Voluntary ESG reporting: Why GRI can't be ignored

The landscape of ESG reporting is moving quickly. While numerous proposals are currently in play both in the US and abroad to make climate-related disclosures mandatory, there remains a significant investor impetus for broader, voluntary ESG disclosures.

In this episode, Heather Horn was joined by Eelco van der Enden, CEO of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), and Andreas Ohl, a partner in PwC’s National Office, to discuss the latest global standard-setting developments, as well as an update on GRI’s collaboration with the IFRS Foundation.

In this episode, you will hear:

• 1:27 - A refresher on the history and role of GRI
• 4:38 - Current developments in climate-related disclosure requirements
• 8:00 - GRI’s role in the development of Europe’s sustainability reporting standards–which will impact US registrants with operations in Europe
• 16:20 - The ISSB’s collaboration with GRI and how it will impact climate-related and other disclosure requirements
• 18:28 - The significance of “double materiality” and how it impacts reporting
• 25:52 - Areas in need of interpretation across different sets of standards
• 42:32 - The role of GRI in driving the quality of ESG reporting
• 46:52 - Final advice for leaders: where and how to direct your transformation efforts

Want to learn more?

• Read our In brief, ISSB proposes two sustainability standards, and our In the loop, Why US companies should not ignore Europe's ESG proposals.
• Listen to our podcast Talking ESG: A focus on the Global Reporting Initiative
• Read the exposure drafts on general sustainability-related disclosure requirements and climate-related disclosure requirements.

Eelco van der Enden is the CEO of the Global Reporting Initiative. Prior to this role, Eelco led PwC’s global ESG platform for the Tax & Legal and People Services, and PwC's Tax Administration Consulting practice. Eelco is also Chairman of the Tax Policy Group of Accountancy Europe, and has published multiple articles on tax governance and reporting.

Andreas Ohl is a partner in PwC's National Office focused on thought leadership, standard setting, and mergers and acquisitions under US GAAP and IFRS. Andreas is chairman of the Business Valuation Standards Board at the International Valuation Standards Council, is a member of the working group that authored the AICPA's in-process R&D guide, and has served as a member of the FASB's Valuation Resource Group.

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