Sustainability and ESG assurance services

Global ESG reporting and compliance support for your sustainability framework

Contact our ESG assurance professionals

Building trust and confidence with sustainability and ESG assurance

As stakeholder demand for sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) information has intensified and become more sophisticated, businesses have shifted from thinking this is a peripheral concern to realizing it is essential. This transformation—driven by increasing rigor, scrutiny and regulation—underscores a significant change in expectations and accountability.

Whether your company is subject to mandatory ESG reporting requirements or is voluntarily addressing stakeholder demand, having your data verified by independent assurance specialists strengthens its credibility and supports strategic decision making. Companies that forgo this verification may risk fines, legal issues and damage to their reputation.

RSM understands the need for companies to align their operations with broader societal and regulatory shifts toward sustainability and accountability. Your business may benefit from sustainability and ESG assurance. The benefits include:

Your business may benefit from sustainability and ESG assurance by:

Boosting credibility with stakeholders: Independent verification of your ESG data enhances trust and confidence among investors, suppliers, customers and other stakeholders. It demonstrates your commitment to transparency and accountability, which can lead to stronger business relationships and increased stakeholder loyalty.
Supporting more confident business decisions: Accurate and reliable ESG data is crucial for making informed, confident decisions. ESG assurance provides insights needed to identify opportunities and manage risks. It also helps you align your business strategies with sustainability goals and regulatory requirements.
Reducing the risk of reputational damage: Companies that fail to provide credible ESG information may face scrutiny, legal challenges and a loss of stakeholder trust. ESG assurance helps you avoid these pitfalls and maintain a positive reputation.
Enhancing operational efficiency: ESG assurance can identify areas for improvement in your company’s performance. This can lead to more efficient operations, reduced costs, and better resource management. It also helps you stay ahead of regulatory changes and industry best practices.
Attracting and retaining talent: Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices can make your company more attractive to employees.

Sustainability and ESG assurance services

Driving transparency in your ESG reporting and compliance journey

: Transparency in your ESG reporting and compliance journey is essential in today’s world.

: ESG attestation services, overseen by our assurance team, provide you with the rigorous verification needed to help ensure your sustainability reports meet regulatory standards and stakeholder expectations.

: Greenhouse gas assurance services provide you with thorough evaluation and verification of your greenhouse gas emissions data, facilitating compliance with regulatory standards.

: With agreed-upon procedures, you receive tailored tests of your sustainability transactions. This independent verification of your ESG data promotes transparency and may enhance the credibility of the data while building trust with your stakeholders.

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Frequently asked questions about sustainability and ESG assurance services

: Sustainability assurance provides independent verification of a company’s environmental and social performance data to ensure accuracy and reliability for stakeholders.

: ESG assurance focuses on validating disclosures related to environmental, social and governance factors, ensuring compliance with reporting standards and enhancing transparency.

: Limited assurance: Provides moderate confidence that reported ESG information is free from material misstatement. Procedures are primarily analytical and inquiry-based.

Reasonable assurance: Offers a higher level of confidence through more extensive testing, evidence gathering and detailed evaluation of ESG data and processes.

Common frameworks include:

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
IFRS Sustainability Standards
Greenhouse Gas Protocol

RSM’s process: Overview

Planning and scoping: Identify material ESG topics and applicable frameworks
Data evaluation: Assess completeness, accuracy and consistency of ESG metrics
Testing and validation: Perform procedures aligned with assurance level
Reporting: Issue an assurance statement and recommendations for improvement

Increasing regulatory requirements and global convergence of standards
Rising stakeholder expectations for transparency and comparability
Integrating ESG data into financial reporting
Lacking internal resources and expertise for ESG data management
Evolving demand for assurance over nonfinancial metrics
Expanding use of technology and AI for ESG data collection and analysis

RSM’s ESG and sustainability assurance services include:

Framework development: We provide guidance on selecting and implementing ESG reporting standards.
Gap analysis: We identify areas for improvement in current sustainability practices.
Data readiness support: We help you establish robust processes for collecting and managing ESG data.
Independent assurance: We deliver limited or reasonable assurance engagements to enhance credibility.
Strategic insights: We offer recommendations to align ESG initiatives with business objectives and stakeholder expectations.

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RSM US LLP is a limited liability partnership and the U.S. member firm of RSM International, a global network of independent assurance, tax and consulting firms. The member firms of RSM International collaborate to provide services to global clients, but are separate and distinct legal entities that cannot obligate each other. Each member firm is responsible only for its own acts and omissions, and not those of any other party. Visit rsmus.com/about for more information regarding RSM US LLP and RSM International.

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Sustainability and ESG assurance services

Global ESG reporting and compliance support for your sustainability framework

Contact our ESG assurance professionals

Building trust and confidence with sustainability and ESG assurance

Your business may benefit from sustainability and ESG assurance by:

Sustainability and ESG assurance services

Driving transparency in your ESG reporting and compliance journey

Climate reporting unpacked: Compliance, standards and provider perspectives

Navigating California climate disclosure regulations, requirements and pitfalls

Frequently asked questions about sustainability and ESG assurance services

Explore related services

Sustainability and ESG assurance insights

Contact our ESG assurance professionals

Complete this form and an RSM representative will be in touch shortly.

Resources and guidance

Board and audit committee insights

Financial Reporting Resource Center

Quarterly accounting update webinars

THE POWER OF BEING UNDERSTOOD