ESG reporting increased in 2024

Sustainability reporting is becoming less fragmented and more standardized globally as companies begin, or plan to begin, using sustainability standards.

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The International Federation of Accountants, the American Institute of CPAs and the Chartered Institute  of Management Accountants released their sixth annual benchmark survey of global sustainability reporting and assurance practices. However, the newest data in the report is from 2024 due to a lag in sustainability information. As such, the report notes that “the results likely understate the extent of movement toward more uniform standards.”

The report found that one-third of companies with sustainability information disclosures used or referenced the future use of International Sustainability Standards Board standards, compared to only 16% the previous year. Similarly, 20% of the companies that disclosed said they used or plan to use European Sustainability Reporting Standards.

In contrast, the use of other standards and frameworks fell by single points each. These include the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures framework, the Global Reporting Initiative standards and the U.N. Sustainability Development Goals.

“Around the world, we are seeing growing alignment behind high-quality sustainability reporting and assurance practices,” IFAC CEO Lee White said in a statement Monday. “This progress matters because trusted, decision-useful information supports better decisions, stronger organizations, and more efficient capital allocation. We expect this momentum to continue as stakeholders increasingly recognize the value of reliable sustainability-related information.”

The U.S. had 32% of sustainability-related assurance engagements performed by audit firms in 2024, up four points from the previous year. Additionally, 95% of surveyed U.S. companies reported some ESG information, down five points from 2023 when 100% of companies reported some ESG information.

“The global reporting ecosystem is transitioning from a fragmented landscape toward one that is increasingly structured, standardized and integrated,” the report says. “However, this transition is not yet complete and may continue to be challenged by shifting geopolitical and regulatory sentiment within some of the world’s largest economies.”