ESG

The current landscape of ESG considerations for corporations is rapidly evolving, largely driven by a combination of regulatory pressures, investor expectations, and societal demands. During this panel discussion, we will take a closer look at how companies are addressing ESG risks and obligations amid increasing mandatory reporting requirements, including:

• A look at the current regulatory landscape – current legislation, including SEC proposed rules and alignment with global standards
• Enhancing transparency through financial and ESG disclosures
• How companies are integrating ESG risks into overall risk management
• Leveraging AI and big data to enhance the accuracy of ESG reporting
• Top pitfalls to avoid, including inadequate data, insufficient data integration, and failing to consider non-financial climate impacts

Synchronizing Your Approach to Reporting Data Related to SB 253, SB 261, and AB 1305 California’s Climate Disclosure legislation introduces stringent requirements for businesses operating within the state, requiring comprehensive reporting on climate-related risks and mitigation strategies. Compliance with these mandates requires a thorough understanding of the legislation’s intricacies related to the integration of climate considerations into corporate disclosures. Discussion points during this panel, include:

• The finer points of complying with key requirements in practice:
• SB 253’s mandates for GHG emissions disclosures from large companies
• SB 261’s requirements for climate-related financial risk disclosures
• AB 1305’s focus on long-term climate goals and carbon-neutrality strategies
• Developing robust strategies for climate data collection and management, covering Scope 1, Scope 2, and where relevant, Scope 3
• Implementing robust internal controls and third-party verification to ensure the accuracy and reliability of disclosed data
• Understanding and aligning the requirements of SB 253, SB 261, and AB 1305 with the SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rule
• Engaging with stakeholders, including investors, regulators, and the public, to communicate the company’s climate strategy and progress

As U.S. companies prepare to meet the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requirements, they are implementing several concrete steps to ensure compliance and effective reporting measures. A proactive approach ensures that companies are positioning themselves to not only comply with the CSRD, but to also lead in sustainability reporting and ESG practices. During this panel, we will explore:

• Putting key CSRD requirements into practice, including the expanded scope, reporting requirements, auditing, and alignment with standards
• Exploring the impact of EU sustainability reporting on US companies
• How to proactively prepare for CSRD reporting requirements
• Leveraging CSRD to analyze the organization through the ESG lens
• Determining what is subject to the double materiality disclosure requirements the Scenes of Preparing for CSRD Reporting Obligations

Navigating the complexities of cyber risks within the organization’s ESG framework requires a nuanced understanding of data privacy and robust security considerations. By integrating these critical considerations into the ESG strategy, organizations can enhance their overall risk management approach, demonstrating commitment to stakeholders, and safeguarding long-term sustainability. Key discussion points include:

• Assessing cyber risks across your organization to pinpoint potential vulnerabilities in digital infrastructure
• Evaluating how cyber incidents could impact environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and governance practices
• Ensuring that cybersecurity initiatives support broader ESG goals
• Proactively disclosing information related to cybersecurity measures, incidents, and response strategies as part of ESG reporting
• Fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness to cultivate a sense of responsibility among employees, reducing the likelihood of insider threats and enhancing the overall cybersecurity posture of your organization
• Implementing robust monitoring mechanisms to detect emerging threats and vulnerabilities promptly

In the rapidly evolving landscape of ESG, corporate governance and board priorities play a critical role in driving sustainable business practices and enhancing long-term value creation. Join us for an insightful discussion that offers practical strategies for aligning board priorities with ESG objectives and taking meaningful action to integrate ESG principles into corporate governance practices. During this panel discussion, we will explore:

• The evolving role of boards in providing oversight and accountability for ESG performance, including setting ESG goals, monitoring progress, and integrating ESG considerations into strategic decision-making processes
• Best practices for ESG reporting, including the selection of relevant metrics and the communication of KPIs
• Exploring the importance of stakeholder engagement in driving ESG initiatives and fostering a culture of sustainability within the organization
• How Boards are prioritizing ESG risks based on their materiality and potential impact on the organization’s long-term value and resilience

Carbon accounting plays a pivotal role in providing accurate climate data by quantifying and tracking GHG emissions across various sectors and activities. During this roundtable, we will explore the role of carbon accounting on the path to accurate climate data and the latest best practices.

Companies that effectively manage human rights risks and uphold human rights standards mitigate legal and reputational risks while creating critical long-term value for stakeholders. During this roundtable, we will compare notes on how to integrate human rights disclosures into ESG reporting processes.

The majority of S&P 500 companies are tying executive compensation to ESG performance. During this roundtable, we will discuss how organizations can incentivize executives to effect change across the company’s value chain through critical sustainability and ESG-focused factors such as climate change and human rights.

The implications and opportunities of AI on ESG are significant, offering the potential to improve decision-making, enhance efficiency and transparency, and drive innovation. Join this roundtable for an engaging discussion on the promise of Generative AI to fortify ESG data and reporting.