I welcome Doug Hileman to this episode of the ESG Report. Doug is the founder of Doug Hileman Consultancy and part of the Volkswagen Monitor Team. In this conversation, Doug and I talk about his experience in the environmental and compliance industries, highlighting the increasing complexity of the environment and legal landscape. He also discusses how corporate compliance officers can play an important role in ensuring that companies comply with their environmental and safety obligations. See more +

I welcome Doug Hileman to this episode of the ESG Report. Doug is the founder of Doug Hileman Consultancy and part of the Volkswagen Monitor Team. In this conversation, Doug and I talk about his experience in the environmental and compliance industries, highlighting the increasing complexity of the environment and legal landscape. He also discusses how corporate compliance officers can play an important role in ensuring that companies comply with their environmental and safety obligations.

The Evolution of Environmental Regulations

I ask Doug how the environmental field has changed over the years. "I would say it's gotten a lot more complex," Doug responds. Regulation in the past was about cleaning up and disposing of waste, whereas now the regulation is broader, covering areas such as product design, biodiversity, and the circular economy. In addition, stakeholders are now imposing requirements: they no longer want to do business with companies that don't comply with US and global regulations.

The Compliance Professional in Corporate ESG

ESG is a great opportunity for compliance professionals. Compliance obligations are now widespread in the business world, so compliance professionals must learn the requirements of any organization they work with. Once they learn the requirements, they can take up a leadership role. "If they're not at the table the way they think they should be at the table, then just pull up a chair and sit down," Doug stresses. "Make your case for why the compliance function has such an important role in ESG. It's not about marketing; it's compliance."

The Board of Corporate ESG

The board needs to be involved in the company's ESG program. It needs to be an 'all hands on deck' initiative. This will make the entire company's operations more competent. Doug remarks on the importance of internal auditing and how it impacts ESG. Doug tells me that the board should focus on how to align with ESG practices and requirements. See less -