With rising concerns about climate change, social responsibility, and governance, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) has become a significant focus for businesses and investors. 

ESG is a benchmark for evaluating a company’s commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and transparent leadership. These standards clearly show a company’s long-term societal and environmental impact.

Our data shows how ESG drives change and sets new standards across sectors.

ESG Assets Statistics 

In 2022, global ESG assets under management exceeded $30 trillion.

Experts project that ESG assets will grow at a 3.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), surpassing $40 trillion by 2030. This steady rise reflects the increasing importance of sustainability and responsible investing in global financial markets.

ESG AUM Regional Analysis 

By 2030, Europe is projected to lead the global ESG market, managing over $18 trillion in assets under management (AUM), according to recent 2024 reports. 

Europe holds a 45% share of the global ESG AUM, and experts expect it to maintain this dominance through 2030, with the market growing at a steady CAGR of 3.5%.

In contrast, the U.S. ESG market is expected to slow, with its CAGR dipping to 1.5%, which could reduce its AUM to $9.5 trillion by 2030.

Japan, Canada, and Australia are smaller but rapidly growing ESG markets.

Japan, for example, saw a 50% rise in AUM to $4.3 trillion between 2020 and 2022 and is projected to grow at a 6% CAGR. In 2030, Japan’s ESG AUM could exceed $7 trillion, pushing its global share beyond 15%.

Meanwhile, China’s ESG market, valued at $70 billion in 2023, is forecasted to surge to $5 trillion by 2030.

This data suggests that while Europe will continue to dominate, emerging markets like Japan and China will play increasingly significant roles in the global ESG landscape. 

Global ESG Adoption Percentage 

In 2024, Europe led global ESG adoption, with 93% of organizations identifying as users and 31% prioritizing ESG as investors. 

North America followed, with 79% of organizations as users and 18% as ESG-focused investors. While showing strong user engagement at 88%, Asia Pacific had a lower investor focus at 22%.

Top ESG Debt Products Actively Invested In

Research from 2024 shows that 63% of investors have been putting their money into green bonds. 

Sustainability bonds followed closely, with 54% of investors actively engaging in them. 

This trend highlights the growing appeal of environmentally conscious debt products as investors increasingly prioritize sustainability.

Major Global ESG ETFs  

As of July 2023, the WisdomTree Blockchain UCITS ETF (WBLK) posted a remarkable year-to-date return of 97.97%, outpacing the L&G Metaverse ESG Exclusions UCITS ETF by more than 40%. 

The Amundi MSCI Semiconductors ESG ETF achieved a solid 51.01% year-to-date return in third place. 

Global ESG ETF Assets 

As of November 2023, assets under ESG ETFs (covering environmental, social, and governance criteria) reached $480 billion globally. 

2006, only $5 billion was allocated to ESG ETFs, which will grow to $391 billion by 2021. From 2021 to 2023, ESG ETF assets increased by 22.6%, reflecting growing investor interest in sustainable and socially responsible investing. 

This trend indicates a significant shift toward integrating ESG factors in investment decisions, driven by the demand for more ethical and sustainable financial products.

ESG Investing Market Size 

In 2023, the ESG investing market reached $25.13 trillion. By 2024, it surged 16.43%, bringing the market size to $29.86 trillion. 

Experts project that in 2034, the market will expand to $167.49 trillion, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.82%. 

This rapid growth reflects the increasing importance of sustainability and responsible investing in the global financial landscape.

ESG Challenges

Preparing ESG assurance is challenging for many global firms. A 2023 study highlights the significant obstacles they face. 

Around 44% of companies cite high initial costs and budget constraints as their biggest hurdle. 

Another 44% point to a lack of skills or training as a significant challenge in creating ESG assurance. 

Additionally, 42% struggle with unclear and constantly changing regulations. 

These findings suggest that cost, expertise, and regulatory uncertainty are the primary barriers to adequate ESG assurance, underlining the need for better resources and more precise guidelines.

More Statistics On ESG 

  1. A 2020 survey found that 88% of publicly traded companies have ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) initiatives in place. (Source – z2data.com)
  2. According to a 2020 survey, only 67% of privately-owned firms had implemented employee wellness programs.  (Source – z2data.com)
  3. 94% of executives feel pressured to prioritize ESG initiatives. (Source – z2data.com)
  4. A 2022 study found that corporations spend nearly $700,000 annually on climate-related disclosure activities. (Source – z2data.com)
  5. Global spending on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) business services is projected to hit $65 billion by 2027. (Source – z2data.com)
  6. Half of global consumers surveyed by IBM say they’re willing to pay an average of 70% more for sustainable brands. (Source – venasolutions.com)
  7. Ninety-nine percent of investors surveyed by Ernst and Young actively review companies’ ESG disclosures when making investment decisions. (Source – venasolutions.com)
  8. Reports reveal that only 28% of business leaders apply ESG best practices when making investment decisions. (Source – venasolutions.com)
  9. In a survey of American investors’ views on ESG investing, 45% saw no reason to invest in ESG at all. Meanwhile, 25% cited ethical considerations as their primary motivation, 22% aimed to hedge against climate risks, and 7% were driven by the expectation of strong financial returns. (Source – venasolutions.com)
  10. In 2024, 90% of S&P 500 companies released ESG reports, reflecting a growing commitment to environmental, social, and governance transparency. (Source – keyesg.com)
  11. 72% of executives view ESG as a revenue driver rather than a cost burden. (Source – venasolutions.com)
  12. Reports show 83% of consumers believe companies should actively shape and lead ESG best practices. (Source – keyesg.com)
  13. In 2021, 53% of the revenue for the top 500 U.S. companies and 49% of the profits for the largest 1,200 companies globally come from business activities that support the Sustainable Development Goals. (Source – keyesg.com)
  14. According to 50.1% of investors, companies with higher ESG scores face lower capital costs. (Source – keyesg.com)
  15. By 2025, ESG-mandated assets are projected to make up half of all professionally managed investments, reaching approximately $35 trillion. (Source – keyesg.com)
  16. Inflows into sustainable funds skyrocketed by 1,400% between 2018 and 2021. (Source – z2data.com)
  17. Studies show that young investors with wealth exceeding $250,000 are willing to sacrifice 14% of their assets to support ESG initiatives. (Source – keyesg.com)
  18. An impressive 88% of institutional investors believe asset managers should take a more active role in developing new ESG-focused products.  (Source – keyesg.com)
  19. Global ESG Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) direct nearly $74 billion toward climate action, reflecting a growing focus on sustainability. (Source – venasolutions.com)
  20. 94% of investors believe companies often exaggerate their sustainability efforts in reports.  (Source – venasolutions.com)

FAQs:

What is ESG statistics?

ESG statistics refer to data related to Environmental, Social, and Governance factors used to evaluate companies’ sustainability and ethical impact.

What percentage of the market is ESG?

As of recent reports, ESG investments account for approximately 10-30% of total global assets under management, depending on the region and criteria used.

What percentage of companies have ESG?

Around 80-90% of large publicly traded companies globally report some level of ESG data, though the depth of ESG integration varies.

Does ESG matter in 2024?

Yes, ESG will continue to matter in 2024 as investors, consumers, and regulatory bodies increasingly prioritize sustainability and ethical practices in their decision-making processes.