Business Sustainability Reporting and Disclosure: Evolution and Best Practices

摘要

The complexity of business sustainability reporting and disclosure continues to increase, with such disclosures addressing corporate governance, strategy, risk and opportunity management, and associated programs and initiatives: 1. Reporting and disclosure of ESG data has evolved from voluntary to mandatory in many parts of the world 2. Disclosure of ESG performance is becoming increasingly embedded in the fabric of statutory securities reporting for publicly traded companies 3. While sustainability reporting is largely voluntary, it is mandatory in an increasing number of countries and for targeted industry sectors 4. The bar is being raised on 'voluntary' reporting frameworks, driven by stakeholder interests, including those of shareholders, business partners and civil society While there is overlap between these myriad requirements, they all have their own unique attributes that must be addressed. Consistency in reporting between these different venues is critical to corporate sustainability, credibility and reputation.