What steps can sustainability assurance providers take to ensure independence and objectivity?

Maintaining independence in sustainability work is key. Going beyond traditional conflicts of interest checks and procedures, we can get additional help using emerging digital technologies. Take blockchain, for instance. It provides us with a transparent and tamper-proof way to verify data. So, whether we're tracking energy production or carbon emissions, every detail could be securely recorded and authenticated in real-time, with the independent accountability and integrity that blockchain technology offers.

To maintain independence and objectivity, sustainability assurance providers must address conflicts of interest. This involves disclosing any conflicts to the company and users of the assurance report, refusing or withdrawing from engagements with significant conflicts, and implementing safeguards like involving third parties or rotating assurance teams to mitigate residual conflicts.

Deben implementar políticas estrictas para identificar y gestionar cualquier situación que pueda comprometer su imparcialidad, incluyendo la no participación en proyectos donde existan intereses personales o financieros que puedan influir en su juicio profesional.

To ensure independence and objectivity in sustainability assurance, adherence to professional standards and guidelines is crucial. Frameworks such as ISAE 3000, AccountAbility AA1000 Assurance Standard, and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards provide principles, requirements, and criteria for conducting and reporting on sustainability assurance. These standards offer benchmarks for quality, consistency, and transparency in the assurance process, enhancing credibility and trustworthiness.

Es esencial adherirse a normas y guías reconocidas internacionalmente, como las establecidas por la Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) o el Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), para asegurar la calidad y consistencia de su trabajo.

Professional development is very important, but I highlight that it must currently be added to knowledge in the area of Artificial Intelligence. As long as it is used in compliance with ethics and integrity.

To ensure independence and objectivity, sustainability assurance providers must maintain professional competence and expertise in relevant sustainability topics, issues, and indicators. This entails staying updated on developments and best practices in sustainability reporting and assurance through continuous professional development and training. Seeking feedback and peer review further enhances assurance quality and credibility, ensuring adherence to professional standards and best practices.

Estimular a los líderes de proyecto a comprometerse con la formación continua y la actualización de conocimientos para estar al tanto de las últimas tendencias, regulaciones y metodologías en sostenibilidad, garantizando así la relevancia y precisión de sus evaluaciones.

It is very important to verify the data and ensure its provenance. In this sense, the development of robust and effective internal controls will be an important part of the materialization of this process. I deal with this vision based on professional experience reviewing GRI sustainability reports that I have already developed.

Another critical step to ensure independence and objectivity is to apply critical thinking and professional scepticism throughout the assurance process. This involves challenging assumptions, methods, and data used in sustainability reporting, verifying the accuracy and completeness of information, assessing risks and uncertainties, evaluating materiality and relevance, and forming an independent opinion based on evidence and criteria. By maintaining a sceptical mindset, assurance providers enhance the rigor and credibility of their assessments, ultimately promoting trust and confidence in sustainability reporting.

Es crucial evaluar de manera objetiva y crítica la información y los datos relacionados con la sostenibilidad, cuestionando supuestos y analizando las implicaciones de diferentes escenarios para evitar sesgos y asegurar conclusiones fundamentadas.

A crucial final step to ensure independence and objectivity is transparent and clear communication with the company and users of the assurance report. This involves agreeing on the scope, level, and criteria of the assurance engagement with the company and disclosing them in the assurance report. Assurance providers should report any limitations, qualifications, or findings affecting the assurance opinion or report reliability, explain the methodology, procedures, and standards used, and offer constructive recommendations for improving sustainability reporting and performance. This transparency fosters trust, enhances credibility, and promotes accountability in sustainability assurance processes.

Transparent communication is essential for the reliability of assurance data. Integrity is a fundamental principle in sustainability issues today.

La comunicación abierta y honesta sobre métodos, hallazgos y limitaciones es fundamental para construir confianza. Las empresas deben asegurarse de que sus informes sean accesibles y comprensibles para todas las partes interesadas, promoviendo la claridad y la responsabilidad de las informaciones consignadas en el reporte.