ISO Launches New ESG Guidance at COP29

At the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) launched a new free-access guide aimed at helping organizations navigate ESG matters. This guidance is designed to assist organizations in meeting ESG disclosure requirements, while also improving the consistency and accuracy of ESG reporting worldwide.

ISO’s ESG Implementation Principles come in response to the increasing regulatory pressure on organizations, with ESG regulations reportedly rising 155% globally over the past decade. New regulations such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the UK’s Modern Slavery Act, and the ISSB’s IFRS S1 and S2 disclosure standards have increased the complexity of ESG reporting. These new ISO principles aim to simplify ESG integration and help organizations of all sizes, from small businesses to large corporations, as well as consultants, academic institutions, and NGOs.

The document provides a standardized framework that helps organizations measure and report their ESG performance, focusing on environmental impacts like carbon footprints and waste management, social considerations like diversity and human rights, and governance practices like transparency and compliance.

The guide was developed through a collaboration of national standardization bodies, including the British Standards Institution (BSI), the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), and the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT). The document draws on input from over 1,900 sector experts across 128 countries, providing organizations with a high-level structure to align existing ESG requirements, establish measurable key performance indicators (KPIs), and assess their ESG maturity.

Sergio Mujica, Secretary General, ISO, emphasized that these principles will help foster a long-term ESG culture that creates value for organizations, governments, investors, and consumers. He noted that the guidelines could particularly benefit SMEs and organizations in developing countries. Mujica urged organizations worldwide to seize the opportunity to engage with stakeholders and regulatory bodies to improve ESG disclosures.

Susan Taylor Martin, CEO, BSI, highlighted that with global leaders coming together at COP29 to address challenges such as climate change and social inequalities, the need for clear and effective ESG reporting has never been more urgent. She stressed that BSI’s collaboration in developing the guidance would help organizations adopt measurable and consistent ESG practices, enabling progress on critical issues like emissions reduction, biodiversity protection, and green investment.

Mario William Esper, President, ABNT, also praised the guidance for offering essential tools for organizations to address ESG challenges, reinforcing the commitment to responsible governance and sustainability. He emphasized that the collaboration between ISO, BSI, SCC, and ABNT would provide a solid foundation for organizations to contribute to a more just, inclusive, and environmentally responsible global economy.

Chantal Guay, CEO, SCC, pointed out that the global climate crisis is exacerbating existing inequalities, making it imperative to adopt effective solutions. She noted that the new guidance simplifies the process of implementing ESG practices and complements existing disclosure frameworks, aiming to boost organizational performance and enhance confidence in ESG reporting.

The launch of this guidance aligns with broader sustainability goals, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and ISO’s commitment to climate action. It provides organizations with the tools to position themselves as leaders in sustainability, aligning with global priorities and driving progress toward a more sustainable future.