Silver Level - ESG Practitioner
Overview and Purpose
At the Silver level, your organisation is moving beyond the basics — ESG is no longer a side function but is actively integrated into how you operate, make decisions, and engage stakeholders. This stage is about formalising, embedding, and managing ESG as a core organisational practice.
Level Statement (L2.0) "ESG practices actively integrated across organisational operations"
What This Means in Practice
Policies are formalised and in use across teams.
ESG goals are regularly monitored and reviewed.
Stakeholder engagement is structured and ongoing.
Evidence is required at Managed (2) level or above on Key and Moderate questions to achieve Silver.
You’ll need consistent documentation and some internal tracking of metrics.
Priority Themes & Recommended Actions
Each theme below aligns with the ESG Pillar’s outcomes. Actions are grouped by what organisations at this stage typically need to do next.
1. ESG Integration Across the Organisation
Formalise ESG policies that reflect organisational values.
Embed ESG responsibilities into operational procedures.
Hold regular stakeholder engagement sessions and document feedback.
Begin internal reporting and review of ESG targets.
Support
ESG Syllabus: S1 – Integrating ESG Practices
SC21: Business (Quality) Management Systems, Corporate Social Responsibility, Leadership Training
2. Pollution Control & Environmental Impact
Conduct pollution and waste audits across all operations.
Define pollution control measures with documented procedures.
Improve HSE reporting systems and begin analysing trends.
Set reduction targets for waste and emissions.
Support
ESG Syllabus: S2 – Pollution and Core HSE Management
SC21: Waste Management, H&S Legislation, Benchmarking, Supplier Development
3. Community Engagement
Develop a structured local community engagement plan.
Schedule regular community feedback sessions.
Track the effectiveness of initiatives through feedback or KPIs.
Link local activities to broader ESG strategy.
Support
ESG Syllabus: S3 – ESG Stakeholder Management
SC21: Community Relations, Stakeholder Management, Performance Management
4. Sustainable Sourcing
Apply sustainability criteria to procurement decisions.
Engage suppliers with surveys or standards on ESG performance.
Include ESG factors in supplier reviews and onboarding processes.
Track progress against sourcing targets.
Support
ESG Syllabus: S4 – Sustainable Procurement
SC21: Supplier Management Strategy, Sourcing Strategies, Supplier Development
5. Diversity in Management
Launch diversity and inclusion training for leadership.
Introduce inclusive recruitment practices for leadership roles.
Set diversity targets and review progress annually.
Promote diverse leaders internally through mentoring.
Support
ESG Syllabus: S3 – ESG Stakeholder Management
SC21: Talent Management, Succession Planning, Leadership Development
6. Transparency & Stakeholder Reporting
Draft your first sustainability report using GRI or other frameworks.
Document stakeholder feedback from ESG disclosures.
Review alignment with standards like SASB or Integrated Reporting.
Build internal systems for non-financial reporting.
Support
ESG Syllabus: S1 – Integrating ESG Practices
SC21: Business Performance Measurement, Financial Management, Stakeholder Engagement
7. Low Emission Transport
Pilot low-emission transport solutions (EVs, rail, route optimisation).
Train staff on low-emission transport best practices.
Set internal emissions reduction targets linked to logistics.
Monitor and report transport emissions.
Support
ESG Syllabus: S5 – Advanced Scope 3 Emissions Reporting
SC21: Logistics Channels, DRP, Energy Efficiency, Warehouse Management
8. Renewable Energy Use
Set short-term targets for renewable energy use.
Explore power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Track energy mix and emissions from purchased electricity.
Plan longer-term investments in on-site renewables.
Support
ESG Syllabus: S6 – Planning & Financing for Renewable Energy
SC21: Energy Efficiency, Innovation Excellence, Strategy Deployment
9. Product-Based Emissions
Conduct lifecycle assessments (LCAs) for major product lines.
Embed emissions reduction into design specifications.
Track product footprint and create improvement roadmaps.
Share LCA results with customers or in reporting.
Support
ESG Syllabus: S5 – Advanced Scope 3 Emissions Reporting
SC21: Product Lifecycle Management, Design Excellence, Environmental Compliance
Using This Pathway
Use this page as an operational guide to close gaps, prioritise action, and select relevant support services. All areas listed above link directly to ESG maturity model outcomes. Silver-level performance requires documented evidence of managed practices and structured improvement work. Our platform and partners can help accelerate this journey.
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