Sustainability Reporting Assurance
This page is your simple guide to understanding the standards that underpin assurance in sustainability reporting.
What is sustainability reporting assurance?
Like assurance on financial information (e.g., financial statements), sustainability assurance involves an independent third-party performing procedures to verify the reliability and credibility of an organization’s sustainability information and to report on the information. Assurance providers provide either reasonable or limited assurance opinions on sustainability information.
Why is assurance of sustainability information important?
External assurance is important to enhance trust and confidence in sustainability reporting. External assurance can also help organizations improve their reporting processes, data management and accountability.
What sustainability assurance standards exist?
There are a couple of assurance standards that support sustainability reporting. Currently, Canadian Standard on Assurance Engagements (CSAE) 3000, Attestation Engagement other than Audits and Reviews of Historical Financial Information and CSAE 3410, Assurance Engagements on Greenhouse Gas Statements are available for use of sustainability information. Furthermore, the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) has released an assurance standard specific to sustainability, International Standard on Sustainability Assurance (ISSA) 5000, General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements.