What does asset obsolescence refer to in the context of ESG?

Asset obsolescence in the context of ESG primarily refers to the decline in the value or relevance of assets due to inadequate performance on environmental, social, or governance criteria. As businesses increasingly prioritize sustainability and stakeholders demand higher ethical and responsible conduct, assets that fail to meet these expectations can become less attractive. This trend means that investors may view companies with poor ESG performance as higher-risk investments or may even divest from them altogether, resulting in a loss of liquidity.

In an ESG context, when assets become obsolete, it can impact a company's financial health and market perception, making it crucial for organizations to adopt sustainable practices that keep their assets relevant and valuable in the eyes of stakeholders. Thus, option B captures the essence of asset obsolescence accurately by emphasizing its connection to ESG-related performance and attractiveness.