ESG reporting : 18 standards, one goal

Imagine a city where every neighborhood has its own traffic rules, building codes, and communication protocols. Similarly, in the realm of ESG reporting, standards such as GRI, SASB, TCFD, and others bring their unique perspectives, metrics, and methodologies to the table. This diversity, while reflective of the multifaceted nature of sustainability, raises questions about consistency, comparability, and the overall effectiveness of ESG reporting.

Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR): A regulatory framework established by the European Union to increase transparency and disclosure of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in the investment sector.

Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD): A global initiative that provides recommendations for companies to report on their climate-related risks and opportunities.

Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD): A proposed EU regulation that will require large companies to disclose non-financial information, including ESG metrics, to their stakeholders.

EU Taxonomy for Sustainable Activities: A classification system developed by the European Commission to define environmentally sustainable economic activities.

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI): A non-profit organization that develops sustainability reporting standards for companies, organizations, and governments.

Value Reporting Foundation (VRF): A non-profit organization that promotes integrated reporting, a framework that aligns financial and non-financial information to create a holistic view of a company's sustainability performance.

International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB): An independent standard-setting board that develops global standards for sustainability disclosure.

Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB): A private sector organization that develops sector-specific standards for sustainability disclosure.

International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC): A non-profit organization that developed the International Integrated Reporting Framework (IRF), a framework that integrates financial and non-financial information to provide a comprehensive picture of a company's sustainability performance.

Integrated Reporting Framework (IRF): A framework developed by the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) that integrates financial and non-financial information to provide a comprehensive picture of a company's sustainability performance.

International Business Council (IBC): A forum for CEOs and business leaders to discuss and advance sustainable business practices.

Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD): A directive established by the European Union to encourage large companies to disclose non-financial information, including ESG metrics.

Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP): A non-profit organization that collects and publishes climate change information for corporations and cities.

Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB): An independent organization that develops climate-related disclosure standards for companies.

Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC): A regional investor initiative that supports the adoption of climate change-related disclosure standards and investor engagement practices.

Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN): A non-profit organization that helps investors identify and manage investments with positive social and environmental impact.

Global Sustainable Investment Alliance (GSIA): A global coalition of institutional investors working to promote responsible investment practices.

International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN): A non-profit organization that promotes effective corporate governance worldwide.