Our use of cookies

We use necessary cookies to make our site work. We’d also like to set optional analytics cookies to help us improve it. We won’t set optional cookies unless you enable them. Using this tool will set a cookie on your device to remember your preferences.

For more detailed information about the cookies we use, see our Cookie policy

Necessary cookies

Necessary cookies enable core functionality such as security, network management, compliance and accessibility. You may disable these by changing your browser settings, but this may affect how the website functions.

Analytics cookies

We’d like to set Google Analytics cookies to help us to improve our website by collecting and reporting information on how you use it. The cookies collect information in a way that does not directly identify anyone.

:

SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING

On this page:

  • Current insights into sustainability reporting
  • Resources to help you navigate the changing reporting landscape
  • Responses to the proposed IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards

Background

Over the past two decades, expectations and requirements for sustainability reporting have been changing rapidly, alongside a growing awareness of the impact of environmental and social issues. As a result, investors and other stakeholders are demanding a wider range of information, with a clear global trend towards mandatory sustainability reporting. 

With over 600 sustainability reporting requirements across more than 80 countries1, organizations are increasingly relying on the knowledge, skills and processes of finance professionals and accountants to make sure that they can address the growing demand for robust sustainability reporting.

A4S’s work in this space includes guidance, thought-pieces and updates to help equip finance professionals with the appropriate skills, tools and knowledge to deliver the sustainability disclosures and reporting required by stakeholders. 

[1] https://www.carrotsandsticks.net/

Attend our Reporting Workshops!

Attend one of our in-person reporting workshops to understand the sustainability reporting landscape and the role of the finance team in achieving efficient and effective sustainability reporting.

Responses to proposed IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards

Business and Finance community responses

Over 80 global Chief Financial Officers from around the world and investors representing more than £620 billion in assets under management, convened by A4S, have signed respective statements in response to the ISSB's proposed IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards. The statements welcome the role of the IFRS, and call for global alignment on sustainability reporting and for the IFRS to improve upon its proposed standards in a number of ways.

A4S response

A4S has submitted our own full response to the ISSB consultation on the proposed IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards. Read A4S's individual response here.

Further updates

WHAT DIRTY LAUNDRY? THE PROBLEM WITH GREENWASHING

Greenwashing takes place when companies misrepresent – whether on purpose or not – their sustainability credentials and performance. This blog from A4S explores environmental and climate-related claims and how and why greenwashing occurs.

EU Council approves corporate sustainability reporting directive

Following the European Parliament adoption in early November 2022, the EU Council has approved the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). This means that around 50,000 companies will soon be required to publish detailed information on sustainability matters, including many large non-EU based entities. 

Initial feedback on the ISSB’s sustainability reporting exposure drafts

In this blog we summarize feedback A4S have gathered to date from global finance and accounting leaders on the ISSB’s consultation on proposed international standards for climate and general sustainability-related financial disclosures

EU reporting news: Political agreement reached on the CSRD

On 21st June 2022 the Council and European Parliament reached a provisional political agreement on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The directive will change the EU law on requirements for certain large companies to disclose information on the way they operate and manage social and environmental challenges. The agreement made covers the scope and the application dates.

Resources

Navigating the Reporting Landscape guide

This guide, created by the A4S Accounting Bodies Network:

 

  • Provides an overview of the changing corporate reporting landscape
  • Summarizes key developments in sustainability reporting and how these impact on the role of the accountant
  • Highlights how this area is likely to evolve, signposting to further resources

Sustainability Reporting Insights Series

A series of briefings on the key actions finance teams can take to respond to future sustainability reporting requirements, on the following themes:

 

  • Governance over sustainability reporting
  • Sustainability materiality and metrics
  • Sustainability data collection
  • Sustainability reporting frameworks

LEVI STRAUSS & CO: REPORTING CASE STUDY

This practical example looks at how Levi's used their 2020 sustainability report to bring together all of their environmental and social reporting into one holistic report, including top tips from their finance team and next steps.

TCFD Practical Examples

A collection of examples from organizations implementing the recommendations of the FSB Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). The series:

 

  • Is designed for finance teams
  • Covers practical steps that finance teams can take
  • Includes top tips from leading companies

Accounting for Sustainability is a Charitable Incorporated Organization, registered charity number 1195467. Accounting for Sustainability is part of The Prince of Wales’s Charitable Foundation (PWCF) Group of Charities.
Registered Office: 9 Appold Street, 8th Floor, London, EC2A 2AP