ESG Disclosures & Sustainability Report Assurance

Developed for any organization that needs or plans to publicly disclose its ESG information and requires independent, third-party assurance of that information, this service is an independent, third-party verification, reporting and assurance service. We ensure that the ESG information disclosed and reported is accurate and reliable while meeting certain reporting and assurance standards consistently.

What are the benefits?

Our ESG disclosures and sustainability report assurance service helps you to:

• Comply with the regulatory requirements
• Ensure ESG data integrity and transparency
• Reduce legal risks
• Avoid greenwashing
• Inspire peers and foster ESG innovation
• Reinforce internal reporting processes

How is it done?

ESG disclosures and sustainability report assurance is carried out in line with the requirements of the reporting and assurance standards – the standards or guidance that you adhere to when producing a ESG or sustainability report. The options available include the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TFCD) and the AA1000 AccountAbility Principles.

Assurance standards are the standards that we adhere to when conducting an assurance engagement or evaluating how you produce the report. The options available include ISAE 3000, the AA1000 Assurance Standard and assurance protocols developed by our experts.

ESG claims on aspects such as carbon emissions, energy use, community engagement and health and safety can be verified objectively to provide increased confidence in the accuracy and validity of published information.

Additionally, our ESG experts from around the world can help assure that your ESG disclosures and reports meet the requirements set by the relevant stock exchanges in major markets.

Dominant reporting frameworks

GRI
The GRI Standards offer disclosures on an extensive range of sustainability topics. They help you identify, gather and report ESG data in a clear and standardized manner.

ISSB
The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) develops standards for global sustainability disclosures, focused on investors and the financial markets.

CSRD
The EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) modernizes and strengthens the rules concerning the social and environmental information that organizations must report.

BRSR Core
The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) Core framework of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) enhances ESG reporting by top-listed Indian companies.

What is SEBI’s BRSR Core?

The SEBI has introduced the BRSR Core framework to strengthen ESG disclosure and assurance across the value chain, with a phased rollout for India’s top-listed entities. We offer tailored BRSR Core advisory and assurance services in India, simplifying SEBI’s mandates for companies. Our expertise supports robust ESG system development, helping businesses establish credible sustainability roadmaps.

BRSR Core mandates for listed entities

Starting from FY 2023-24, SEBI requires India’s top 1,000 listed companies by market capitalization to disclose ESG metrics under the BRSR Core framework, focusing on KPIs across nine essential attributes:

• GHG emissions
• Water and energy footprint
• Circularity initiatives
• Employee well-being and safety
• Gender diversity
• Inclusive development
• Fair business practices
• Customer and supplier engagement
• Business transparency

The BRSR Core also includes phased timelines for ESG assurance, moving from the top 150 entities in FY 2023-24 to the top 1,000 by FY 2026-27. Additionally, from FY 2024-25, companies must report value chain KPIs on a comply-or-explain basis.

Comprehensive BRSR assurance and advisory services

We have successfully delivered BRSR Core assurance and reasonable assurance services for over 20 top organizations across various industries. We offer customized services aligned with SEBI guidelines and your specific industry needs.

Dominant Assurance Standards

ISAE 3000
The International Standard on Assurance Engagements 3000 (ISAE 3000) underscores the importance of data quality, reporting procedures, controls and evidence-gathering processes.

AA1000 Assurance Standard
AA1000 Assurance Standard is a methodology used for sustainability-related assurance. It ensures that an organization adheres to the AccountAbility Principles to a certain nature and extent.

ISSA 5000
The International Standard on Sustainability 5000 (ISSA 5000) is an international standard that includes general requirements for sustainability assurance engagements.

Why SGS?

We are a leader, not only in providing ESG services for over 30 years but also as an active participant in demonstrating best practices.

Our ESG experts actively contribute to developing international standards, frameworks, schemes and regulations, such as the GRI, TCFD, CSRD and ISSB.

We also lead by example. Our sustainability leadership has been recognized internationally. SGS was rated PRIME by ISS ESG Corporate Rating and AAA in the MSCI ESG Ratings assessment. Our ESG practices are further reinforced by SGS Sustainability Ambitions 2030, which set ambitious targets across our whole value chain and foster a culture of sustainability.

With extensive experience in all major industries, we understand each sector’s pain points and have the technical expertise and logistical capabilities across the globe to ensure realistic sustainability outcomes.