10 Must-Know ESG Terms in French for Professionals

If you’re an expat or international professional working in ESG, sustainability, or CSR, mastering the right French vocabulary is essential.
This guide introduces the 10 most important ESG terms in French and shows you how to use them professionally.

1. Développement durable (Sustainable Development)

Refers to initiatives that meet present needs without compromising future generations.
Example:

Notre entreprise s’engage à promouvoir le développement durable dans toutes ses activités.
(Our company is committed to promoting sustainable development in all its activities.)

2. Responsabilité sociale des entreprises (RSE / Corporate Social Responsibility)

The CSR of a company, covering social, environmental, and ethical practices.
Example:

Le département RSE est chargé de suivre nos initiatives sociales et environnementales.
(The CSR department is responsible for monitoring our social and environmental initiatives.)

3. Gouvernance (Governance)

Refers to corporate governance, policies, and leadership structures.
Example:

La gouvernance de l’entreprise garantit la transparence et l’intégrité des décisions.
(The company’s governance ensures transparency and integrity in decision-making.)

4. Critères ESG (ESG Criteria)

Environmental, Social, and Governance factors used to assess sustainability and ethical impact.
Example:

Les investisseurs examinent les critères ESG avant de prendre des décisions financières.
(Investors review ESG criteria before making financial decisions.)

5. Émissions de CO₂ (CO₂ Emissions)

Measures the carbon footprint of an activity, company, or product.
Example:

Réduire les émissions de CO₂ est une priorité pour notre entreprise.
(Reducing CO₂ emissions is a priority for our company.)

6. Transition énergétique (Energy Transition)

The shift to renewable and low-carbon energy sources.
Example:

La transition énergétique est essentielle pour atteindre nos objectifs climatiques.
(The energy transition is essential to reach our climate goals.)

7. Parties prenantes (Stakeholders)

All individuals or groups impacted by or impacting company decisions, such as employees, investors, and communities.
Example:

Les parties prenantes sont consultées lors de l’élaboration de la stratégie ESG.
(Stakeholders are consulted when developing the ESG strategy.)

8. Audit ESG (ESG Audit)

An assessment to verify compliance with ESG standards and regulations.
Example:

L’audit ESG a révélé des opportunités d’amélioration dans nos pratiques environnementales.
(The ESG audit revealed opportunities for improvement in our environmental practices.)

9. Indicateurs de performance (Key Performance Indicators / KPIs)

Metrics used to measure ESG performance and progress.
Example:

Les indicateurs de performance ESG permettent de suivre nos progrès annuels.
(ESG KPIs allow us to track our annual progress.)

10. Rapport de durabilité (Sustainability Report)

A document reporting on ESG performance, goals, and achievements.
Example:

Le rapport de durabilité sera publié en juin pour présenter nos initiatives 2025.
(The sustainability report will be published in June to present our 2025 initiatives.)

How to Use These Terms Professionally

Emails: Incorporate ESG terms when communicating with stakeholders.
Reports: Use terms consistently in sustainability or CSR reports.
Meetings: Apply vocabulary to present initiatives, KPIs, and progress.
Interviews: Demonstrate your knowledge by using correct ESG terminology.

Take Your ESG French to the Next Level

If you want personalized coaching to use ESG vocabulary confidently in meetings, reports, emails, and interviews, I can help.

Book your ESG French session today:
https://getsetfrench.ch/about-contact/

More about ESG:

Master French for ESG reports, meetings, and emails
Use these terms in sustainability reports