There are various terms related to sustainability, such as SDGs, ESG, and CSR. In recent years, due to media attention, awareness of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) has been increasing in Japan. Meanwhile, for investors and publicly listed companies, ESG (an acronym for Environment, Social, and Governance) has attracted attention as a set of non-financial indicators.
CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and the term ethical (meaning “to be ethical”) are also frequently used. Generally, CSR refers to initiatives disclosed by companies, while ethical is more commonly used in contexts directed toward consumers.
Although many of these terms are making them somewhat difficult to understand, it can be said that the underlying aim is essentially the same—whether directed toward companies or toward society at large: to promote socially beneficial initiatives, protect the environment, and safeguard and pass down people’s livelihoods.