A global suite of sustainability reporting standards is nearing completion with the Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB) currently deliberating the final requirements. EDs of draft standards closed for comment in mid-July and the board received over 110 submissions in addition to feedback from 350 people who participated in workshops on the proposals.
These draft standards sought to codify the content of the existing G4 Sustainability Guidelines, issued by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), giving them the authority of standards issued by the independent GSSB. The majority of feedback on the new standards was positive, with many respondents commenting that the new structure was more user-friendly and easier to navigate. They also appreciated the distinction between requirements, recommendations and guidance.
The GSSB met on 4 August to consider the consolidated feedback and expects to complete this review at its next meeting in early September. It currently anticipates publishing the final standards in mid-October.
Read the media release > Access the GSSB meeting papers >
With the sustainability standards work now nearing completion, the GSSB is seeking feedback on its 2017-19 work program. Current plans centre on implementation support and regular reviews of the new standards as well as plans to develop additional sector-specific content. However it is keen to hear from stakeholders who believe there are other significant issues it should be considering.
Both these issues are amongst a range of developments discussed in the GRI’s August newsletter, which also includes a link to its latest sustainability news podcast.
Have your say on the GSSB work program > Read the GRI August newsletter >
Article last updated 5 September 2016
This article was first published by Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. You can visit the original page here.
