Overview of ESG Assurance in Audit

ESG assurance in audit involves verifying and validating a company's environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance data and disclosures to ensure accuracy, reliability, and completeness. In India, ESG assurance is gaining importance as regulators are increasing their focus on ESG reporting and disclosure requirements for listed companies. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has made it mandatory for the top 1,000 listed companies to report on their ESG performance from the financial year 2022-23 onwards.

To comply with these regulations, companies need to have robust ESG assurance in audit processes in place to ensure that their ESG disclosures are accurate and transparent. Our team of experienced ESG consultants and auditors at Enterslice can help companies navigate the complex ESG reporting landscape and provide assurance on their ESG performance data and disclosures.

Regulatory framework

• SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) Regulations, 2015:

SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) Regulations, 2015, is a comprehensive set of regulations that aim to strengthen corporate governance practices and enhance transparency and accountability among listed companies in India. One of the key requirements under these regulations is the disclosure of ESG policies and initiatives by listed companies in their annual reports. The regulations require listed companies to disclose their policies on material ESG issues, which could include areas such as climate change, human rights, labour practices, and supply chain management, among others. Companies are also required to disclose their efforts to address these issues, such as through initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or promote diversity and inclusion in their workforce. Additionally, companies are required to disclose the impact of their policies on their business operations, such as the financial implications of sustainability initiatives or the reputational benefits of responsible business practices.

• National Voluntary Guidelines on Social, Environmental and Economic Responsibilities of Business, 2011:

The National Voluntary Guidelines on Social, Environmental and Economic Responsibilities of Business, 2011, were developed by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to encourage businesses to adopt sustainable and responsible practices in their operations. The guidelines provide a framework for businesses to integrate social, environmental, and economic considerations into their core business strategies and operations. By doing so, businesses can create long-term value for their stakeholders and society at large. The NVGs cover a wide range of topics, including human rights, labour practices, environmental sustainability, consumer protection, and community development. Businesses can use the guidelines to assess their ESG performance and identify areas for improvement.

• Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014:

Under the Companies Act, 2013, companies meeting certain financial thresholds are required to spend at least 2% of their average net profits from the preceding three years on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. The Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014, provide guidance on formulating and implementing CSR policies. The rules specify that companies should establish a CSR committee to oversee their CSR activities and ensure that their CSR spending is aligned with their CSR policy. The CSR activities should be focused on areas such as education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, gender equality, and environmental sustainability. Companies are also required to report on their CSR activities in their annual reports, including the amount spent on CSR activities and the impact of those activities. By complying with the CSR rules, companies can demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, and build trust and goodwill with their stakeholders.

• Companies Act, 2013:

The Companies Act, 2013, is a key regulatory framework that governs corporate entities in India. The Act has several provisions related to corporate governance, business responsibility reporting, and social impact assessment, which aim to promote responsible and sustainable business practices. One of the significant provisions of the Act is related to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting. Under the Act, companies meeting certain financial thresholds are required to spend a minimum percentage of their average net profits on CSR activities and report on their CSR initiatives in their annual reports. Our ESG assurance in audit services can help companies comply with these requirements by providing guidance on formulating CSR policies, assessing CSR risks and opportunities, aligning CSR reporting with the Act's requirements, and providing assurance on CSR-related disclosures.

What are the Benefits of ESG Assurance in Audit?

Following are the benefits of ESG Assurance in Audit:

1. Ensure compliance with Indian regulatory requirements for ESG reporting: With our ESG assurance in audit services, companies can ensure that they are meeting the regulatory requirements for ESG reporting in India. This can help avoid potential penalties for non-compliance and enhance the company's reputation for responsible business practices.
2. Enhance your company's sustainability practices and reputation: Our ESG assurance in audit services can help companies identify opportunities to improve their sustainability practices and reduce their environmental footprint. By implementing sustainable business practices, companies can enhance their reputation and appeal to socially responsible investors and customers.
3. Identify and mitigate ESG risks that could impact your business: ESG risks such as climate change, human rights violations, and supply chain issues can have significant impacts on a company's financial performance and reputation. Our ESG assurance in audit services can help companies identify and mitigate these risks through robust risk assessment and management practices.
4. Improve stakeholder engagement by providing transparent and reliable ESG information: Stakeholders, including investors, customers, and employees, increasingly expect companies to disclose transparent and reliable ESG information. Our ESG assurance in audit services can help companies provide this information, improving stakeholder trust and engagement.
5. Benchmark your company's ESG performance against industry peers: By benchmarking their ESG performance against industry peers, companies can identify areas for improvement and set ambitious sustainability goals. Our ESG assurance in audit services can help companies compare their ESG performance against industry best practices, providing insights to enhance their sustainability performance.
6. Identify areas for improvement and set sustainability goals: Our ESG assurance in audit services can help companies identify areas for improvement in their ESG performance and set achievable sustainability goals. By conducting a thorough analysis of your company's ESG practices, we can identify gaps and opportunities for improvement in areas such as resource management, social responsibility, and governance practices. With a clear understanding of your company's current ESG performance, you can set realistic and measurable sustainability goals that align with your overall business objectives.
7. Enhance your brand value and appeal to socially responsible investors: Companies that prioritize ESG reporting and sustainability practices are viewed more favourably by socially responsible investors. Our ESG assurance in audit services can help you improve your sustainability performance and communicate your efforts to stakeholders. By enhancing your brand value as a socially responsible business, you can attract more socially responsible investors who prioritize sustainable and responsible business practices.
8. Improve employee morale and retention by demonstrating your commitment to sustainability: By prioritizing ESG reporting and sustainability practices, companies can also improve employee morale and retention. Employees are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work when they feel that their employer is committed to making a positive impact on the world. Our ESG assurance in audit services can help you demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and improve employee satisfaction and retention.
9. Reduce operating costs through more efficient use of resources: Sustainable business practices can also help companies reduce operating costs by using resources more efficiently. Our ESG assurance in audit services can help you identify areas where you can reduce waste, energy consumption, and other resource inputs, leading to cost savings and improved sustainability performance.
10. Stay ahead of the curve on ESG reporting and sustainability trends: ESG reporting and sustainability practices are becoming increasingly important for companies across industries. By working with Enterslice for ESG assurance in audit, you can stay ahead of the curve on ESG reporting requirements and sustainability trends. Our experts can help you navigate the evolving landscape of ESG reporting and sustainability practices, ensuring that your company is well-positioned for long-term success.

Services Offered by Enterslice

ESG assurance in audit can help companies in protecting and creating value for the business, people, society and the world, which can be done through the guidance of a recognized leader in ESG assurance in audit like Enterslice.

By working with Enterslice for ESG assurance in audit, companies can benefit from the following:

• ESG materiality assessment:

An ESG materiality assessment is a process that helps companies identify and prioritize their most relevant environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. The assessment involves analyzing the potential impact of various ESG issues on the company's business operations, reputation, and stakeholders. At Enterslice, we help companies conduct a comprehensive ESG materiality assessment to determine which ESG issues are most important to their business and stakeholders. This assessment can help companies prioritize their ESG efforts and allocate resources more effectively.

• ESG data collection and analysis:

ESG data collection and analysis involve gathering and analyzing data related to a company's environmental, social, and governance performance. At Enterslice, we help companies collect and analyze ESG data from various sources, including internal data systems, industry benchmarks, and external stakeholders. We use specialized tools and methodologies to ensure the accuracy and completeness of ESG data, helping companies identify trends and areas for improvement in their ESG performance.

• ESG reporting and disclosure:

ESG reporting and disclosure involve communicating a company's ESG performance to stakeholders in a transparent and meaningful way. At Enterslice, we help companies prepare ESG reports that comply with relevant regulations and international standards. We work with companies to develop customized ESG reporting frameworks that suit their unique needs and stakeholder expectations. Our ESG reporting services can help companies improve their reputation, attract socially responsible investors, and enhance stakeholder engagement.

• Sustainability risk assessment:

A sustainability risk assessment helps companies identify and mitigate ESG risks that could impact their business operations and reputation. At Enterslice, we help companies conduct a comprehensive sustainability risk assessment to identify and prioritize potential ESG risks. We work with companies to develop risk mitigation strategies that help them address these risks and improve their overall sustainability performance.

• Third-party assurance:

Third-party assurance involves verifying and validating a company's ESG performance data by an independent auditor or verifier. At Enterslice, we offer third-party assurance services to help companies improve the credibility and reliability of their ESG reports. Our assurance services can help companies demonstrate their commitment to ESG performance to stakeholders, including investors, customers, and regulators.

• ESG training and capacity building:

ESG training and capacity building involves educating company employees and stakeholders on ESG issues and best practices. At Enterslice, we offer customized ESG training and capacity-building programs that help companies improve their ESG knowledge and skills. Our programs can help companies develop a culture of sustainability and responsible business practices, enhancing their overall ESG performance.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is ESG assurance in an audit?

ESG assurance in audit involves independent verification and validation of a company's ESG performance, policies, and procedures. This is done to ensure that the ESG information reported by the company is accurate, reliable, and consistent with applicable regulations and industry standards.

Which companies in India are required to report on ESG performance?

As per the SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) Regulations, 2015, listed companies in India are required to report on their ESG performance. However, companies across all sectors are increasingly recognizing the importance of ESG reporting as a means of demonstrating their commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices.

What is the difference between ESG reporting and ESG assurance in an audit?

ESG reporting involves the disclosure of a company's ESG performance, policies, and procedures to stakeholders. ESG assurance in audit involves independent verification and validation of the ESG information reported by the company to ensure accuracy, reliability, and consistency with applicable regulations and industry standards.

How often do companies need to report on their ESG performance in India?

As per the SEBI Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements (LODR) Regulations, 2015, companies are required to report on their ESG performance on an annual basis.

What are some common ESG KPIs that companies report on in India?

Some common ESG KPIs that companies report on in India include carbon emissions, energy consumption, water usage, waste generation, employee diversity and inclusion, employee turnover, health and safety incidents, community engagement, and philanthropic contributions.

How is ESG performance benchmarked against industry peers?

ESG performance can be benchmarked against industry peers using various tools and methods, such as ESG ratings, rankings, and indices. These tools provide a standardized way to assess ESG performance and compare it with peers in the same industry. Companies can use these benchmarks to identify areas for improvement and set sustainability goals that are in line with industry best practices.

How can ESG assurance in audit help companies attract socially responsible investors?

ESG assurance in audit can help companies attract socially responsible investors by providing transparent and reliable ESG information that demonstrates the company's commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. This information can help investors assess the company's long-term sustainability and risk profile, which can be important factors in investment decision-making.

How can ESG assurance in audit help companies improve their sustainability practices?

ESG assurance in audit can help companies improve their sustainability practices by providing a comprehensive and objective assessment of their ESG performance, identifying areas for improvement, and setting sustainability goals that are in line with industry best practices. By improving their sustainability practices, companies can enhance their reputation, attract socially responsible investors, and reduce ESG risks that could impact their business.

How can Enterslice help companies with ESG assurance in an audit?

Enterslice can help companies with ESG assurance in an audit by providing customized solutions that fit their unique needs and goals. Our team of experts can help companies identify relevant ESG risks and opportunities, select appropriate ESG KPIs, establish robust data collection and reporting processes, and conduct regular internal and external audits to ensure the accuracy and reliability of ESG information. We can also help companies align their ESG reporting with Indian regulatory requirements and international best practices, and communicate their sustainability efforts to stakeholders.