STEPS TO IMPROVE ESG DATA ASSURANCE
We have launched a strategic alliance with impact technology company Diginex to provide Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) data assurance services to small and mid-cap companies.
WHY IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF ESG INFORMATION?
There are many benefits to improving your ESG information, and 96% of the world’s largest companies – the G250 – report on their sustainability performance. Meanwhile, this is 80% for the N100 – 5,200 companies comprising the largest 100 firms in 52 countries.
The benefits include:
- Increased recognition, trust and credibility
- Reduced risk and greater value
- Improved Board and C-level engagement
- Strengthened internal reporting and management systems
- Improved stakeholder communications
SUPPORTING OUR STRATEGY – SUPPORTING YOUR SUSTAINABILITY
The SGS-Diginex partnership supports our strategy to become the most digital company in the Testing, Inspection and Certification (TIC) industry, as well as to support customers on their sustainability journeys.
WHY ENHANCE SERVICES THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS?
The announcement comes as ESG regulation continues to tighten around the world, from the EU’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation to the US looking to follow suit with the Securities and Exchange Commission confirming an increased focus on climate-related risks.
WHAT THE PARTNERSHIP MEANS TO YOU
Now, sustainability reports created using the Diginex platform can be assured by our Sustainability Report Assurance (SRA) services. This external assurance helps customers to meet transparency demands.
This provision has a direct knock-on effect for clients as stakeholders, including banks and investors, will now have unprecedented insight into the quality of their portfolio’s independently verified ESG data.
OPINIONS ON THE ALLIANCE
Jill Dumain, Global VP, Sustainability Solutions, SGS, said: “Data without verification is a slippery slope, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses that are striving to keep on top of the latest regulations.
“We are excited to partner with Diginex to provide our tried-and-tested, independent ESG data assurance services to their customers and help businesses of all sizes access simple technologies and tools to make their sustainability reporting process as efficient and rigorous as possible.”
Mark Blick, CEO, Diginex, added: “We are delighted to announce this strategic partnership with one of the most trusted and renowned brands in this space. We look forward to working with SGS to enable businesses of all sizes to not just report on their ESG data, but to also have it independently verified, so they can maintain a competitive and lucrative edge.”
A BACKGROUND TO BOTH PARTIES’ WORK
Recognizing that ESG impacts all stakeholders in the corporate and investment sectors, our ESG services aim to meet the needs of a variety of organizations, whatever their maturity level, industry focus or requirements. Our ESG Assurance Solutions provide a unique set of competencies that help clients achieve specific targets and goals.
Since 2017, Diginex has been on a mission to introduce products that enable companies of all sizes to collect, collate and share their sustainability credentials, both easily and transparently. The push for transparency has been on the rise across every industry – largely driven by widespread stakeholder pressure.
HOW OUR EXTENDED ESG PORTFOLIO CAN HELP
With over 30 years of sustainability experience, our ESG Assurance Solutions can help you to mitigate supply chain risks, implement better processes, address stakeholder concerns and accomplish sustainability goals.
Leveraging our expertise in compliance, verification and training services, we create solutions tailored to your requirements, including support with achieving and reporting on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
We can provide:
- Third-party ESG risk evaluation, due diligence, data verification and report assurance to achieve high quality and assured results with external expertise and verification
- Independent ESG risk and materiality evaluations, verification of ESG data, disclosures, systems and financial instruments to increase stakeholder confidence and trust
- Advisory services, disclosure gap analyses, action plans and training packages to enable you to improve overall performance and compliance, mitigating operational and reputational risks
- An ESG certification audit that includes a detailed assessment of ESG risks, using selected ESG standards and/or our personal criteria
Discover how we make ESG as easy as ABC. Learn more here.
About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. Our 96,000 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.
