The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has announced plans to release amendments to the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards by mid-2024, aiming to enhance ESG and sustainability reporting. These changes are part of ISSB’s two-year work plan, reflecting feedback from public consultations. 

The proposed amendments are designed to align SASB standards with IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, which focus on sustainability-related financial disclosures and climate-related reporting. ISSB staff member Himani Phadke stated that exposure drafts will be available for public comment next year, providing stakeholders a chance to offer input. 

The ISSB is prioritizing updates to eight standards in the Extractives & Minerals Processing sector, the Electric Utilities & Power Generators standard, and several in the Food & Beverage sector. The project will also integrate findings from research into Biodiversity, Ecosystems, and Ecosystem Services (BEES) and human capital, as these topics are already covered by many SASB standards. 

According to ISSB staff, around 39% of SASB metrics are related to BEES, and 17% pertain to human capital. The upcoming amendments aim to enhance these areas to ensure continued relevance and support investors in making informed decisions. 

ISSB’s interconnected approach, leveraging research on BEES and human capital alongside the SASB enhancements, will ensure consistency and minimize the risk of unintended consequences. ISSB project manager Cory Walrod emphasized the board’s cautious approach, striving to refine key terms and improve third-party references to meet investors’ evolving needs. 

These amendments will further solidify the role of SASB standards in supporting industry-specific ESG and sustainability reporting, ensuring companies provide meaningful data to stakeholders. 

Sources: 

https://www.ipe.com/news/issb-plans-to-consult-on-sasb-amendments-next-year/10075998.article 

https://sasb.ifrs.org/blog/issb-to-enhance-an-initial-set-of-sasb-standards/