As a highly experienced ESG expert, Manuela Huck-Wettstein supports companies from various industries - from retail and food to chemicals and financial services - in integrating sustainability aspects into strategy, daily business and reporting. She is well versed in ESG reporting according to various standards, is a certified GRI trainer and a pioneer in Integrated Reporting. Manuela has extensive experience in marketing and corporate communications and has worked for leading communications agencies in Switzerland. She has also worked as an innovation manager for a large Swiss bank.
What can one man accomplish alone? — Half of humanity asks.
At GGX, Manuela is on the Advisory Board and was part of the Ratings Working Group, which developed the model and operational standards for the preparation of ESG ratings on an individual company basis.
Manuela holds a Master's degree in International Affairs and Governance from the University of St. Gallen, a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Zurich and studied International Business and Sustainability at the University of Hamburg. She spends her free time with family and friends, playing tennis and doing yoga.
5 Questions for Manuela Huck-Wettstein
Which areas do you cover at GGX?
I support the development and implementation of the ESG rating for the products listed on GGX in the future as well as the ESG selection for companies in GGX indices derived from this.
What were your ESG moments?
There are quite a few. However, my stay in South Africa when I was 19 years old probably left its mark on me. The obvious difference between rich and poor, the more or less subliminal racism, the careless use of water, the lack of recycling and the waste lying around everywhere sharpened my awareness of the problems of this world.
Where do you see the most potential for a more sustainable world?
I think there are various approaches: Teaching respect for people, animals and the environment in education - and in educating adults - is central in my view. Respect for human rights is also a basic prerequisite for sustainable development. In resource efficiency, be it in energy, water, soil and raw materials, as well as in a functioning circular economy, I see essential levers in the ecological field.
What bothers you most in the ESG discussion?
I find the bashing of those who go ahead because it is not good enough or too slow objectionable. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of empty promises and fine words without action in the area of ESG. I cannot understand the statement “sustainability costs too much”.
What do you do in everyday life for more sustainability?
I consciously consume according to the motto “less is more” and pay attention to organic labels, Fairtrade and regional products when shopping for food. I would like to improve on the topic of “seasonal”. When it comes to transportation, I travel by public transport as much as possible. Privately, I use electricity from renewable sources and I have been offsetting the CO2 emissions of my air travel since university. I also use Mr. Green's recycling service to return recyclables to the cycle and support jobs for people with impairments or difficult lives. I also donate to selected non-governmental organizations to make a contribution outside my direct sphere of influence.