What Companies Really Need to Know About ESG

How ESG Is Evolving: Insights from Inogen Alliance’s Angelique Dickson

In a world where sustainability and transparency are becoming core business priorities, companies are under growing pressure to embed ESG into their strategy—not just to comply with regulations, but to meet rising stakeholder expectations. From consumer behavior to boardroom decisions, ESG now touches every part of the business. But what does this shift look like in practice?

To explore this, we sat down with Angelique Dickson, President of Inogen Alliance, during her visit to denxpert in Budapest. In this interview, Angelique answers some of the most pressing questions companies are asking today: How informed are customers? Who owns ESG inside the business? And how can organizations move from intention to impact?

Her answers provide a clear, candid view into how ESG is evolving—and what companies must do to stay ahead.

Are customers really informed about sustainability and ESG?

According to Angelique Dickson, today’s consumers, especially the younger generations, are more informed than ever.

“They want to feel good about the products that they use, They check before they buy something to make sure they can feel like the company… is very responsible and using good sustainability or ESG governance.”

This shift has created a powerful new pressure point. Consumers now expect brands to take clear, measurable actions on issues like climate change, ethical sourcing, and social impact. Transparency isn't just a "nice to have", it's becoming a prerequisite for trust. Companies that invest in ESG aren't just reducing risk, they’re meeting the expectations of a values-driven market.

Why are companies getting involved in ESG now?

Dickson’s answer is clear: they no longer have a choice.

“ESG is something that companies can’t ignore anymore. One, if they’re looking for financing, they have to. But also their customers and their stakeholders are demanding it.”

Investor interest, stakeholder scrutiny, and emerging ESG regulations like CSRD are creating an environment where ESG performance directly affects access to capital, brand reputation, and operational resilience. Forward-looking companies are moving from reactive compliance to proactive ESG integration, knowing that long-term value creation hinges on it.

What kind of ESG education do clients need?

Many companies are still unsure where to begin or which ESG issues actually apply to them. Dickson highlights the need for materiality-focused education:

“Our clients would benefit from education that helps them understand what’s really material to them… and what they can really have an impact on.”

This reflects a broader industry shift toward Double Materiality Assessments, now required under CSRD. By identifying both financial and environmental/social material impacts, organizations can prioritize what truly matters. Dickson recommends building a clear plan based on these insights to focus ESG efforts where they drive the most meaningful change.

Who is responsible for ESG within a company?

The answer isn’t simple, because it’s changing.

“In the last 10 years, ESG or sustainability often sat with marketing because it was more about how you promoted your company, but now it often sits with a chief financial officer… because it’s really about how you’re making a sustainable, profitable business.”

This shift marks a strategic evolution in how ESG is perceived: not as a brand positioning tool, but as a driver of long-term business resilience. Today, ESG is becoming part of the financial core, not just a sustainability add-on. CFOs, boards, and senior executives now play an active role in defining how ESG supports company-wide performance and risk management.

Key Takeaways for ESG Leaders

• Consumers are watching. ESG credibility affects purchasing decisions, especially among Gen Z and millennials.
• ESG is now a business imperative. Investor expectations and regulatory demands make inaction a risk.
• Start with what matters. Companies need education and tools to focus on material ESG topics.
• Finance leads the way. ESG is now a key responsibility for CFOs and corporate strategists.

About Inogen Alliance

Inogen Alliance is a global network of independent environment, health, safety, and sustainability (EHS&S) consultancies operating in over 70 countries. With a deep understanding of local regulations and international ESG trends, Inogen Alliance enables organizations to navigate complex challenges, from compliance and reporting to sustainability strategy and impact measurement.

By combining global reach with local expertise, the Alliance supports businesses in building resilient, responsible operations. Whether through on-the-ground consulting or digital collaboration with partners like denxpert.