Skip to main content

The global body for professional testers

Sustainability reporting hub

Discover the importance of sustainability reporting in promoting transparency and accountability. Learn about ESG reporting, environmental disclosures, and sustainability standards.
Accountancy, business and finance professionals have a central role in creating sustainable value for organisations.

    Professionals can fulfil this role through the creation and use of relevant and reliable interconnected environmental, societal and financial information.

    To help all do this, whether novice or expert in sustainability-related matters, ACCA has developed this hub of sustainability reporting insights and guidance. At its core is our eight-stage cycle to create sustainability-related information and reports that connect with financial information.

    Through connected information, stakeholders can appreciate what is necessary for holistic, high-quality internal and external decision-making, and organisations will be better able to comply with value chain and regulatory requirements.

    Explore the sustainability information production cycle

    We encourage professionals to explore the eight-stage sustainability information production cycle in brief before diving into the detailed guidance and other support materials as necessary for their role.

    Circular diagram of ACCA's eight-stage sustainability reporting cycle. The outer ring shows six sequential stages: Stage 1, Allocating responsibility for sustainability reporting; Stage 2, Establishing the reporting landscape; Stage 3, Determining the material sustainability-related information to be reported; Stage 4, Determining the data requirements; Stage 5, Collecting the data; and Stage 6, Reporting on the collected data. Wrapped around the centre is Stage 8, Verification and continual improvement, encircling the core Stage 7, Enablers: plan, technology, and people.

    Maximise the impact of creating and using sustainability information through five key actions

    Maximise the impact from creating and using the eight-stage sustainability information cycle by applying these five key actions to account for a better world:

    1. Embed a sustainability-led culture and risk management throughout the organisation
    2. Collaborate to co-create and share sustainability-related processes, data, and insights
    3. Leverage technology to collect, analyse and communicate connected sustainability-related and financial information
    4. Employ ethical practices to mitigate ethical dilemmas that may arise from creating, communicating and using sustainability-related information
    5. Continually learn to keep abreast of developments in the sustainability and business landscape.

    Achieving quality in sustainability reporting needn't be a race; what's important is having the courage to get started, the ability to apply judgement in the context of your organisation, getting others onboard, and finding ways to improve.

    Sharon Machado

    Head of sustainable business, ACCA

    Engage with our current insights and guidance to create sustainability-related information and reports

    The approach taken by all creating and using sustainability information must firmly embed the principles of good corporate information and reporting.

    More insights and examples

    There's no one-size-fits-all solution. We encourage all involved to take time to work through the suggested processes then design processes appropriate to their organisation and implement them. 

    Hsiao Mei Chow

    Head of corporate reporting insights - sustainability, ACCA

    Coming soon - stay engaged with our work

    The opportunities for accountants to create sustainable value for organisations, economies and society are set to evolve and grow. Maximising these opportunities will require accountants to enhance their skills, behaviours and mindset on an ongoing basis.

    Visit this hub regularly to reengage with our current work and to discover new support. Coming soon:

    • Deeper-dive insights about the eight-stage sustainability information production cycle
      • Stages 4, 5 and 6: Approaches to scenario analysis
    • Perspectives on progress made in applying the sustainability reporting standards issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board and EFRAG.

    Discover ACCA’s role as a founding partner in the IFRS Foundation’s Partnership Framework for capacity building.

    The framework is designed to support preparers, investors and other capital market stakeholders as they prepare to use IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards. IFRS - Partnership Framework for capacity building

     

    Find out more