CSRD
New ESRS Framework: Impact on Sustainability Reporting in Europe
Earlier this year, The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) published the exposure drafts for the new European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). The development of this framework was requested by the European Commission in response to the need to have a single European-wide framework aligned with the requirements of the new CSRD directive. The draft version of the framework that is still under public consultation by various stakeholders highlights which new non-financial reporting features the European Commission wants to advocate for. Most notably, that of double materiality to determine which sustainability priorities are set to become mandatory, and the reporting sustainability indicators that will have to include the entire value chain and be considered from a short-, medium-, and long-term perspective.
Double Materiality: 3 Tips for a Practical Approach
Regulators and investors are increasingly expecting organizations to conduct their materiality assessments following the principle of double materiality. However, understanding exactly what double materiality entails, and conducting this assessment in a successful manner comes with its challenges. This article outlines the concept of double materiality in brief and provides three tips for a successful double materiality assessment with practical guidance as part of a downloadable checklist.
Double Materiality Built around the New Solvency II Directive
As European companies are facing and understanding the strong connection between sustainability risks and financial and operational risks, sustainability risks are increasingly becoming more important within the Enterprise Risk Management of these companies. The insurance sector, with the concept of risk ingrained into its nature, is going through a period of transition towards integrating sustainability risks into investment strategies and underwriting activities. This article elaborates on the recently updated Solvency II Directive and discusses practical implications for European insurance companies.
How to Develop a Strong Climate Strategy
Companies are facing immense pressure to evolve their business strategy in view of climate change. Indeed, climate-related concerns have increased exponentially in recent years among investors and other stakeholders. Developing a climate strategy entails having a plan to mitigate the company’s impacts on climate change, as well to adapt to the new circumstances arising from climate change. This article outlines the compelling case for having a strong corporate climate strategy in place, and suggests three steps to develop such a strategy together with a downloadable checklist.
How to Strengthen ESG Reporting with the Updated GRI Standards
In the corporate world, sustainability reporting requirements are continuously increasing through national and international directives. In the EU, the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will impact the reporting guidelines of a large number of European companies. Beyond legal requirements, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) have been identified as the most comprehensive and internationally recognized sustainability standards setters for corporate reporting. At the end of 2020, GRI counted more than 38,000 GRI reports from organizations, including 73% of the world's 250 largest companies.
Leveraging Double Materiality to Identify Emerging ESG Risks
If there is one thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated, it is that society can face major challenges, virtually overnight. Companies need to have a sharp view on both short-term impacts and risks further on the horizon in order to steer their business and build resilience to deal with change. Capturing emerging risks in the ESG approach is therefore essential. Additionally, as of 2023, the EU Commission requires companies to apply the concept of “Double Materiality” as part of its new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). One of the main questions that therefore arises is: how do you ensure your materiality assessment covers these new perspectives on materiality?
A New Way of Sustainability Reporting: CSRD
With the aim of improving the widespread availability and use of sustainability information across different stakeholder groups, the EU Commission announced its proposal for a Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The proposed Directive for the coming years will enhance the rules laid down within the Non-Financial Reporting Disclosure (NFRD), as it will extensively widen the scope of companies applicable to these new reporting legislations; from roughly 11,700 to approximately 49,000. Above the increase in the level of detail being required, companies will also have to verify the information being reported through an external assurer, amongst other decrees. As companies are expected to adopt the first set of new standards by 2024, it is crucial to fully understand the implications and their readiness ahead of the implementation date.
