The European Sustainability Reporting Standard (ESRS) E1 Climate Change is a new standard that pushes for transparency and rigorous climate change reporting. This fits within the wider framework of ESRS reporting which is an extension of existing EU regulation. 

What is ESRS E1?

The ESRS E1 is a comprehensive standard designed to guide organisations in reporting their climate-related activities, impacts, and performance. It plays a crucial role in harmonising climate reporting across the European Union - ensuring that disclosures are consistent, comparable, and aligned with international best practices. 

For more detail on how this links to ESRS standards, check out this blog post. 

Purpose of ESRS E1

ESRS E1 is part of the broader European Sustainability Reporting Standards framework, specifically addressing climate change-related disclosures. Its primary purpose is to standardise how organisations report their climate impacts, strategies, and performance, fostering transparency and comparability across sectors and regions.

Key Objectives of ESRS E1

ESRS E1 aims to achieve several key objectives: ensuring that climate-related information is relevant, reliable, and comparable; promoting transparency and accountability; and facilitating informed decision-making by stakeholders. Additionally, it seeks to drive improvements in organisational practices by highlighting best practices and encouraging continuous improvement in climate performance.

Key Components of ESRS E1

• Detailed Breakdown of Reporting Requirements

• ESRS E1 encompasses a wide range of reporting requirements, including disclosures on greenhouse gas emissions, climate risks and opportunities, governance and strategy related to climate change, and the financial impacts of climate-related issues. Organisations are required to provide both quantitative and qualitative information, ensuring a holistic view of their climate-related activities and impacts.

• Mandatory vs. Voluntary Reporting Elements

• While ESRS E1 includes several mandatory reporting elements, such as Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions, it also encourages organisations to disclose additional information on a voluntary basis. This can include Scope 3 emissions, climate-related targets and progress, and scenario analysis, among others. The voluntary elements allow organisations to provide a more comprehensive picture of their climate impact and actions.

• Critical Metrics and Indicators

• To ensure consistency and comparability, ESRS E1 specifies a set of critical metrics and indicators that organisations must report on. These include total greenhouse gas emissions, emission intensity ratios, energy consumption, and the proportion of renewable energy used, among others. These metrics provide a standardised basis for assessing and comparing climate performance across organisations.

ESRS E1 Alignment with Global and EU Standards

ESRS E1 aligns with several global standards and frameworks, including the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. This alignment ensures that ESRS E1 is consistent with international best practices and facilitates global comparability of climate-related disclosures.

In addition to aligning with global standards, ESRS E1 takes into account national and regional regulatory requirements within the European Union. This ensures that organisations can meet both EU-wide and local reporting obligations, streamlining compliance processes and reducing the administrative burden.

Compliance Deadlines and Timelines

ESRS E1 specifies clear deadlines and timelines for compliance, ensuring that organisations have sufficient time to prepare and submit their climate-related disclosures. These timelines are designed to align with other regulatory reporting cycles, facilitating integrated and efficient reporting processes.

Scope of ESRS E1 Reporting

Industries and Sectors Covered

ESRS E1 applies to a wide range of industries and sectors, reflecting the diverse nature of climate impacts and the need for sector-specific reporting. From energy and utilities to manufacturing, agriculture, and services, ESRS E1 provides tailored guidance to ensure relevant and meaningful disclosures across different sectors.

Organisational Scope: From Multinationals to SMEs

The standard is designed to be applicable to organisations of all sizes, from large multinationals to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). While the reporting requirements may be more comprehensive for larger organisations, SMEs are also encouraged to adopt ESRS E1 to enhance their transparency and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.ESRS Standards for SMEs can be a competitive advantage.

Reporting Methodologies

ESRS E1 emphasises the importance of both quantitative and qualitative data in climate reporting. Quantitative data, such as greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption, provide measurable insights into an organisation's climate impact. Qualitative data, on the other hand, offer context and narrative, explaining the strategies, policies, and actions undertaken to address climate change.

Benchmarks for ESRS Reporting 

Organisations are encouraged to use both primary and secondary data sources in their reporting. Primary data, collected directly by the organisation, ensures accuracy and specificity. Secondary data, sourced from third-party reports, industry benchmarks, and scientific studies, can supplement and validate the primary data, providing a comprehensive view of the organisation's climate impact.

Best Practices for Data Collection

Effective data collection is crucial for accurate and reliable climate reporting. Organisations should establish robust data collection processes, including defining data collection boundaries, selecting appropriate metrics, and ensuring data quality and consistency. Regular audits and reviews can help maintain data integrity and address any gaps or inaccuracies.

Tools and Technologies for Effective Data Management

Leveraging advanced tools and technologies can significantly enhance data management and reporting processes. Software solutions for environmental data management, automated data collection systems, and analytics platforms can streamline data collection, processing, and reporting, ensuring timely and accurate disclosures.

Challenges in Climate Change Reporting

To overcome these challenges, organisations can adopt several strategies, such as investing in training and capacity building, leveraging external expertise and resources, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. Collaboration with industry peers and participation in reporting initiatives can also provide valuable support and insights.

Understanding Materiality in ESRS E1

Materiality is a fundamental concept in ESRS E1, guiding organisations in identifying and prioritising the most significant climate-related issues. The cross-cutting standards help to define what materiality is, and a materiality assessment is taken as part of CSRD compliance. Understanding materiality involves assessing the potential impacts of climate change on the organisation and the importance of these impacts to stakeholders.

Disclosure Requirements: What to Include

Transparency is a cornerstone of effective climate reporting. Organisations should provide comprehensive disclosures on their greenhouse gas emissions, climate risks and opportunities, governance and strategy related to climate change, and financial impacts. Detailed explanations of methodologies, assumptions, and limitations can further enhance transparency and credibility.

To avoid common pitfalls in disclosure, organisations should ensure accuracy and consistency in their data, provide clear and comprehensive explanations, and avoid greenwashing or overstating their achievements. Independent verification and assurance of climate data can also enhance credibility and stakeholder confidence.

Future Trends in Climate Change Reporting

The field of climate change reporting is continuously evolving, with several emerging trends and innovations shaping its future. These include the increasing use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence for data collection and analysis, the growing emphasis on forward-looking disclosures and scenario analysis, and the integration of climate reporting with broader sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks.

Risk Management and Mitigation

Identifying Climate-Related Risks

Identifying climate-related risks is a key component of ESRS E1. Organisations should assess the physical risks posed by climate change, such as extreme weather events and rising sea levels, as well as transition risks related to regulatory changes, market shifts, and technological advancements.

Developing Effective Mitigation Strategies

Once risks are identified, organisations should develop and implement effective mitigation strategies. These can include investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, adopting low-carbon technologies, and engaging in climate adaptation planning. Collaboration with stakeholders and participation in industry initiatives can also support effective risk mitigation.

Aligning ESRS E1 with your Sustainability Strategy

Integrating ESRS reporting with other sustainability frameworks can enhance the comprehensiveness and credibility of a company's sustainability reporting. Choosing an approach that aligns with other reporting frameworks, like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), can make it easier to meet your ESRS reporting requirements. This way, you’ll reduce the manual work needed to comply with each framework separately.

It is important to note that ESRS has some natural alignment built into the framework - for example the Strategy disclosure requirements have been aligned with ISFRS-S1 exposure draft for financial materiality and effects & with GRI for impact materiality.
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Assessing the Financial Impact of ESRS E1 Compliance

Compliance with ESRS E1 may involve certain costs, including investments in data management systems, training, and external verification. However, these costs can be outweighed by the benefits, such as enhanced stakeholder trust, improved risk management, and strengthened market positioning. Conducting a cost-benefit analysis can help organisations assess the financial impact of compliance and make informed decisions.

Maximising ROI from Climate Change Reporting

To maximise the return on investment from climate change reporting, organisations should focus on leveraging their disclosures to drive strategic benefits. This can include enhancing their reputation and brand value, attracting and retaining customers and investors, and identifying new business opportunities related to the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The Future of ESRS E1 and Climate Change Reporting

The future of ESRS E1 and climate change reporting is likely to be shaped by ongoing regulatory developments, technological advancements, and evolving stakeholder expectations. Organisations that proactively embrace these changes and continuously enhance their reporting practices will be well-positioned to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

In conclusion, ESRS E1 provides a robust framework for climate change reporting, helping organisations enhance their transparency, accountability, and sustainability performance. By understanding and effectively implementing ESRS E1, organisations can not only meet regulatory requirements but also drive strategic benefits and contribute to the global effort to combat climate change. For organisations embarking on this journey, the key to success lies in robust governance, comprehensive data management, proactive stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to continuous improvement.