Sustainability in action refers to the practical implementation of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles to create long-term value for organizations, stakeholders, and society. The environmental dimension measures an organization’s impacts on the natural ecosystem which include: reducing carbon emission, efficient use of natural resources, waste minimisation or adoption of circular economy models, reducing pollution and protecting biodiversity. This is done by calculating carbon footprint which is a vital metric for assessing the environmental impact of activities. According to Britannica (2025) carbon footprints are the total amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emitted (directly or indirectly) by a company and also the emissions of other greenhouse gases, such as methane, nitrous oxide, or chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). “It includes direct emissions, such as those that result from fossil-fuel combustion in manufacturing, heating, and transportation, as well as emissions required to produce the electricity associated with goods and services consumed (Britannica, 2025). A product’s carbon footprint includes the emissions for the entire life cycle ranging from the production along the supply chain to its final consumption and disposal. By understanding and managing an entity’s carbon footprints, one can contribute to mitigating climate change and promoting sustainability. The social dimension includes relations with multiple stakeholders such as employees, communities and society in a broader sense. Actions under this will include fair labour practices, diversity, equity and inclusion, employee safety and well-being, responsible supply chain and community welfare, education and health initiatives, among others. The governance dimension encapsulates ethical conduct and decision-making, disclosure and transparency, accountability, anti-corruption measures, compliance of regulations, cyber security, data privacy and ethical AI practices.

Hence, putting sustainability in action would require integrating ESG strategy in corporate strategy which can be observed in organisation’s mission, values and policies and organisation’s long- term growth plans. When put into practice it will reflect in sustainability reporting on various ESG matrices such as carbon footprint, energy and water consumption, diversity ratios among employees. Besides, it can also be seen in ethical sourcing policies and practices, use of low carbon material, use of renewable energy and adoption of green innovations etc. It will bring positive outcomes when policy makers, investors, customers, employees and communities strengthen ESG adoption and ensure shared accountability.

A study of integration of ESG metrices in performance evaluation by Sri Hondoko et.al, (2024) revealed a positive relationship between high ESG scores and improved financial performance and reputational outcomes. The governance dimension demonstrated the most significant influence on corporate sustainability. The environmental and social dimensions also contributed significantly with focus on energy efficiency, waste management, employee welfare and community development.

Emerging economies are increasingly embracing sustainable practices where cultural factors play an important role. ESG metrices can enhance strategic decision-making processes, hence ESG is no longer optional, it is a strategic imperative for sustainable progress.

ORCID iD

Radha R. Sharma  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1710-3888