Navigating the Sea of Change: Why Your Business Needs a Sustainability Strategy and More
Adrian Vaida, Managing Director - Sustainability Compass
Image supplied: Sustainability Compass
In today's dynamic business landscape, the need for sustainability has transcended buzzwords to become a crucial aspect of success, increasingly enforced through legal compliance requirements in many areas across the globe.
In Australia, 2023 has witnessed the introduction of new ESG regulations and updated requirements like the Safeguarding Mechanism, the Workplace Gender Equality Amendment Bill and changes to the Modern Slavery Act 2018, all underscoring the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations. Most notably, the recent IFRS S2 standard (International Financial Reporting Standards organisation’s standard for reporting climate-related financial risk) is currently being transposed into national legislation, targeting ‘for-profit’ economic entities.
The IFRS S2 standard is heralded a ‘once-in-a-generation’ change in business reporting requirements and is set to transform how businesses tackle sustainability. In a staged approach starting with the financial year 2024-2025, it will mandate public climate-related financial risk disclosures on four crucial pillars: Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, and Metrics and Targets. Companies must now talk the talk and also walk the walk when it comes to sustainability because simply put, if nothing is done there isn’t much to disclose.
Understandably, these ESG regulations can significantly impact company operations, image, and bottom line. Violations can result in fines, litigation, and reputational damage. However, the true power of ESG lies in the opportunities it presents! Sustainable practices and reporting can attract investors, engage customers, bring in new business and boost employee morale.
To navigate this challenging terrain, businesses need more than a compass; they need a Sustainability Compass. We are well-versed in the evolving regulatory landscape and can help companies stay ahead of the curve, ensuring they thrive in this changing environment. We start with a Business ESG Risk Survey to assess the entity’s current ESG status and exposure. We then help identify and rank the sustainability aspects that matter most to the unique business being assessed. From there, we assist with selecting and implementing sustainability opportunities, aligning the business with regulations and supply chain requirements, and developing a robust ESG and sustainability strategy and action plan.
In the fast-evolving world of ESG, it's no longer a question of 'if' but 'when' and 'how' your business adapts. Why simply comply with new regulations, when you can thrive by seizing opportunities? Why just react to change when you can lead the way?
