Demystifying Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Reporting – Learning Series
More than ever, public companies are being encouraged to include environmental, social, and governance information in their corporate reporting. This classroom video series is designed to provide faculty with ESG information to help inform and inspire students.
ESG is a wide-ranging term incorporating many different components of an organization’s operational structure. As auditors navigate this new paradigm, it’s more important than ever to understand the various risks and opportunities that comprise this emerging reporting landscape.
ESG is more than just climate and GHG
Desiré Carroll, Director at the Center for Audit Quality, explores the definition of environmental, social, and governance reporting and how companies can navigate the various risks and opportunities in this growing framework. Follow along as she answers questions such as:
- What is ESG?
- What kind of environmental, social, and governance information is included in ESG?
What is driving demand for ESG disclosures?
Desiré Carroll, Director at the Center for Audit Quality, explores why institutional investors and customers seek this information. She also previews the regulatory space as regulators look to require climate-related disclosures.
How might climate-related information impact financial statements?
Jim Burton, Partner, ESG & Sustainability Services, Grant Thornton LLP, dives into the details surrounding environmental reporting factors. Specifically: How do sustainability, climate change, and emissions make an appearance in the audited financial statements?
Challenges faced by issuers
ESG reporting can be complex and require input from multiple teams that may be unfamiliar with the accounting process. Julie Santoro, Partner, Dept. of Professional Practice, ESG, KPMG US, explores how audit leaders can successfully collaborate with their peers in marketing, communications, and sustainability departments to ensure regulatory compliance.
Role of the auditor in climate-related information
Burton continues to explore the standards-driven responsibility of auditors to include environmental risks and opportunities as transparently as possible in notes and disclosures.
Assurance around company reported ESG Information
Obtaining assurance on standalone ESG disclosures is becoming more routine as companies look to provide increased confidence to investors and other stakeholders. Laura McCracken, Deputy Leader of Quality, Risk and Regulatory Practice, Deloitte, walks through the two types of assurance most commonly issued today.
For additional materials that can help faculty prepare for lectures or that can be used as additional reading for students, explore the following ESG resources from the CAQ:
The latest news and
resources from the CAQ.