The IFRS Foundation has published crucial educational guidance to assist companies in effectively applying the industry-specific materials underpinning the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) Sustainability Disclosure Standards.
This new guidance clarifies the practical application of established resources integrated into the ISSB framework, namely the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Standards and the Industry-based Guidance for IFRS S2 (Climate-related Disclosures). These materials are designed to identify disclosure topics and metrics highly relevant to companies operating within specific sectors.
Key areas addressed by the ISSB’s guidance include:
- Mandatory Reference Points: Explicitly identifying which requirements within the ISSB Standards necessitate companies to consult and consider the relevant industry-based materials.
- Application Considerations: Outlining critical factors and principles companies should keep in mind when utilizing the SASB Standards and Industry-based Guidance alongside IFRS S1 and S2.
- Disclosure Requirements: Specifying what information companies must disclose regarding how they have applied these industry-based materials within their sustainability reporting.
The release underscores the ISSB’s ongoing commitment to providing practical support for entities adopting its global baseline of sustainability disclosure standards. This guidance aims to reduce complexity and enhance consistency by demonstrating how industry-specific insights can be operationalized within the broader ISSB framework.
“The ISSB industry-based materials are a vital resource for companies implementing our Standards,” the announcement emphasized. “This new educational material provides clear direction on their use, helping businesses deliver more decision-useful, industry-relevant sustainability information to investors.”
Source: IFRS Foundation, 10 July 2025