TD Magazine Article
Investments in environmental, social, and governance are a key priority.
Mon Jun 16 2025
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Forward-thinking companies see investments in environmental, social, and governance not as checking the box but as a valuable business strategy. When ESG efforts combine with talent development programs, organizations can position both their businesses and their workforces for the future.
For example, Allianz Commercial, a global insurer and asset manager, has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, with specific midterm targets for 2030. That covers proprietary investments, the property and casualty insurance business, and internal operations. Therefore, programs that "mitigate risks associated with climate change, enhance regulatory compliance, and strengthen Allianz Commercial's market resilience and reputation" are a key priority for the TD function, says Lindsay Fletcher, the company's vice president of global L&D.
As part of its ESG efforts, Allianz Commercial launched a course on the principles of greenhouse gas accounting via its Underwriting Academy. The e-learning course "equips our underwriting and finance teams with the skills and knowledge to measure and monitor [greenhouse gas] emissions," states Caroline Otte, head of the Underwriting Academy. "This aligns our ESG goals with our business objectives and creates a comprehensive approach to sustainability and risk management."
In that same vein, the company combines ESG efforts and business goals through its Innovate Forward program. Open to all employees, the initiative consists of eight weekly skill labs in which staff brainstorm how to enhance the organization's sustainability and business performance. Participants then pitch their ideas to a panel that mirrors a high-stakes business environment.
"The Innovate Forward program bridges the pitching teams with relevant business stakeholders," says program lead Petra Winkler, enabling the concepts to "evolve into full-fledged projects contributing to the progress of sustainability within our business and operations."
Another company using ESG to pursue business goals is Korea National Oil Corporation (KNOC)—the state-owned firm that serves as one of South Korea's public energy providers.
"KNOC plays a critical role in enhancing energy security, expanding renewable energy initiatives, and achieving carbon neutrality," says CEO Dong Sub Kim. "To successfully drive these efforts, developing specialized talent in oil exploration, carbon reduction, and renewable energy sectors is essential."
To bolster its pool of qualified employees, the TD team has established short-, medium-, and long-term educational programs such as Value Academy, Leadership Academy, Expert Academy, and Global Academy. The specialized initiatives feature a variety of innovative methods, including artificial-intelligence-powered lectures and participation of technical personnel from the firm's subsidiaries.
"In particular, we have strengthened specialized training programs for carbon capture and storage, hydrogen-ammonia projects, and offshore wind energy," explains Aram Hong, KNOC's deputy manager for L&D.
So far, according to Hong, the initiatives have helped "embed the importance of renewable energy across the organization, strengthening collaboration across business divisions" while simultaneously accelerating the planning and execution of new projects. Furthermore, participants' increased understanding of renewable energy policies and regulations "has facilitated external cooperation and secured government support for projects," Hong notes.
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