Sustainability audit & assurance

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Sustainability audit & assurance

Establishing trust and showcasing the impact of your sustainability report through thorough audits and assurance

Driving Impact with Sustainability Reporting

Sustainability reporting has become a significant force shaping business practices and societal expectations over the past two decades. As regulatory reporting requirements evolve and tighten, sustainability issues increasingly becoming key focus areas for board of directors, audit committees and various stakeholders.

Both the scale and scope of these reporting requirements are expanding. Our dedicated sustainability professionals ensure that sustainability reports are accurate, reliable and fully compliant, helping to build trust with stakeholders, mitigate regulatory risks and safeguard greenwashing claims.

In Europe, the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) and the ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards) increasingly mandate that companies disclose their sustainability-related impacts, risks, and opportunities. Although the CSRD is an EU Directive, it can have significant implications for non-EU companies, including those headquartered in Switzerland. If a parent company provides a CSRD-compliant sustainability report that encompasses the entire group, all in-scope subsidiaries - except for large public interest entities within the EU - will be exempt from the requirement to prepare their own sustainability reports.

Providing assurance on sustainability reporting 

At Forvis Mazars, we provide guidance for delivering compliant sustainable reporting in a pragmatic, solution-oriented and reliable manner.

In Switzerland and throughout the European Union, there is a growing movement toward regulating the measurement and disclosure of sustainability-related information. 

Forvis Mazars provides assurance on sustainability reporting in accordance with various regulatory and voluntary frameworks, including:

  • Swiss Code of Obligations Article 964(a)-(c)
  • ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards) / CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive)
  • GRI (Global Reporting Initiative)
  • GHG (Greenhouse Gas) Protocol Corporate Standard

Assurance standards

Currently, the most widely used assurance standards for sustainability-related information and sustainability reports are:

  • ISAE 3000 (Revised) for an independent audit opinion based on limited assurance
  • or ISRS 4400 (Revised) for an Agreed-Upon-Procedures (AUP)
  • to a lesser extent, ISAE 3410 for GHG emissions statements

It is expected that the introduction of the first international sustainability assurance standard (ISSA 5000, General Requirements for Sustainability Assurance Engagements), which will potentially come into effect soon, will gain increasing relevance for future reporting periods.

Other sustainability-related assurance services

Our added value

The advantages of obtaining independent third-party assurance for sustainability-related information and sustainability reports extend beyond mere regulatory compliance. Rather than being a simple tick-the-box exercise, it represents an opportunity for companies to enhance and communicate the credibility of their sustainability efforts to relevant stakeholders.

By leveraging our extensive knowledge and robust methodology, we guide you through complexities to help you achieve your sustainability goals. Our commitment to excellence and personalised service ensures that you can rely on us as a trustworthy partner dedicated to your success at every stage. This tailored strategy not only addresses your immediate needs but also anticipates future challenges, providing sustainable and effective solutions.

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