The following is a link to a pdf of Measuring Stakeholder Capitalism: Towards Common Metrics and Consistent Reporting of Sustainable Value Creation (a 96 page paper):

The paper, which was published in September 2020, is a project of the International Business Council (IBC) of the World Economic Form (WEF) in collaboration with Deloitte, EY, KPMG and PwC. I believe that this is the first time that the Big 4 have gotten together in an effort to develop ESG and sustainability standards.

The paper defines the finished project as follows: “This work defines a core set of “stakeholder Capitalism Metrics” (SCM) and disclosures that can be used by IBC members to align their mainstream reporting on performance against environmental, social and governance (ESG) indicators and track their contributions towards the SDGs [UN Sustainable Development Goals] on a consistent basis.”

The paper and its ESG metrics are based on four pillars:

Pillar 1: Principles of Governance;

Pillar 2: Planet;

Pillar 3: People; and

Pillar 4: Prosperity.

This paper is a good initial effort to define measurable standards and metrics. In light of the authors and contributors this paper and its further related amendments, tweaks, and discussions will become a direct standard for IBC members, and some parts of it will become indirect or voluntary standards for some other organizations.

Many provisions in the paper are heavily focused on GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) standards. Thus, for example, the paper does not focus on SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) standards. You might also be aware that the SASB and the IIRC (International Integrated Reporting Council) announced on November 25, their intent to merge into a unified organization “in major step towards simplifying the corporate reporting system.” A lot of significant developments and changes are occurring in the ESG and sustainability areas.

As the IBC/Big-4 paper is heavily focused on GRI standards, and UN Sustainable Development Goals, it is or will be relevant or more relevant for US corporations that operate internationally. The extent, if any, to which select provisions in the paper are made applicable to US corporations and/or other organizations what operate solely or primarily domestically in the US is yet to be seen.

Best to you. David Tate, Esq.

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Remember, every case and situation is different. It is important to obtain and evaluate all of the evidence that is available, and to apply that evidence to the applicable standards and laws. You do need to consult with an attorney and other professionals about your particular situation. This post is not a solicitation for legal or other services inside of or outside of California, and, of course, this post only is a summary of information that changes from time to time, and does not apply to any particular situation or to your specific situation. So . . . you cannot rely on this post for your situation or as legal or other professional advice or representation.

Thank you for reading this post. I ask that you also pass it along to other people who would be interested as it is through collaboration that great things and success occur more quickly. And please also subscribe to this blog and my other blog (see below), and connect with me on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Best to you, David Tate, Esq. (and inactive California CPA) – practicing in California only

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