Talking ESG: Operationalizing global reporting requirements

Companies around the world are now facing the difficult task of operationalizing multiple sustainability reporting regulations, and doing so within an unprecedented timeline. How are they managing the pressures? In this episode, host Heather Horn sat down with Alan McGill, PwC UK’s Sustainability Reporting, Measurements, and Assurance Leader, to illuminate some of the ways that companies are most effectively navigating the current regulatory landscape. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• 2:45 - The complexity of the current sustainability regulatory landscape 
• 7:03 - The market response to sustainability regulations, including challenges companies may face regarding short implementation timelines 
• 10:38 - The significant increase in the scope of reporting requirements under the CSRD compared to previous voluntary reporting and what that means for companies in scope 
• 13:14 - The current knowledge gap in ESG, and the importance of using sustainability data to drive business innovation and transformation 
• 21:42 - Examples of steps companies have taken to prepare for reporting 
• 36:02 - How multi-jurisdictional companies are managing the interoperability (or lack thereof) of the major frameworks 
• 38:05 - Reflections on whether new regulations have resulted in companies changing their operations to be more sustainable, and how companies can seize opportunities for innovation

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Alan McGill is PwC UK's Sustainability Reporting, Measurements, and Assurance Leader. With experience delivering sustainable business projects, Alan’s work focuses on the impact of sustainability issues on business and providing organizations with attestation services over their reporting on relevant sustainability issues.

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.

Chapters

• 2:45 The complexity of the current sustainability regulatory landscape
• 7:03 The market response to sustainability regulations, including challenges companies may face regarding short implementation timelines
• 10:38 The significant increase in the scope of reporting requirements under the CSRD compared to previous voluntary reporting and what that means for companies in scope
• 13:14 The current knowledge gap in ESG, and the importance of using sustainability data to drive business innovation and transformation
• 21:42 Examples of steps companies have taken to prepare for reporting
• 36:02 How multi-jurisdictional companies are managing the interoperability (or lack thereof) of the major frameworks
• 38:05 Reflections on whether new regulations have resulted in companies changing their operations to be more sustainable, and how companies can seize opportunities for innovation