The Truth About ESG Scores (And How to Actually Improve Yours)

What They Don’t Tell You and How to Take Back Control

If your business has received an ESG score, you might be asking:

• What does this score actually mean?
• Who calculated it?
• Can we improve it?
• Does it even matter?

Welcome to the world of ESG rating confusion — where even well-meaning businesses are being judged by opaque systems, and expected to improve scores they can’t influence.

This blog breaks down the truth about ESG scores, why they’re flawed, and how The GreenPlan helps you take back control with real-world results.

What Is an ESG Score?

An ESG score rates your business’s performance across three areas:

• Environmental: emissions, energy, waste, water
• Social: employee wellbeing, diversity, community
• Governance: policies, leadership, accountability

It’s intended to help investors, regulators, and customers quickly assess your sustainability profile.

Here’s the Problem

• Different agencies use different scoring methods
• Data is often outdated, incomplete, or assumed
• There’s no clear explanation of how scores are calculated
• Most businesses are excluded from the process

Your score might be based on public reports from years ago — but still impact tenders, funding, partnerships, or even your reputation.

The 3 Big Problems With ESG Scoring Today

It’s Inconsistent

There is no universal standard. One agency might score you highly — another might penalise you for the same data. It’s unpredictable and unreliable.

It’s Reactive

Most scores reflect past performance, not current efforts. If you’ve started making big changes, your ESG score may not reflect that for months or even years.

It’s Opaque

Most businesses don’t know:

• What their ESG score is
• Who created it
• How to change it

This creates frustration and the risk of being labelled unsustainable, even if you’re actively trying to improve.

How The GreenPlan Helps You Improve ESG Performance

The GreenPlan (TGP) doesn’t just help you chase a better score — it helps you build a stronger, more resilient business.
Here’s how:

What TGP Delivers

🔎 We identify real ESG gaps across seven key themes

🛠️ We give you a practical action plan to reduce emissions and improve performance

📊 We provide live ESG metrics you can share in tenders, reports, and audits

🌍 We align you with CSRD, SDGs, and Ireland’s Climate Action Plan

🧠 We help you embed sustainability into your team culture and daily operations

This isn’t about manipulating a score.
It’s about making real changes so the numbers reflect the truth.

What Businesses Gain by Focusing on Impact First

Businesses using The GreenPlan consistently report:

• ✅ Greater ESG transparency
• ✅ Improved access to grants and procurement
• ✅ Stronger communication with stakeholders
• ✅ Better audit performance
• ✅ Increased confidence in their sustainability journey

Focus on Impact and the Scores Will Follow

When you make measurable changes, ESG scores improve naturally.
And when regulators or partners come knocking — you’ll be ready, with the data to back it up.

Don’t Let a Score Define You Let Your Impact Speak

ESG scores will evolve. But in the meantime, your business can take control.

• Scored poorly? We’ll help you improve the reality behind the rating.
• Scored well? We’ll help you keep momentum and scale impact.
• Never been scored? Now’s your chance to get ahead of the curve.