In the realm of corporate governance and social responsibility, the landscape of sustainability reporting is undergoing a transformative phase. As businesses and organisations grapple with the complexities of their environmental and social impacts, the approach to sustainability reporting has become a focal point of discussion, heralding a paradigm shift from mere compliance to a broader, impact-driven perspective.

At the heart of this transition is the concept of ‘impact materiality.’ This framework pushes organisations to consider not just the financial implications of their actions, but also how these actions reverberate across the economy, the environment, and society at large. It marks a departure from traditional methods of sustainability reporting, demanding a more holistic and introspective approach from businesses.

Traditionally viewed as a compliance exercise, sustainability reporting is now being recognised for its strategic value. Rather than simply a box ticking exercise, organisations are increasingly focusing on how sustainability reporting can offer insights into managing their broader impacts. This shift in perspective is not just a regulatory requirement but is seen as an opportunity to enhance organisational value and stakeholder engagement.

A striking example of this shift can be observed in the European Union’s recent mandate on sustainability reporting. The EU’s approach, embracing double materiality, has set a new precedent, encompassing over 50,000 companies. This significant regulatory change highlights the growing global recognition of the need for comprehensive and meaningful sustainability disclosures.

In response to diverse industry needs, sector-specific standards are being developed. These standards, already available for industries like oil, gas, coal, agriculture, and fishing, and soon for mining, signify an important step towards more relevant and targeted reporting. The financial services sector, including banking, insurance, and capital markets, is next in line for such tailored standards.

Despite these advancements, challenges persist. A major hurdle is the shift in mindset from viewing sustainability reporting as a legal tick-box exercise to appreciating its strategic importance. Additionally, there’s an ongoing discussion about the convergence of different reporting standards and frameworks. The goal is to streamline the reporting process, making it more efficient and meaningful for companies and stakeholders alike.

Looking ahead, the aspiration is for a unified standard in sustainability reporting that transcends mere compliance. Such a standard would provide a clear, comprehensive view of an organisation’s sustainability impact, beneficial for both internal decision-making and external stakeholder engagement.

Session speakers:

• Nadia Al Yafai, Social Impact, Just Transition and Mutuality Consultant
• Clare Dugan, Senior Manager of Standards (financial services sectors), Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
• Mathieu Filippo, Senior Manager Prudential Supervision, Achmea (Netherlands)
• Benjamin Bettan, Executive Director, Strategic & Financial Advisory, Gallagher Re (UK)