In Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, governance refers to the structures, policies, and procedures that ensure accountability, transparency, and ethical decision-making in project management.

Ensuring transparency in reporting and accountability (Option C) is a core governance function because it:

Establishes clear roles and responsibilities within a project.

Promotes ethical decision-making by preventing conflicts of interest.

Enhances stakeholder confidence through clear reporting mechanisms.

Ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Option A (Implementing energy-efficient technologies): Falls under the environmental aspect of ESG.

Option B (Promoting diversity and inclusion): Primarily impacts the social dimension of ESG.

Option D (Reducing waste through recycling): Relates to environmental sustainability, not governance.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:According to ISO 37301 (Compliance Management Systems) and ASQ quality management guidelines, governance practices must prioritize transparency, integrity, and accountability​.

ISO 37000:2021 – Defines principles for good corporate governance in project management​.

ISO 19600 (Compliance Management Systems) – Focuses on ethical governance and risk management​.

ANSI/ASQ Z1.13 – Highlights accountability as a key factor in governance policies​.

ASQ Construction Quality Management (CQM) ReferencesThus, the best answer is C: Ensuring transparency in reporting and accountability.