Evolution of Sustainability Professionals and the Role of Accountants in ESG Reporting

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The chapter delves into the changing landscape of sustainability professionals, specifically the increasing involvement of accountants in ESG reporting. It highlights the significance of accurate data, collaboration, and upskilling in driving sustainable business decisions, and discusses the role of financial resources in transitioning to sustainability.

In today's episode of the ESG Insider podcast, we explore key themes from the GreenFin 24 conference — including data, disclosures, and advancing the low-carbon transition in emerging markets. We also hear how these topics are prompting an evolution in the role of sustainability professionals and driving a need for greater internal collaboration.

"There's a sense that we can make progress and there are viable solutions out there," says Kristina Wyatt, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Sustainability Officer at carbon accounting software company Persefoni. "There are plenty of projects, technologies, opportunities to deploy capital toward the transition. But one of the real challenges is speed and the need to deploy more capital faster."

We hear how banks are changing the way they look at energy transition opportunities in an interview with Samantha Norquist, Chief Sustainability Officer at Maryland-based Forbright Bank.

To understand how the role of accountants and sustainability professionals is changing, we talk with Sarah Digirolamo, US Audit & Assurance Financial Services ESG Leader and US Investment Management ESG Leader at Deloitte & Touche LLP, which is an audit, consulting and advisory firm.

"What's really interesting about the sustainability space is that in order for it to evolve in the way that people are looking to make change, it takes great collaboration, probably more so than any area I've seen before," Sarah says. "So many are being asked to come outside of their comfort zone."

And we explore how the current landscape is impacting the way companies approach diversity, equity and inclusion in an interview with Alphonso David, President and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum, a group dedicated to elevating and advocating for Black and marginalized communities around the world.

Check out our prior coverage of GreenFin 24 here:

Bezos Earth Fund director on how to drive climate, nature action: https://www.spglobal.com/esg/podcasts/bezos-earth-fund-director-on-how-to-drive-climate-nature-action

How to finance a nature-positive future and transform industries: https://www.spglobal.com/esg/podcasts/how-to-finance-a-nature-positive-future-and-transform-industries

GreenBiz Group hosts the GreenFin conference and S&P Global Sustainable1 is a sponsor.

This piece was published by S&P Global Sustainable1, a part of S&P Global.

*Show notes updated July 16, 2024, to clarify title of Sarah Digirolamo.

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