International Workshop Agreement
WD IWA 48.2
Framework for implementing environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles
Reference number
WD IWA 48.2
Edition 1
2024-11
International Workshop Agreement
WD IWA 48.2
89240
Under development (Edition 1, 2024)
A working group has prepared a draft.

What is IWA 48?

ISO's ESG Implementation Principles (IWA 48) is a high-level framework and set of principles designed to guide organizations in implementing and embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices within their organizational culture. This document supports the management of ESG performance and facilitates measurement and reporting under existing frameworks, enabling consistency, comparability, and reliability of ESG reporting and practices globally.

Why are ISO's ESG Implementation Principles important?

These principles serve as a universal language for ESG practices, establishing an international reference model that ensures global interoperability and reliability in ESG reporting. This standardization is key to fostering a lasting culture of ESG within organizations, embedding sustainable practices into the very fabric of organizational decision-making and operations. By doing so, IWA 48 not only helps individual organizations improve their ESG performance but also accelerates the global adoption of sustainable business practices, contributing to a more resilient and responsible business ecosystem worldwide.

Benefits

  • Gain a competitive edge: By implementing robust ESG practices, organizations can attract socially conscious customers and investors, potentially opening up new markets and funding opportunities
  • Enhance reputation and trust: Improved ESG performance leads to greater transparency and stakeholder trust, bolstering an organization's reputation in the market and community
  • Mitigate risks: A comprehensive approach to ESG helps organizations identify and address potential environmental, social, and governance risks before they become costly issues
  • Contribute to global sustainability: By aligning with global sustainability goals, organizations can play a meaningful role in addressing pressing global challenges, from climate change to social inequality

 

FAQ

ISO's ESG Implementation Principles are designed for use by organizations of all sizes and sectors worldwide. They are particularly beneficial for:

  • Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
  • Organizations in developing countries
  • Top-level decision-makers in any organization looking to embed ESG practices

IWA 48 is designed to be complementary and interoperable with existing voluntary and regulatory reporting frameworks. It provides guidance to support compatibility with other ESG frameworks, including IFRS/ISSB's S1 and S2 disclosure standards and the EC's ESRS. However, it is not itself a reporting framework.

The document encompasses a holistic perspective on ESG, including:

  • Terms and definitions
  • Risk and Opportunity Management
  • Governance and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Organizational Culture and Embedding
  • Decision-making framework
  • ESG Maturity and Embedding
  • Reporting Principles and Quality
  • Key Performance Indicators (KPI) Measurement Framework for ESG
  • Integration with Financial Reporting
  • Compliance and Conformance

General information

  •  : Under development
     : 2024-11
    : Close of comment period [20.60]
  •  : 1
  • ISO/WS ESG
  • RSS updates

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