International Sustainability Disclosure & Reporting Framework

IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards)

IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards are developed by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). The ISSB is an independent standard-setting body within the IFRS Foundation.

IFRS Sustainability Standards are developed to enhance investor-company dialogue so that investors receive decision-useful, globally comparable sustainability-related disclosures that meet their information needs. The ISSB is supported by technical staff and a range of advisory bodies.

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IFRS S1

Sets out requirements for disclosing sustainability-related risks and opportunities.

It requires organisations to report on how sustainability issues could affect their cash flow, access to finance or cost of capital over the short, medium or long term. It outlines how to present this information, covering governance, strategy, risk management and performance.

IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information

IFRS S2

The objective is to focus specifically on climate-related disclosures and must be applied alongside IFRS S1.

It requires organisations to report on physical and transition risks, as well as climate-related opportunities. The standard helps users understand how climate issues are managed and how they influence business strategy and performance.

IFRS S2 Climate-related Disclosures

Global Sustainability Reporting & Assurance Standards

The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) has released an exposure draft for a new framework: the International Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance (IESSA). These proposed standards are designed for all sustainability assurance practitioners, regardless of their professional background, as well as for professional accountants involved in sustainability reporting.

The aim is to establish clear ethical expectations and independence requirements that enhance the credibility of sustainability information. By addressing risks such as greenwashing, the standards seek to build greater public and institutional trust in sustainability reporting and assurance.

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The European Commission has adopted the ESRS for companies covered by the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This marks a significant step in the EU’s transition to a more sustainable economy.

The ESRS cover a broad range of environmental, social and governance topics, including climate change, biodiversity and human rights. They are designed to help investors understand the sustainability impact of the companies they invest in. The standards also align closely with global frameworks such as the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), reducing the risk of duplicate reporting and improving consistency across jurisdictions.

The reporting requirements will be phased in over time for different companies.

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The Global Reporting Initiative is an independent international organisation that helps businesses take responsibility for their environmental, social and economic impacts.

GRI Standards are widely used and support organisations in producing transparent, consistent and actionable sustainability reports. These reports help businesses and stakeholders make informed decisions that drive positive change.

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The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures was established to improve the quality and consistency of climate-related financial reporting. Its recommendations guide organisations in disclosing the risks and opportunities associated with climate change, including the effects of rising temperatures, evolving policies and emerging technologies.

The TCFD framework has influenced many of the newer reporting standards and remains a key reference point for climate-related disclosures.

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The UK Endorsement Board is the National Standard Setter for international accounting standards. It influences the development of high-quality standards and decide on their adoption for use in the UK.

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