There are lively discussions going on, centered on improving publicly-traded company disclosure and reporting – and especially ESG reporting…that is, storytelling about the company’s “non-financials” (in accounting-speak).
The proliferation of ESG / sustainability reporting frameworks, standards, information platforms, industry guidance, stock exchange guidance and much more has been astounding in recent years.
September 15, 2020 /3BL Media/ - The five global sustainability, ESG and integrated reporting framework and standard setting organizations have today launched a report outlining the elements necessary for more comprehensive corporate reporting. The shared vision is provided by GRI, CDP, Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB), International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB).
This has been a strange summer in the northern climes, as the corporate sector and capital markets players meet the challenges of the corona virus, economic downturn, and civil protests.
In times of crises (and we have at least three major crisis situations occurring all at once to deal with this summer) certain actions may take a back seat. Not so with forward movement of corporate sustainability and ESG/sustainable investing in summer 2020.
The roots of today’s “sustainable investing” approaches go back decades; the organizing principle often was often around what investors viewed as “socially responsible”, “ethical”, “faith-based” and “values” investing. “SRI” over time evolved into the more dominant sustainable or ESG investing in the 21st Century -- with many more mainstream investors today embracing the approach.
By Tim Mohin, Chief Executive of Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
Article
The unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19 have reminded us that we are an interconnected global community. While this crisis rightly has dominated our attention, we must not lose sight of progress on the broader aims of the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement. Like the pandemic, our response must transcend national boundaries, engage the public and private sectors – and the pace has to quicken.
Organizations across Colombian pledge to support sustainable business
Press Release
September 3, 2020 /3BL Media/ - The public and private sectors in Colombia have united in support of responsible investment practices that enable a fair and sustainable economy.
Deadline approaching for Universal Standards public comment period
Press Release
The consultation on revisions to the Universal Standards, the reporting that is at the foundation of all sustainability reporting through GRI, is open for 10 more days.
Groups, organizations and individuals around the world are urged to contribute their views and help shape these changes – which will be the biggest update since GRI transitioned in 2016 from providing guidelines to setting globally applicable standards. The public comment period will close on 9 September 2020.
Increasing access to online learning and courses through GRI
Press Release
August 28, 2020 /3BL Media/ - Individuals working in sustainability reporting and sustainable development roles have more opportunities for professional development, as GRI’s learning options are increasingly made available virtually.
In response to changed ways of working due to the pandemic, the majority of GRI’s network of Certified Training Partners (CTPs) are now delivering courses remotely. In total there are more than 100 CTPs in almost 50 countries who offer certified training in the GRI Standards, which is tailored to meet the needs of the local audience.
It’s been a very busy summer for organizations managing corporate reporting frameworks and standards, for ESG rating agencies, and for multilateral agencies focused on corporate sustainability and responsibility. If you are a corporate manager or a sustainable investment professional, do tune in to some of the changes that will affect your work. Here’s a quick summary:
The question may be going around and answers offered up inside the corporate enterprise as the senior executives and function, business unit and other managers meet the challenges posed by the virus pandemic, related economic disruption and civil protests on a number of topics.
