Standard Guide for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Disclosure Related to Climate and Community

Importancia y uso:

4.1 Purpose—This guide provides an overview of frameworks used for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosures applicable to a variety of organizations. This guide provides users with information on the history of ESG disclosure frameworks, the components that comprise ESG disclosures, the target audience of these disclosures, and the challenges associated with this topic.

4.2 How to Use Information—This guide is intended to provide a brief overview of ESG disclosure frameworks and considerations. The users of this guide are encouraged to review the sections of this guide and the supplemental information provided in the Appendices to this guide which include example templates and further discussion on key topics relevant to ESG disclosures.

4.3 Who Should Use Information—The intended users of this guide may include a diverse range of stakeholders such as industries and companies that use, make, or sell products; regulators at federal, state and local levels; consultants and vendors; consumers; investors; academic researchers and students; non-governmental organizations (NGOs); and community constituents. Over the past 35 years, this topic has been the subject of increasing corporate, regulatory, consumer, ratings agencies, and stakeholder interest.

4.4 Regulatory Context—This guide reviews regulatory developments regarding ESG disclosures in the U.S. and internationally. This guide provides a brief overview of regulatory developments and trends regarding ESG disclosures. Users of this guide should stay current on the regulatory requirements applicable to their operations, products, services, and supply and value chains.

4.5 Frameworks—This guide provides an overview of ESG disclosure frameworks in the U.S. and internationally. There are several voluntary frameworks that provide guidance for ESG disclosures, such as GRI, TCFD, the Value Reporting Foundation, and the Stakeholder Capital Metrics framework (developed by the World Economic Forum and the major accounting firms). In the U.S., the practice of voluntary, market-led disclosures using multiple guidelines is developing into a more standardized but flexible approach. This stands in contrast to the European Union where specific standardized directives have been adopted.

4.6 Professional Judgement—An organization’s ESG disclosures require professional judgement regarding approaches to the selected ESG elements, and their alignment with the organization’s actual practices, as considered alongside many other factors. Explanations should be clear, concise, and well documented regarding how ESG disclosures were made and evaluated using goals established under selected ESG frameworks. Policies and procedures that address ESG disclosures should be documented and part of the organization’s relevant practices. Compliance personnel should be knowledgeable about the organization’s specific ESG-related practices. Factors requiring professional judgement should include a clear, well documented rationale.

4.7 This guide is not intended to replace or supersede federal, state, local, or international regulatory requirements. Users of this guide should confirm the regulatory guidance and requirements for the jurisdiction in which they are working. This guide may be used to complement and support such requirements. This guide does not replace the need for engaging competent persons in ESG disclosure.

Subcomité:

E50.07

Referida por:

E2718-25, E3360-25

Volúmen:

11.06

Número ICS:

03.100.02 (Governance and ethics), 13.020.10 (Environmental management)

Palabras clave:

climate change; environmental; ESG disclosures; governance; greenhouse gas; materiality; social;