Talking ESG: How technology enables reporting agility

As effective dates for sustainability reporting requirements inch closer, companies face pressure to stand up reporting workstreams before it is too late. With multiple frameworks coming into play in the near term, managing the data gathering, aggregation, and reporting of numerous metrics is a manual exercise for many companies. But is there technology that can help?

In today’s episode, host Heather Horn is joined by Sammy Lakshmanan, principal in PwC’s Sustainability Consulting Solutions practice, to discuss the ways that leading companies are integrating technology into their sustainability reporting work plans. Sammy provides insights on how companies can leverage the power of technology to generate value that goes beyond compliance.

In this episode, you’ll hear discussion of:
4:02 - Expected impacts of the shift from voluntary to mandatory ESG reporting
7:47 - The current landscape of sustainability reporting technology solutions
10:29 - A roadmap for digital transformation, including the sequencing of events, and which stakeholders to involve
16:04 - The importance of controllership and governance over reporting
26:32 - Harnessing technology investments to report and provide value through data analytics
36:14 - Using technology to capture, aggregate, and organize data for different reporting frameworks
42:36 - Crowdsourcing ideas from peers and partners to address similar challenges
45:34 - Three things companies should consider to maximize technology enablement for sustainability reporting

Looking for more information on getting ready for mandatory ESG reporting? Check out our publication,  Preparing for tomorrow's rules today. Additionally, refer to our Navigating the ESG landscape publication for the latest updates on major global sustainability frameworks.

Sammy Lakshmanan is a principal in PwC’s Sustainability Consulting Solutions practice. With over 20 years of experience helping companies shape their ESG and sustainability strategies leveraging technology and data to operationalize sustainability, he helps customers develop and execute strategies to shift from a compliance-driven to a value-driven approach. Sammy also serves as co-chair for the Open Footprint Forum, which is developing a data standard for carbon-management data.

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.

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