Talking ESG: Role of the C-suite in sustainability reporting

While the changing global sustainability reporting landscape may pose challenges for preparers, there continue to be opportunities for companies in every industry to take a holistic approach to disclosure – whether mandatory or voluntary.

In this episode, host Heather Horn sits down with Marc Siegel, PwC National Office partner, for a discussion of the key focus areas and action steps for C-suite executives as they ready their companies for the future of global sustainability reporting.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 2:36 - How the market has spoken – and determined that sustainability disclosures are needed, regardless of regulatory actions
• 4:15 - Challenges of reporting under multiple frameworks
• 14:50 - How to prioritize gathering information
• 18:51 - The importance of building stronger disclosure controls and processes as well as having the right people focused on the task
• 23:02 - Navigating the market’s expectations for sustainability information
• 28:51 - Challenges resulting from differing time horizons for sustainability and financial reporting, and how to tie these horizons together to communicate a cohesive strategy
• 32:50 - How companies can tailor climate disclosures given the specific risks the company faces due to climate-related factors
• 35:43 - Key governance-related behaviors companies are adopting and how they are disclosing these behaviors
• 38:19 - The importance of starting the readiness process irrespective of ongoing legal challenges

Looking for the latest developments in sustainability reporting? Follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop for the latest thought leadership on sustainability standards. For more information on the SEC climate-related disclosure rules, refer to our publication, SEC adopts climate-related disclosure rules.

Marc Siegel is a PwC National Office partner. He helps boards and executives with transparent articulation of their company’s long term value creation story, throughout investor communication channels within and outside of regulatory filings. Marc completed 14 years of setting reporting standards in both financial accounting and ESG as a member of the FASB and SASB, respectively.

Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability & Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC’s global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting. She is also the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series.

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