In our comments on the proposals in the consultation paper, we also note that the standards to be developed should build on the best of what we have and cite the work of CDP, CDSB, GRI, IIRC and SASB who in September 2020 released a statement of intent to work together towards comprehensive corporate reporting in a comprehensive corporate reporting system. We believe the vision in that statement could serve as a natural starting point for progress towards a more coherent, comprehensive corporate reporting system. For the reasons stated in the consultation paper, we believe that the IFRS Foundation should begin with sustainability reporting standards for climate-related information, however, whilst we believe these standards to be the first priority, we also note that the SSB should proceed without delay to other sustainability topics.

In addition, we point out that the IFRS Foundation’s proposal would lead to a significant step towards a comprehensive corporate reporting system that builds on the well-established efforts of the existing sustainability standards and frameworks to create a standard-setting solution for reporting focused on long-term value creation, connected to financial information. Further blocks can be added to address the wider impacts of companies on the economy, environment and people, and to reflect regional and local public policy priorities. We cite IFAC’s Enhancing Corporate Reporting: The Way Forward as a demonstration of how a ‘building block approach’ can both achieve a core set of global sustainability standards and respond to the local or regional public policy objectives.

Lastly, we stress that timely action is needed to avoid fragmentation, duplications or parallel reporting requirements on topics that are common across the system. In the absence of a single set of global sustainability reporting standards, some regions are moving ahead by themselves. This could result in multiple reporting frameworks and reporting standards existing for an extended (or indefinite) period. The primary objective needs to be a reduction in, and consolidation of, the plethora of different frameworks and standards that currently exist.

We sum up our position by stating:

The scale of the challenges and the increasing momentum from all stakeholders for a global solution for sustainability reporting standards make the undeniable case for immediate action. The actions proposed in the Consultation Paper should be taken without delay.

Download the full comment letter here.