Experts from the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), the European Commission (EC), the Committee of European Audit Oversight Bodies (CEAOB), assurance service providers, investors and the business community met to discuss the regulatory, policy and standard-setting path toward high-quality sustainability assurance.
Are you frustrated by not being able to make use of all the data you’ve collected? Do you run for cover every time you hear complaints about taking the time to do incident reports and hazard analysis? Do you struggle to use Job Hazard data to improve incident rates? This presentation shows the visuals from a discussion about Best-in-Class safety strategy.
Sustainable tourism refers to an approach to travel and tourism that aims to minimize negative impacts on the environment, culture, and economy, while maximizing benefits for local communities and promoting long-term sustainability. Learning materials on sustainable tourism cover various aspects of this concept, including environmental conservation, community engagement, responsible travel practices, and economic development. Here are some resources:
Books:
"Sustainable Tourism: A Comprehensive Guide with Environmental and Cultural Insights" by C. Michael Hall
"Sustainable Tourism: Theory and Practice" by David Weaver and Laura Lawton
"Responsible Tourism: Concepts, Theory and Practice" edited by David Leslie, Neil Carr, and Richard Sharpley
Online Courses:
Coursera offers courses like "Sustainable Tourism – promoting environmental public health" by the University of Copenhagen and "Global Sustainable Tourism" by the University of Queensland.
edX provides courses such as "Sustainable Tourism: Rethinking the Future" offered by Wageningen University.
Reports and Guidelines:
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) provides criteria and guidelines for sustainable tourism practices, which can be found on their website.
Reports from organizations like the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) offer insights into sustainable tourism trends and best practices.
Websites and Blogs:
Sustainable Travel International offers resources, articles, and guides on sustainable tourism practices and initiatives.
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) website provides information on ecotourism and sustainable travel.
Case Studies and Research Papers:
Academic journals such as the Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Tourism Management publish research articles on sustainable tourism practices and case studies from around the world.
Reports from organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Rainforest Alliance often include case studies highlighting successful sustainable tourism projects.
Certifications and Training Programs:
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) offers certification programs for sustainable tourism practices, as well as training courses for professionals in the industry.
The Rainforest Alliance offers training programs and certifications for sustainable tourism businesses through their Sustainable Tourism program.
Online Communities and Forums:
Joining online communities focused on sustainable tourism, such as the Responsible Travel Forum, can provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, share knowledge, and discuss best practices.
By utilizing these learning materials and resources, individuals and organizations can gain a deeper understanding of sustainable tourism principles and practices, and work towards promoting responsible and sustainable travel experiences.
Are you frustrated by not being able to make use of all the data you’ve collected? Do you run for cover every time you hear complaints about taking the time to do incident reports and hazard analysis? Do you struggle to use Job Hazard data to improve incident rates? This presentation shows the visuals from a discussion about Best-in-Class safety strategy.
Sustainable tourism refers to an approach to travel and tourism that aims to minimize negative impacts on the environment, culture, and economy, while maximizing benefits for local communities and promoting long-term sustainability. Learning materials on sustainable tourism cover various aspects of this concept, including environmental conservation, community engagement, responsible travel practices, and economic development. Here are some resources:
Books:
"Sustainable Tourism: A Comprehensive Guide with Environmental and Cultural Insights" by C. Michael Hall
"Sustainable Tourism: Theory and Practice" by David Weaver and Laura Lawton
"Responsible Tourism: Concepts, Theory and Practice" edited by David Leslie, Neil Carr, and Richard Sharpley
Online Courses:
Coursera offers courses like "Sustainable Tourism – promoting environmental public health" by the University of Copenhagen and "Global Sustainable Tourism" by the University of Queensland.
edX provides courses such as "Sustainable Tourism: Rethinking the Future" offered by Wageningen University.
Reports and Guidelines:
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) provides criteria and guidelines for sustainable tourism practices, which can be found on their website.
Reports from organizations like the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) offer insights into sustainable tourism trends and best practices.
Websites and Blogs:
Sustainable Travel International offers resources, articles, and guides on sustainable tourism practices and initiatives.
The International Ecotourism Society (TIES) website provides information on ecotourism and sustainable travel.
Case Studies and Research Papers:
Academic journals such as the Journal of Sustainable Tourism and Tourism Management publish research articles on sustainable tourism practices and case studies from around the world.
Reports from organizations like the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Rainforest Alliance often include case studies highlighting successful sustainable tourism projects.
Certifications and Training Programs:
The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) offers certification programs for sustainable tourism practices, as well as training courses for professionals in the industry.
The Rainforest Alliance offers training programs and certifications for sustainable tourism businesses through their Sustainable Tourism program.
Online Communities and Forums:
Joining online communities focused on sustainable tourism, such as the Responsible Travel Forum, can provide opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals, share knowledge, and discuss best practices.
By utilizing these learning materials and resources, individuals and organizations can gain a deeper understanding of sustainable tourism principles and practices, and work towards promoting responsible and sustainable travel experiences.
ESG Global Enterprise Pulse Survey 2023 ReportTanya Gupta
SG Analytics’ ESG Global Enterprise Pulse Survey highlights the ever-evolving ESG landscape and relevant reporting aligned with sustainability demands.
Download Now - https://www.sganalytics.com/esg-enterprise-survey-report/
The impact of quality and CMS scores on costJames Case
Quality performance is important for provider organizations, but it can be difficult to understand the financial implications of improved quality performance. Despite controversy, the CMS star ratings for providers will have a substantial impact on hospital's financial position through the relationships it has through the entire organization.
Webinar Deck for 2018 Health Technology & Impact on InsuranceThe Digital Insurer
Listen to an experienced, global panel of insurance professionals present, discuss and answer your questions on the theme of “Health Technology & Impact on Insurance”.
Brought to you by The Digital Insurer and sponsored by KPMG.
The formation of the Process Safety Leadership Group (PSLG) in September 2007 was designed
to meet the need for an effective framework for interaction between industry, trade unions and
the COMAH Competent Authority (CA); a framework in which they could carry out a dialogue to
jointly develop, progress and implement meaningful, effective recommendations and practices that
improve safety in our industries.
This report and its recommendations represent the outcome of a tremendous amount of work by
the industry, trade unions and the regulator. I would like to thank them for all their efforts, tenacity
and input. Our work can and will make a significant contribution to improving process safety – the
challenge for all of us now is to deliver!
A new report by the Business Continuity Institute, supported by certification body NQA, has shown that 6 out of 10 organizations adopt ISO 22301. Organizations with strong top management commitment to standardising business continuity practice are four times more likely to adopt ISO 22301 than those who do not.
There are many reasons why an organization would want to embrace ISO 22301, most notably it provides assurance of continued service with 61% respondents identifying this as a significant reason. By certifying to the Standard, organizations can provide reassurance to their stakeholders that, in the event of a crisis, it will still be able to function.
Read the full survey report for more information on the business benefits of ISO 22301.
https://www.nqa.com/en-gb/resources/news/6-out-of-10-organizations-adopt-iso-22301
Verantwoord Beleggen Nederlandse Pensioenfondsen: 2017 Dutch GRESB EventGRESB
In de pensioensector wordt steeds meer aandacht gegeven aan het thema verantwoord beleggen en is zelfs onderdeel van de eigen Code Pensioenfondsen. Het aantal pensioenfondsen dat zich sterk maakt voor verantwoord beleggen, vanuit zowel een financieel als maatschappelijk oogpunt, neemt toe. Naast financiële kengetallen wordt gestuurd op zogenaamde ESG-indicatoren (Environmental, Social en Governance).
Universiteit Maastricht, GRESB en Finance Ideas hebben de handen ineengeslagen om de integratie van ESG in het beleggingsproces van pensioenfondsen te onderzoeken. De resultaten van het onderzoek worden tijdens het seminar kort uiteengezet en vormen de aftrap voor een actieve dialoog hoe ver integratie van ESG in vastgoedportefeuilles kan gaan.
Uit academisch onderzoek blijkt dat duurzaam vastgoed meer waard is in vergelijking met niet duurzaam vastgoed. Toch is het integreren van ESG-indicatoren in het vastgoed beleggingsproces nog geen gemeengoed binnen de Nederlandse pensioensector. Het doel van de paneldiscussie is om te laten zien hoe actieve samenwerking en kennisdeling kan leiden tot meer duurzame vastgoedbeleggingen.
Programma
14:30 - Registratie
15:00 - Opening en welkom door Dick Gort, CEO, a.s.r. vastgoed vermogensbeheer
15:10 - Onderzoekresultaten Verantwoord Beleggen Nederlandse Pensioenfondsen door Piet Eichholtz, Professor of Finance and Real Estate, Maastricht University
15:30 - GRESB update door Sander Paul van Tongeren, Managing Director, GRESB
Moderator:
Piet Eichholtz
Panelleden:
André Snellen, Chairman, Pensioenfonds Detailhandel
Patrick Kanters, Managing Director Global Real Estate & Infrastructure, APG Asset Management
Roger Otten, Investment Manager, Philips Pensioenfonds
16:55 - Afsluiting door Dick Gort
In the global economy both component and finished products are sourced from a variety of countries. Without the application of appropriate due diligence procedures throughout the purchasing and distribution cycles both public safety and business liability issues can arise. This presentation will take a closer look at the systems that can be used to help mitigate such exposures.
ESG Global Enterprise Pulse Survey 2023 ReportTanya Gupta
SG Analytics’ ESG Global Enterprise Pulse Survey highlights the ever-evolving ESG landscape and relevant reporting aligned with sustainability demands.
Download Now - https://www.sganalytics.com/esg-enterprise-survey-report/
The impact of quality and CMS scores on costJames Case
Quality performance is important for provider organizations, but it can be difficult to understand the financial implications of improved quality performance. Despite controversy, the CMS star ratings for providers will have a substantial impact on hospital's financial position through the relationships it has through the entire organization.
Webinar Deck for 2018 Health Technology & Impact on InsuranceThe Digital Insurer
Listen to an experienced, global panel of insurance professionals present, discuss and answer your questions on the theme of “Health Technology & Impact on Insurance”.
Brought to you by The Digital Insurer and sponsored by KPMG.
The formation of the Process Safety Leadership Group (PSLG) in September 2007 was designed
to meet the need for an effective framework for interaction between industry, trade unions and
the COMAH Competent Authority (CA); a framework in which they could carry out a dialogue to
jointly develop, progress and implement meaningful, effective recommendations and practices that
improve safety in our industries.
This report and its recommendations represent the outcome of a tremendous amount of work by
the industry, trade unions and the regulator. I would like to thank them for all their efforts, tenacity
and input. Our work can and will make a significant contribution to improving process safety – the
challenge for all of us now is to deliver!
A new report by the Business Continuity Institute, supported by certification body NQA, has shown that 6 out of 10 organizations adopt ISO 22301. Organizations with strong top management commitment to standardising business continuity practice are four times more likely to adopt ISO 22301 than those who do not.
There are many reasons why an organization would want to embrace ISO 22301, most notably it provides assurance of continued service with 61% respondents identifying this as a significant reason. By certifying to the Standard, organizations can provide reassurance to their stakeholders that, in the event of a crisis, it will still be able to function.
Read the full survey report for more information on the business benefits of ISO 22301.
https://www.nqa.com/en-gb/resources/news/6-out-of-10-organizations-adopt-iso-22301
Verantwoord Beleggen Nederlandse Pensioenfondsen: 2017 Dutch GRESB EventGRESB
In de pensioensector wordt steeds meer aandacht gegeven aan het thema verantwoord beleggen en is zelfs onderdeel van de eigen Code Pensioenfondsen. Het aantal pensioenfondsen dat zich sterk maakt voor verantwoord beleggen, vanuit zowel een financieel als maatschappelijk oogpunt, neemt toe. Naast financiële kengetallen wordt gestuurd op zogenaamde ESG-indicatoren (Environmental, Social en Governance).
Universiteit Maastricht, GRESB en Finance Ideas hebben de handen ineengeslagen om de integratie van ESG in het beleggingsproces van pensioenfondsen te onderzoeken. De resultaten van het onderzoek worden tijdens het seminar kort uiteengezet en vormen de aftrap voor een actieve dialoog hoe ver integratie van ESG in vastgoedportefeuilles kan gaan.
Uit academisch onderzoek blijkt dat duurzaam vastgoed meer waard is in vergelijking met niet duurzaam vastgoed. Toch is het integreren van ESG-indicatoren in het vastgoed beleggingsproces nog geen gemeengoed binnen de Nederlandse pensioensector. Het doel van de paneldiscussie is om te laten zien hoe actieve samenwerking en kennisdeling kan leiden tot meer duurzame vastgoedbeleggingen.
Programma
14:30 - Registratie
15:00 - Opening en welkom door Dick Gort, CEO, a.s.r. vastgoed vermogensbeheer
15:10 - Onderzoekresultaten Verantwoord Beleggen Nederlandse Pensioenfondsen door Piet Eichholtz, Professor of Finance and Real Estate, Maastricht University
15:30 - GRESB update door Sander Paul van Tongeren, Managing Director, GRESB
Moderator:
Piet Eichholtz
Panelleden:
André Snellen, Chairman, Pensioenfonds Detailhandel
Patrick Kanters, Managing Director Global Real Estate & Infrastructure, APG Asset Management
Roger Otten, Investment Manager, Philips Pensioenfonds
16:55 - Afsluiting door Dick Gort
In the global economy both component and finished products are sourced from a variety of countries. Without the application of appropriate due diligence procedures throughout the purchasing and distribution cycles both public safety and business liability issues can arise. This presentation will take a closer look at the systems that can be used to help mitigate such exposures.
UNDERSTANDING WHAT GREEN WASHING IS!.pdfJulietMogola
Many companies today use green washing to lure the public into thinking they are conserving the environment but in real sense they are doing more harm. There have been such several cases from very big companies here in Kenya and also globally. This ranges from various sectors from manufacturing and goes to consumer products. Educating people on greenwashing will enable people to make better choices based on their analysis and not on what they see on marketing sites.
"Understanding the Carbon Cycle: Processes, Human Impacts, and Strategies for...MMariSelvam4
The carbon cycle is a critical component of Earth's environmental system, governing the movement and transformation of carbon through various reservoirs, including the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms. This complex cycle involves several key processes such as photosynthesis, respiration, decomposition, and carbon sequestration, each contributing to the regulation of carbon levels on the planet.
Human activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion and deforestation, have significantly altered the natural carbon cycle, leading to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and driving climate change. Understanding the intricacies of the carbon cycle is essential for assessing the impacts of these changes and developing effective mitigation strategies.
By studying the carbon cycle, scientists can identify carbon sources and sinks, measure carbon fluxes, and predict future trends. This knowledge is crucial for crafting policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, enhancing carbon storage, and promoting sustainable practices. The carbon cycle's interplay with climate systems, ecosystems, and human activities underscores its importance in maintaining a stable and healthy planet.
In-depth exploration of the carbon cycle reveals the delicate balance required to sustain life and the urgent need to address anthropogenic influences. Through research, education, and policy, we can work towards restoring equilibrium in the carbon cycle and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Diabetes is a rapidly and serious health problem in Pakistan. This chronic condition is associated with serious long-term complications, including higher risk of heart disease and stroke. Aggressive treatment of hypertension and hyperlipideamia can result in a substantial reduction in cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes 1. Consequently pharmacist-led diabetes cardiovascular risk (DCVR) clinics have been established in both primary and secondary care sites in NHS Lothian during the past five years. An audit of the pharmaceutical care delivery at the clinics was conducted in order to evaluate practice and to standardize the pharmacists’ documentation of outcomes. Pharmaceutical care issues (PCI) and patient details were collected both prospectively and retrospectively from three DCVR clinics. The PCI`s were categorized according to a triangularised system consisting of multiple categories. These were ‘checks’, ‘changes’ (‘change in drug therapy process’ and ‘change in drug therapy’), ‘drug therapy problems’ and ‘quality assurance descriptors’ (‘timer perspective’ and ‘degree of change’). A verified medication assessment tool (MAT) for patients with chronic cardiovascular disease was applied to the patients from one of the clinics. The tool was used to quantify PCI`s and pharmacist actions that were centered on implementing or enforcing clinical guideline standards. A database was developed to be used as an assessment tool and to standardize the documentation of achievement of outcomes. Feedback on the audit of the pharmaceutical care delivery and the database was received from the DCVR clinic pharmacist at a focus group meeting.
Natural farming @ Dr. Siddhartha S. Jena.pptxsidjena70
A brief about organic farming/ Natural farming/ Zero budget natural farming/ Subash Palekar Natural farming which keeps us and environment safe and healthy. Next gen Agricultural practices of chemical free farming.
Characterization and the Kinetics of drying at the drying oven and with micro...Open Access Research Paper
The objective of this work is to contribute to valorization de Nephelium lappaceum by the characterization of kinetics of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum. The seeds were dehydrated until a constant mass respectively in a drying oven and a microwawe oven. The temperatures and the powers of drying are respectively: 50, 60 and 70°C and 140, 280 and 420 W. The results show that the curves of drying of seeds of Nephelium lappaceum do not present a phase of constant kinetics. The coefficients of diffusion vary between 2.09.10-8 to 2.98. 10-8m-2/s in the interval of 50°C at 70°C and between 4.83×10-07 at 9.04×10-07 m-8/s for the powers going of 140 W with 420 W the relation between Arrhenius and a value of energy of activation of 16.49 kJ. mol-1 expressed the effect of the temperature on effective diffusivity.
Micro RNA genes and their likely influence in rice (Oryza sativa L.) dynamic ...Open Access Research Paper
Micro RNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs molecules having approximately 18-25 nucleotides, they are present in both plants and animals genomes. MiRNAs have diverse spatial expression patterns and regulate various developmental metabolisms, stress responses and other physiological processes. The dynamic gene expression playing major roles in phenotypic differences in organisms are believed to be controlled by miRNAs. Mutations in regions of regulatory factors, such as miRNA genes or transcription factors (TF) necessitated by dynamic environmental factors or pathogen infections, have tremendous effects on structure and expression of genes. The resultant novel gene products presents potential explanations for constant evolving desirable traits that have long been bred using conventional means, biotechnology or genetic engineering. Rice grain quality, yield, disease tolerance, climate-resilience and palatability properties are not exceptional to miRN Asmutations effects. There are new insights courtesy of high-throughput sequencing and improved proteomic techniques that organisms’ complexity and adaptations are highly contributed by miRNAs containing regulatory networks. This article aims to expound on how rice miRNAs could be driving evolution of traits and highlight the latest miRNA research progress. Moreover, the review accentuates miRNAs grey areas to be addressed and gives recommendations for further studies.
WRI’s brand new “Food Service Playbook for Promoting Sustainable Food Choices” gives food service operators the very latest strategies for creating dining environments that empower consumers to choose sustainable, plant-rich dishes. This research builds off our first guide for food service, now with industry experience and insights from nearly 350 academic trials.
5. State of play in sustainability
assurance – global benchmarking
study
David Madon, Director, Sustainability, Policy & Regulatory Affairs, IFAC
6. DAVID MADON
Director – Sustainability,
Policy & Regulatory Affairs
THE STATE OF PLAY
Preparing for High-Quality Assurance
of Sustainability Information
ISSA 5000
October 2, 2023
7. MAPPING GLOBAL REPORTING AND ASSURANCE PRACTICES
G20 +
1400 largest companies
22 jurisdictions
3rd publication / 3-year trend
ESG Reporting & assurance
8. 92%
61%
83% 45%
94%
85%
reported some ESG information of assurance was limited
obtained some level of assurance of firms applied ISAE 3000 (Revised)*
assurance engagements conducted by firms of other service providers applied ISAE
3000 (Revised)
94%
69%
80% 42%
94%
83%
97%
74%
78% 40%
95%
78%
2021 Key Findings 2019 2020 2021
MAPPING ASSURANCE
PRACTICE: EUROPE
* Including jurisdictional professional standards (Swedish FAR standard RevR 12), firms applied professional
audit standards 98% in 2019, 98% in 2020, and 99% in 2021.
Reporting rate 2%
Assurance rate 13%
Accountancy assurance 5%
Less limited assurance 7%
Use of ISAE 3000 (Revised) 4%
575 companies from 13 jurisdictions
9. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021
Belgium France Germany Ireland Italy Poland Romania Spain Sweden Norway Turkey Switz UK
European Union Other Europe
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
2019
2020
2021
2019
2020
2021
European
Union
Other
Europe
REPORTING BY
JURISDICTION: EUROPE
No Report
Sustainability Report
Europe (97%) and Asia-Pacific (98%)
lead in sustainability disclosure.
In Europe, most ESG information is
included with financial information.
Standalone sustainability reports were a
majority in just two jurisdictions – Italy
(64%) and the UK (57%).
Annual reports were a majority in four
jurisdictions – Belgium (52%), Ireland
(72%), Sweden (96%), Norway (76%).
Most French companies used integrated
reports (64%).
Annual Report Integrated Report
10. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021
Belgium France Germany Ireland Italy Poland Romania Spain Sweden Norway Turkey Switz UK
European Union Other Europe
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
2019
2020
2021
2019
2020
2021
European
Union
Other
Europe
ASSURANCE BY
JURISDICTION: EUROPE
Have assurance No assurance
More companies obtained assurance
in Europe (74%) than any other region
in our SoP research.
France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden,
UK lead.
Assurance in Belgium (57%), Ireland
(42%), Poland (28%), and
Romania(18%) lags the rate of
reporting in these countries and is
below the G20+ average (64%).
11. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021 2021
Belgium France Germany Ireland Italy Poland Romania Spain Sweden Norway Turkey Switz UK
European Union Other Europe
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
2019
2020
2021
2019
2020
2021
European
Union
Other
Europe
ASSURANCE PROVIDER
BY JURISDICTION:
EUROPE
Under the NFRD, the accountancy
profession has provided more
sustainability assurance in Europe
than other jurisdictions.
France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden,
Norway lead in accountancy assurance.
1st time assurance in the UK—typically
on GHG—has resulted in most
assurance being provide by OSPs.
Audit Firm Other Service Provider
12. A Deep Dive into Sustainability
Assurance Engagements
May 2023
The Who, What, & How of Current Practice
Part of the State of Play Series
13. MAPPING ASSURANCE PRACTICE: APPLICATION OF ISAE 3000 (REVISED)
95%
Percent of assurance reports that use
ISAE 3000(R).
Percent of assurance performed
“in accordance with” ISAE
3000(R).
Percent of ISAE 3000(R) engagements
that apply IESBA Code or other
international ethics code/std.
Percent of ISAE 3000(R) engagements
that apply ISQC 1 or other international
quality control standard.
AUDIT FIRMS
OTHER SERVICE
PROVIDERS
38%
98% 53%
93% 28%
91% 38%
13
14. KEY FINDINGS: STANDARDS & PRACTITIONERS
STANDARDS USED
• 95% of Firm engagements relied on
ISAE 3000 (Revised) and were
conducted by 13 accountancy firms.
77% were done by Firms
14
• 83% of 149 OSP engagements using ISAE 3000
(Revised) were conducted by 8 organizations.
• 4 of these OSPs operated internationally and
used ISAE 3000 (Revised) for the majority of
their engagements.
638 of 913 assurance engagements relied on ISAE 3000 (Revised)
23% were done by OSPs.
15. KEY FINDINGS: SCOPE OF ENGAGEMENTS
53%
FIRMS: Most engagements covered a range of topics across the ESG spectrum.
• 80% of Firm engagements included 3 or 4 topics in scope.
• 20% of Firm engagements included 1 or 2 topics in scope.
OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS: Most engagements (58%) covered one topic
(GHG-related metrics).
• Of 11 OSPs who conducted 70% of engagements:
– Four conducted primarily (60% - 85%) three or four topic engagements.
– Four OSPs conduced primarily (60% - 90%) one or two topic engagements.
– Three OSPs conducted a “50/50” split of Broad vs Narrow engagements.
of assurance engagements reviewed from 2021 covered GHGs as well as
environmental, social, and governance topics.
15
16. STANDARDS: Accountancy firm engagements use IAASB
assurance standards, while OSPS currently use different standards
for different types of engagements.
LEVEL: Current practice indicates that accountancy firm
engagements result in limited assurance reports. Other service
providers issue limited, modified, as well as reasonable reports.
SCOPE: Accountancy firm engagements are generally broader
in scope. Other service providers are observed to specialize in
narrower scope engagements, especially related to greenhouse
gas-related metrics.
APPLICATION: This research identifies differences in the
application of the IAASB’s standard ISAE 3000 (Revised) between
accountancy firm vs. other service provider engagements.
A Deep Dive into Sustainability
Assurance Engagements
18. Deep dive: ISSA 5000 key matters
Isabelle Tracq-Sengeissen, Member, IAASB and Task Force sustainability assurance
standards, IAASB
19. IAASB Proposed ISSA 5000-
Deep Dive
IFAC- Accountancy Europe
3 October 2023
Isabelle Tracq-Sengeissen
IAASB and Sustainability Assurance Task Force
19
20. Areas to be Addressed
Risk and Response
Key Principles, Concepts and Definitions
Practitioner Materiality
Communication and Reporting
22. Key Principles, Concepts and Definitions
Page 22
Criteria
Topics
Aspects of topics
Sustainability
matters
Disclosures
Specific information
about an aspect of a
topic
Sustainability
information
Characteristics
“Materiality process”
Framework
Entity –
developed
Apply
criteria
23. Key Principles, Concepts and Definitions
Page 23
Criteria
Topics
Aspects of topics
Sustainability
matters
Disclosures
Specific information
about an aspect of a
topic
Sustainability
information
Characteristics
“Materiality process”
Framework
Entity –
developed
Apply
criteria
Assurance
Engagement
Scope of the engagement
The conclusion to be
expressed in the assurance
report
24. Individuals Involved in the Engagement
Page 24
Guiding principle: ability of practitioner to be sufficiently and
appropriately involved in the work
Yes No
Engagement Team Member
N/A
Engagement Team Member
N/A
Using the Work of a Practitioner’
External Expert
N/A
Engagement Team Member
Using the Work of Another
Practitioner
Firm Personnel
Practitioner’s Internal
Expert
Practitioner’s External
Expert
Other Practitioners
Who?
* Requirements for direction, supervision and review apply
26. Practitioner Materiality
Page 26
Consider
materiality for
qualitative
disclosures
Determine
materiality &
performance
materiality for
quantitative
disclosures
Not for SI as a
whole, but for
each disclosure
Professional
judgment
Apply a “double materiality lens”
28. Understand
Understanding
Page 28
• Identify disclosures in the
sustainability information
where material
misstatements are likely to
arise
• Design procedures to focus
on those disclosures
• Identify and asses ROMM at
assertion level for the
disclosures
• Design of further procedures
U
R
L
The entity and its
environment
Applicable criteria
System of internal
control
Understand
29. Designing &
Performing
Further
Procedures
• Limited assurance: “Deep dive” if the practitioner becomes aware of a matter(s) that causes the practitioner to
believe the sustainability information may be materially misstated
• Overall responses: required in certain circumstances for both LA and RA
Responses
Page 29
Limited Assurance Reasonable Assurance
Test of
controls
Substantive
procedures
Nature, timing and extent focused on the disclosures where
material misstatements are likely to arise
ONLY IF obtaining evidence about operating
effectiveness
May be included, will vary in nature and timing and is
less in extent than for a reasonable assurance
engagement
Nature timing and extent responsive to the assessed risks
of material misstatement at the assertion level
ONLY IF obtaining evidence about operating
effectiveness
Required for risks at higher end of spectrum
Irrespective of assessed risk, consider need for
disclosures that are important to information needs of
intended users
31. Communication and Reporting
Page 31
TCWG
Significant matters e.g.
• Identified or suspected fraud or NOCLAR
• Identified deficiencies in internal control
• Management bias in the preparation of the
sustainability information
• Uncorrected material misstatements
Assurance Report
• Based on ISAE 3000 and ISAE 3410
• Practitioner’s opinion to be included first (ISA
700 (Revised))
• Name of the engagement leader (Listed
entities only)
• Separate section on other information
• Communication of Key Audit Matters
equivalent to be explored later
32. Assurance standards: are they fit
for purpose?
Moderator: Isabelle Tracq-Sengeissen, IAASB
Wim Bartels, Accountancy Europe
Jose María Hinojal, EFAA for SMEs
Marc Boissonnet, Bureau Veritas
Patrick Parent, CEAOB
33. Fireside chat: issuers and
investors’ expectations of
sustainability assurance
Moderator: Olivier Boutellis-Taft, Accountancy Europe
Tanja Castor, BASF
Ben Corris, Schroders