistently capturing and managing ESG data. Data sources are often scattered, and formats vary widely.

Uniform data collection processes are crucial to efficiently integrate ESG topics into existing systems.

Integration into Existing Structures

Viewing ESG topics in isolation often leads to inefficiency. Instead, these aspects should be integrated into existing corporate and risk management systems to achieve real progress.

Additionally, it is important to have expertise available to effectively address ESG challenges.

Building Expertise

A lack of ESG expertise, especially in departments like HR, poses a major hurdle. Companies can address this through the following measures:

• Develop internal training programs
• Embed ESG knowledge in specialist departments
• Use external consulting services

Strategic Alignment

Reactive approaches hamper progress. Instead of merely responding to external requirements, companies should proactively integrate ESG risks into their strategy.

Practical Support

Since 2024, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) has been providing support through the German Sustainability Code (DNK):

• The Sustainability Campus offers further education
• The DNK checklist helps with structured implementation
• The DNK platform supports CSRD-compliant reporting

Stakeholder Management

The interests of various stakeholders require clear and balanced communication. Proactive dialogue and systematic recording of expectations help align the ESG strategy and allocate resources effectively.

Successfully overcoming these challenges is key to effective ESG implementation.

Conclusion

The presented metrics and strategies clearly show what German companies need to focus on: integrating ESG metrics is a central component of forward-looking management. These metrics and processes form the basis for sustainable corporate management. A well-structured ESG approach offers numerous benefits:

• Better risk management through consideration of sustainability aspects
• Stronger market position thanks to transparent ESG performance
• Easier capital raising through positive ESG ratings
• New growth opportunities through sustainable innovations

External evaluations also underscore these benefits.

"As the world continues to face complex and interconnected challenges such as climate change, social inequality, and concerns about corporate ethics, companies that incorporate ESG considerations into their business strategies are better positioned for future success." – Computer Weekly

The importance of ESG is demonstrated by concrete figures already discussed in previous sections.

"Sustainability risks are not peripheral issues that companies can address on the side, but rather the central risks of our time." – Benjamin Lüders, Partner, Head of Risk Consulting, EY Consulting GmbH

The essential success factors for ESG integration can be summarized as follows:

Consistent implementation of these measures enables companies to measurably improve their sustainability and succeed in the long term.