Assurance Attestation Statements on Sustainability Reports

Arthur J. Radin, CPA

Substantially all large corporations, both in the United States and internationally, are issuing annual sustainability reports. These reports cover the vast spectrum of social issues that a company can face, including environmental issues, greenhouse gas issues, governance issues, personnel issues, social issues, and community relationship issues. In the last decade, these reports have developed in both form and substance. The concepts have various labels such as ESG (environmental, social, and governance), corporate responsibility (CR), corporate social responsibility (CSR), triple bottom line, and others. The reports are intended for all stakeholders, which includes owners, employees, customers, the investment community, and society as a whole. There is no consistency in these sustainability reports, as there are no required standards for such reports.