Sustainability Report Assurance

We provide the critical services companies need for ensuring stakeholder communications are effective and credible. The report assurance process is an open-loop format – SCS can jump in at any stage to help organizations fulfill their needs and progress to the next stage, with continuous feedback to act upon throughout the year.

Services Include:

• Materiality Review
• Stakeholder Mapping and Outreach
• Framework alignment
• Pre-assurance
• Report Assurance and/or Data Verification

Example of the Report Assurance Process:

1. SCS determines scope and provides client with an engagement letter, explaining responsibilities of the parties, timeline and costs. Scoping considers which standards are we using, what level and type of assurance you are seeking, the project boundaries, etc.
2. SCS conducts a materiality assessment which includes a review of stakeholder feedback, social media, news and other online mentions to ensure material issues are transparent in the client’s sustainability report
3. SCS performs data and process audit (either an on-site or desk assessment)
4. SCS determines conformance to AA1000 Principles and any specific performance metrics, and provides an Assurance Statement as well as a Report to Management with the methods and findings

The environmental pillar of ESG focuses on the impacts on the physical environment, typically reported by organizations through their GHG emissions. Relevant environmental topics for your business may include waste management, water usage, pollution, and biodiversity initiatives. Ensuring accurate reporting and operations in these areas, beyond just GHG metrics, can help your company achieve its sustainability goals.

Water: Our team can help you verify your water usage metrics against a range of standards, ensuring accuracy and mitigating risks in your disclosures. We are committed to helping your organization achieve its sustainability goals through comprehensive assurance over water metrics and objectives.

We provide assurance against several water-focused frameworks, including:

1. ISO 14046
2. ISO 24512
3. ISO 24516
4. US EPA Water Quality Standards
5. National Recommended Water Quality Criteria
6. Alliance for Water Stewardship
7. SCS Water Standard

Waste: Misrepresenting waste management practices can lead to non-compliance with environmental regulations, resulting in legal penalties, fines, and reputational damage.

Identifying and mitigating waste-related risks, such as improper disposal or contamination, supports the long-term viability of operations. Verification can reveal inefficiencies in waste handling, leading to cost savings and better resource management. A commitment to responsible waste management enhances a company's reputation and brand value, making it more attractive to consumers and partners.

Your employees are your most valuable asset. Accurately reporting and safeguarding workers' rights, health, and safety is crucial for both your organization's reputation and the well-being of your team. Social reporting provides detailed insights into a company's social practices, fostering transparency and accountability. 

Social reporting ensures that companies meet regulatory requirements related to labor practices, human rights, and community engagement. Compliance with these regulations helps avoid legal penalties and enhances operations.

Several frameworks incorporate social aspects of social into their reporting structure, including:

1. GRI
2. SASB
3. TCFD
4. CSRD
5. IFRS/ISSB
6. United National Global Impact

This verification ensures that the company's policies, procedures, and controls are effectively designed and implemented to meet established standards and regulatory requirements. Verified governance practices enhance transparency and accountability within the organization, building trust with stakeholders, including investors, customers, and employees. Additionally, assurance over governance related metrics help reduce the risk of issues such as fraud, misconduct, and regulatory breaches, helping to ensure the long-term viability of the company's operations.

Demonstrating a commitment to strong governance practices can enhance a company's reputation and brand value, making it more attractive to consumers and partners. Additionally, investors are more likely to support companies with verified governance practices, as it indicates a lower risk of financial mismanagement and ethical breaches.