ESG in Q4 2025: What Businesses Can Do Before the Year Ends

There’s just one quarter left of 2025 — but it’s not too late for businesses to make meaningful progress on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. Investors, clients, and employees are increasingly paying attention to sustainability, ethical operations, and transparency, and a few practical steps now can set your business up for success in 2026.

1. Audit Packaging and Reduce Waste

Take a quick look at your products and packaging. Can you swap to recyclable or minimal packaging before year-end? Even small changes now reduce waste and give your business an ESG boost for early 2026 communications.

2. Cut Energy Use as the Colder Months Approach

With autumn and winter coming, energy use will naturally rise. Simple actions -adjusting heating schedules, improving insulation, switching to LED lighting, or signing up to a green energy tariff — can reduce costs, lower emissions, and help your business start 2026 on the right foot.

3. Check Your Supply Chain

Even a quick check-in with your suppliers on sustainability policies can make a difference. Many suppliers are already engaging in sustainable practices that you might not be aware of — from sourcing responsibly to reducing their own energy use. Ask for updates, document what’s in place, and consider highlighting these initiatives in your communications. Suppliers themselves could also proactively send updates to clients and customers, helping put ESG initiatives on everyone’s radar for the new year.

4. Support Employee Wellbeing in Darker Months

As we move into colder, darker months, employees may find wellbeing more challenging. Check in on mental health, offer flexible working, or share wellbeing resources. Small gestures can have a big impact and show your team you care about more than just business outcomes.

5. Get ESG Reporting Ready for 2026

Even if you don’t have a full reporting system yet, now is the time to start tracking key metrics like energy use, waste reduction, and supplier compliance. Getting data organised before the year ends makes reporting in 2026 far easier and positions your business as forward-thinking.

Final Thoughts

With just one quarter left, businesses can still make measurable ESG progress. By taking a few practical steps now, you’ll finish the year stronger, support your team, and set yourself up for a successful and sustainable 2026.

Need help mapping out quick-win ESG actions for Q4? Get in touch and let’s create a strategy you can implement before year-end.