On October 24th of last year, a Sustainability Round Table (SRT) learning group was initiated by LG Inhwaone, focusing on supply chain due diligence and global disclosure, including 'biodiversity'. SRT is a voluntary gathering where participants learn about ESG management for organizational sustainability and share insights for authentic implementation.

Lee Seung-bae, a manager at LG Inhwaone, announced the beginning by stating, "This year marks a significant step as we officially launch quarterly SRT learning sessions in strategic partnership with the Korea Institute of Ecological Restoration."

Starting with welcoming remarks to the SRT learning group, where LG Group experts convened on common challenges, LG Group successfully hosted the ‘Customized ESG Seminar for Companies – LG Group Edition’ at LG Sciencepark in Gangseo-gu, Seoul. Co-organized with the Korea Institute of Ecological Restoration (KNRF), the event was attended by approximately 100 participants, including LG Group employees and corporate stakeholders interested in ESG management. It was recognized as a meaningful occasion to reaffirm the importance of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) management and share practical strategies and cases.

Discussions on Various Topics Including Biodiversity, TNFD Response, and Water Treatment Technology

The seminar was conducted focusing on the three core elements of ESG: Environment, Social, and Governance. In-depth discussions were held on ways to strengthen LG Group's sustainability and fulfill its social responsibilities.

The first part of the seminar began with a lecture on ‘Biodiversity ESG’ by Yoon Jong-soo, Chairman of the Korea Institute of Ecological Restoration, followed by a presentation by Professor Song Young-keun of Seoul National University on the topic of ‘LG Group’s TNFD Response Strategy’.

"With the intensification of the climate crisis and environmental issues worldwide, the ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) framework for evaluating corporate sustainability is gaining significant attention. Among these, biodiversity conservation in the environmental domain is emerging as an increasingly important topic. Biodiversity is considered an essential factor in maintaining the health of the Earth's ecosystem and supporting human survival and economic activities. Accordingly, companies are integrating biodiversity protection into their strategies as part of ESG management, seeking ways to move beyond mere environmental responsibility to create long-term corporate value."

"Biodiversity is not just an environmental issue but also a crucial pillar of ESG, encompassing social responsibility and corporate governance. If companies conserve biodiversity and practice sustainable management, it will not only save the Earth's ecosystem but also enhance the future value of the company. As we enter 2025, the convergence of biodiversity and ESG has become a mandatory task, no longer an option. Now is the time for companies, investors, and consumers to join forces and lead this change."

Following this, Kwak Geun-seo, Vice President of O2&B, delivered a lecture on ‘Realizing TNFD and ESG through Water Treatment Environmental Technology’. In particular, the TNFD (Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures) response strategy and water treatment technology are expected to make practical contributions to LG Group's eco-friendly management.

Vice President Kwak stated, "Water treatment is a technology that purifies or recycles contaminated water to make it usable, and it is essential for ensuring the sustainability of water resources. TNFD encourages companies to assess their dependencies and impacts on natural capital and reflect these in their financial reporting. Water is a core resource that supports ecosystems and human society, and water treatment technology contributes to reducing the loss of natural capital by solving water scarcity problems, preventing water pollution, and conserving biodiversity."

"For example, advanced water treatment technology reduces the inflow of pollutants into rivers or groundwater by purifying industrial wastewater, thereby protecting aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, by producing recycled water and reducing water usage, companies can lower their dependence on natural resources and increase their resilience to environmental risks such as climate change. This can be seen as a concrete example of managing ‘nature-related risks and opportunities’ emphasized by TNFD."

"Water treatment environmental technology goes beyond being a simple technological solution; it plays a crucial role in realizing the global sustainability frameworks of TNFD and ESG. Through the efficient management of water resources and the protection of ecosystems, companies can fulfill their environmental responsibilities, create social value, and build transparent governance structures. As of March 2025, with the increasing severity of climate change and resource depletion, water treatment technology will be a key to creating a sustainable future where companies and society harmonize with nature."

In the second session, Park Ki-sook, Vice President of Esan Co., Ltd., presented "TNFD LEAP Application – Case Study LG Group," introducing specific examples from LG Group that garnered enthusiastic responses from attendees. The subsequent Q&A session saw active participation, further elevating the seminar’s energy.

"Today, companies are increasingly recognizing the seriousness of risks stemming not only from climate change but also from the loss of biodiversity and natural ecosystems. Consequently, the LEAP approach proposed by the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) is gaining attention. LEAP is a framework that helps companies systematically evaluate and manage their dependencies, impacts, risks, and opportunities related to nature, earning praise as a tool for driving tangible change toward sustainability."

"LEAP consists of four integrated steps—Locate, Evaluate, Assess, and Prepare—assisting companies in understanding their interactions with nature within their operations and value chains, and making informed financial decisions based on this insight. TNFD is designed to enable companies to proactively identify potential risks from nature loss while seizing opportunities related to nature restoration."

"The LEAP approach of TNFD is more than a reporting tool; it provides a strategic framework for companies to grow in harmony with nature. A survey indicating that over 70% of global companies plan to disclose nature-related metrics aligned with TNFD recommendations by 2025 underscores the framework’s significance. Korean companies, too, should actively leverage LEAP to manage nature-related risks and unlock new opportunities for sustainability. For a future where nature and business coexist, now is the perfect time to embrace LEAP."

LG Science Park Highlighted as a Symbolic Space for ESG and Technology Convergence

The fact that this seminar was held at LG Science Park added further significance to the event. Known as a hub for cutting-edge technology and innovation, LG Science Park was recognized as an ideal venue for exploring the potential of ESG and technology convergence. This event marked a milestone in establishing LG Science Park as a hub for ESG management innovation.

LG Group Pledges to Become a Leader in ESG Management

A representative from the Korea Nature Environment Restoration Promotion Agency stated, "Through this seminar, we aim to support LG Group in advancing its ESG management and taking a leading role in building a sustainable future."

An LG Group official remarked, "This seminar provided deep insights into ESG management and greatly aided in formulating practical strategies. Moving forward, as a leader in ESG management, we will continue to fulfill our social responsibilities and contribute to a sustainable future."

With this seminar as a stepping stone, LG Group is poised to solidify its position as a frontrunner in ESG management.