Categorisation of SDG targets into ESG pillars based on ESRS taxonomy

Abstract This study examines the alignment between the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) pillars through the lens of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) taxonomy, complemented by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The research introduces a policy-relevant framework that categorizes SDG targets within ESG pillars, offering structured guidance for policymakers and regulatory bodies to harmonize global sustainability goals with corporate reporting practices. By mapping 199 GRI and 201 ESRS accounting entries to the 17 SDGs, the study identifies significant opportunities to address thematic and procedural gaps in existing reporting systems. The findings demonstrate that SDG 8 (“Decent Work and Economic Growth”) exhibits the highest linkage rate to ESRS accounting items, reinforcing its relevance for policy-driven frameworks that integrate economic resilience with social equity. This harmonized approach underscores the role of policy in fostering alignment between corporate ESG strategies and broader sustainability objectives, mitigating greenwashing risks, and advancing standardization across regions and sectors. The study advocates for policy interventions that leverage this framework to enhance transparency, accountability, and long-term decision-making for sustainable development. Graphical abstract