CSRD spotlight: Demystifying the double materiality assessment

The European Union (EU) has ushered in a new era of sustainability reporting, as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is now effective. With impacts to both EU and non-EU headquartered companies, now is the time to understand the reporting requirements of this sweeping new regulation. 

Continuing our CSRD series, this week we discuss the topic of “double materiality,” which represents the intersection between impact materiality and financial materiality. In this episode, Heather Horn is joined by Cécile Saint-Martin, PwC’s Global ESG Assurance Leader, to go over this critical element in determining the applicable impacts, risks, and opportunities, as well as extent of disclosures under CSRD.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• 3:09 - Lessons learned from legacy reporting under the Non-financial Reporting Directive (NFRD), the predecessor to CSRD
• 4:32 - Introduction to double materiality 
• 10:17 - Examples of the double materiality assessment for specific topics
• 17:29 - The interplay between ESRS and other standards and the double materiality assessment
• 24:53 - Evaluation of double materiality with a governance and strategy lens
• 26:52 - Stakeholder considerations
• 31:28 - Steps for identifying material matters
• 39:24 - Advice on aggregating information for process disclosure and reporting purposes
• 44:09 - Next steps and recommendations for preparers

Looking for more information on the CSRD and reporting requirements? Check out our publications Worldwide impact of CSRD - are you ready? and Take the next step - decide how to report under CSRD for further details. Additionally, follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app for future episodes in this CSRD spotlight miniseries, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get all of our thought leadership.

Cécile Saint-Martin is PwC’s Global ESG Assurance Leader, leading the firm’s global initiative to deliver high quality and relevant assurance over ESG reporting. Based in France, she has executed assurance engagements on European corporations, and currently leads interpretation and implementation efforts on CSRD. Cécile has over 25 years of experience at PwC, also serving as an audit partner on global accounts within the Industry & Services sector.

Heather Horn is PwC’s National Office thought leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series. With over 30 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.