• ISO introduces new ESG Implementation Principles to streamline ESG practices worldwide, aiding organizations of all sizes.
• The principles enhance reporting consistency, enabling clear communication of sustainability efforts globally.
• Developed with input from over 1,900 experts across 128 countries, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

At COP29, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) unveiled new ESG Implementation Principles to help organizations navigate the complex Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) landscape. These guidelines aim to simplify compliance with disclosure requirements and improve the measurement, reporting, and communication of sustainability efforts.

Why it matters: ESG regulations have surged by 155% globally in the last decade, creating a challenging landscape for consistent reporting across different jurisdictions, company sizes, and sectors.

Key details:

• The ESG Implementation Principles provide a standardized structure for effective and transparent sustainability practices, applicable to all organizations—from small businesses to multinational corporations.
• They facilitate the integration of ESG principles into organizational culture, addressing environmental impacts, social considerations, and governance practices for a holistic approach to sustainability.

Collaborative effort: Developed by national standards bodies including the British Standards Institution (BSI), the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), and the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT), the guidelines incorporate input from over 1,900 industry experts across 128 countries.

What they’re saying:

Sergio Mujica, Secretary-General of ISO, said:

“ISO’s ESG implementation principles will foster a lasting culture of ESG that will bring real value to organizations, governments, investors, and consumers. These guidelines will help accelerate the adoption of sustainable business practices, which benefits diverse communities and the environment.”

Susan Taylor Martin, Chief Executive of BSI, commented:

“I am delighted that BSI has co-led the development of these Implementation Principles to help organizations of all types embed ESG in a measurable and consistent way. This can help society drive real change in areas including emissions, biodiversity protection, mobilizing green investments and fostering inclusivity, and ultimately can help accelerate progress towards a fair society and sustainable world.”

Mario William Esper, President of ABNT, stated:

“These guidelines provide an essential foundation for organizations to adopt structured practices, meeting global requirements and managing socio-environmental impacts. We are confident that this collaboration with BSI, SCC, and ISO will result in a solid foundation, enabling organizations of various sizes and sectors to contribute to a fairer, more inclusive, and environmentally responsible global economy.”

Chantal Guay, CEO of SCC, added:

“Organizations of all sizes are key drivers of sustainable development. We understand that many perceive ESG integration as complex and costly. This guidance simplifies the processes for implementing ESG and complements existing standards and disclosure frameworks. This will help us all move beyond disclosure, to drive performance, and build trust in ESG information and practices.”

The big picture: The guidelines support management of ESG performance, bolster measurement and reporting under existing disclosure frameworks, facilitate interoperability, and promote global consistency.

Alignment with global goals: The ESG Implementation Principles align with broader sustainability objectives, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ISO’s commitment to climate action, positioning organizations as sustainability leaders.

For more information on the ISO ESG Implementation Principles, please visit: iso.org/ESGprinciples

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