🌿 The Evolution of Ethical Standards in ESG Reporting: A Global Commitment Against Greenwashing 🌿

New Ethical Horizons for ESG Reporting 🌐

Recently, the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA) has highlighted a significant step in the fight against greenwashing: the introduction of new ethical standards in ESG reporting.

These proposals include the "International Ethics Standards for Sustainability Assurance" (IESSA), outlining expected ethical behaviors and guidelines for sustainability professionals and accountants.

A second document, "Using the Work of an External Expert", aims to provide a framework for the use of external experts in assessing competence, capability, and objectives.

Standards in Response to Global Needs 🌍

These standards emerge in a global context where sustainability reporting is becoming increasingly relevant for a wide range of stakeholders, including investors, consumers, companies, and governments.

The need for rigorous and reliable standards is amplified by the introduction of new global regulations, such as the EU's CSRD rules, the upcoming U.S. SEC climate disclosure regulations, and the IFRS standards on climate and sustainability recently launched by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).

A Significant Change for Trust and Integrity 🛡️

The proposal of these standards represents a significant change in how sustainability information is handled.

With the goal of mitigating greenwashing and enhancing the quality of sustainability information, these standards promote greater public and institutional trust.

The International Accreditation Forum (IAF) has also expressed its intention to use the IESBA-proposed IESSA standards for the accreditation of conformity assessment bodies.

This underscores the importance of a solid foundation of global ethical standards to ensure the integrity and objectivity of sustainability information.