Talking ESG: Minding the sustainability expectations gap

Sustainability disclosure regulations around the world are evolving rapidly, and as this reporting begins to proliferate, so does the potential for a mismatch between the expectations of investors and other stakeholders compared with the reality of what’s actually happening.

Are there expectation gaps in sustainability reporting, and if so, what are they? This week, Heather Horn was joined by Gilly Lord, PwC’s Global Leader for Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs, to discuss the current global regulatory landscape, the evolving sustainability reporting ecosystem, and the importance of regulators and other ecosystem participants finding common ground in the areas that matter most for reliable sustainability reporting.

In this episode, you’ll hear discussion of:

• 2:20 - Sustainability expectation gaps - what are they?
• 14:24 - How the breadth of sustainability reporting is partially responsible for expectation gaps
• 25:50 - How assurance standards are evolving, and what elements of future standards may help to address expectation gaps
• 30:00 - The importance of regulatory oversight, independence, and quality management in sustainability accounting, reporting, and assurance
• 30:37 - Key considerations when adopting sustainability reporting frameworks
• 48:04 - How companies can participate in shaping the global sustainability regulatory landscape

Looking for more information on global ESG reporting? Check out our latest podcast and publication on what’s inside the final ISSB standards. 

Gilly Lord is PwC’s Global Leader for Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs. Based in the UK, she has over 20 years of experience advising clients on the application of regulation and liaising with regulators in jurisdictions around the world.

Heather Horn is PwC’s National office thought leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series. With over 30 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.