Sustainability assurance refers to providing independent assurance or verification of an organization's sustainability-related information, performance, or reporting. It involves assessing and verifying the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of sustainability data and disclosures and evaluating the effectiveness of sustainability management systems and practices. The goal is to enhance the credibility and transparency of an organization's sustainability performance and reporting.

1. Sustainability assurance
Sustainability assurance refers to providing independent assurance or verification of an
organization's sustainability-related information, performance, or reporting. It involves assessing
and verifying the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of sustainability data and disclosures
and evaluating the effectiveness of sustainability management systems and practices. The goal is
to enhance the credibility and transparency of an organization's sustainability performance and
reporting.
Key aspects of sustainability assurance include:
1. Scope and Criteria Definition: Clearly define the scope and criteria for the
sustainability assurance engagement. This involves identifying the aspects of
sustainability performance or reporting to be assessed and the standards or guidelines
against which the assessment will be conducted.
2. Materiality Assessment: Determining the materiality of sustainability issues to the
organization and its stakeholders. Materiality helps focus the assurance efforts on the
most significant sustainability impacts and disclosures.
3. Data Collection and Verification: Gathering relevant data and evidence to support
sustainability disclosures. This may involve examining documentation, conducting
interviews, and performing site visits to verify the accuracy and completeness of the
reported information.

2. 4. Risk Assessment: Identifying and assessing the risks associated with the sustainability
performance and reporting. This includes considering the risk of material misstatements
or inaccuracies in the reported data.
5. Reporting and Communication: Providing a report on the findings of the sustainability
assurance engagement. This report typically includes the assurance provider's opinion on
the accuracy and reliability of the sustainability information and may also highlight areas
for improvement.
6. Continuous Improvement: Offering recommendations for enhancing sustainability
performance and reporting processes. This can contribute to the organization's ongoing
efforts to improve environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
Sustainability assurance can be performed by external assurance providers, internal audit teams,
or a combination of both. External assurance providers are often third-party firms with expertise
in sustainability reporting standards and frameworks. The sustainability assurance process is
aligned with the increasing emphasis on corporate responsibility, accountability, and
transparency in addressing environmental, social, and governance issues.