What are SASB Standards?
SASB Standards are 77 investor-focused standards, one for each industry in the Sustainable Industry Classification System (SICS). Each sets disclosure topics and metrics, plus technical protocols for the calculation or response and activity metrics for operational scale. Keslio's ISSB guide explains their place under IFRS S1.
Why do SASB Standards matter to you?
An investor, lender, parent company or local IFRS S1-based rule may ask for SASB-based information. IFRS S1 paragraph 55(a) requires you to consider SASB topics when identifying risks and opportunities. Paragraphs 57-58(a) require you to consider SASB metrics when no IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standard specifically covers one.
How do SASB Standards work?
Match your activities to one or more SICS industries. Review each industry's topics, decide which risks and opportunities could affect your company's prospects, then assess the related metrics. Follow each metric's technical protocol and record why you included or excluded it.
What mistakes should you avoid?
- Choosing an industry from your company name instead of its actual activities.
- Reporting every metric automatically without testing whether the topic applies.
- Using proposed amendments as though they were current requirements.
Are SASB Standards mandatory?
Not by themselves. A jurisdiction, exchange, investor or contract can require them. Under IFRS S1, you must consider their applicability, but you may conclude that a topic or metric does not apply.
How are SASB Standards different from GRI Standards?
SASB focuses on industry matters that could affect a company's prospects and investor decisions. GRI focuses on the company's impacts on the economy, environment and people. You may need both.
What should you send when an investor asks for SASB-aligned data?
Send a table matching each figure or explanation to its SICS industry, disclosure topic and metric code. Add the period, calculation note, supporting records and reason for any omission.