KPMG's Australian Sustainability Reporting Survey outlines key trends in sustainability reporting among the ASX100, the largest 100 companies in Australia based on market capitalisation. Sustainability reporting by these companies represents the leading practice for reporting in Australia. This report complements KPMG’s Global Sustainability Reporting Survey.
Key Australian highlights
The status of sustainability reporting within the ASX100, shows just how Australian companies compare to the rest of the world. The level and quality of sustainability disclosures has improved in Australia. In particular, Australia has caught up to the globe on reporting the financial risks associated with climate change and setting carbon targets. Australia still has some way to go in the areas of sustainability leadership and biodiversity.
As of December 2023, 98% of Australia’s top companies continue to provide sustainability reporting, which outperforms 2022 performance of global peers.
Additional insights include:
- 80% of ASX100 companies recognise climate as a financial risk, with 78% reporting in line with the recommendations of the Taskforce on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures
- 90% are reporting carbon targets, with 38% using targets set in line with Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
- 39% of the ASX100 recognise biodiversity loss as a risk to business
- 55% obtain third-party assurance of sustainability information reported.
ASX100 key trends in sustainability reporting
A call to action
New ESG requirements are driving a different perspective and set of conversations in boardrooms, causing business leaders to stretch their thinking and ensure that from the top down they are making strategic decisions that take climate and broader ESG considerations more into account.
The pressure on businesses to report on non-financial metrics is only expected to grow as regulations evolve.
Businesses need to invest in sustainability reporting by:
- understanding stakeholder expectations
- using materiality assessments to focus the content of sustainability reporting
- aligning reporting to mandatory or voluntary frameworks
- investing in quality non-financial data management
- understanding the impact of climate change and social issues on business
Australian Sustainability Reporting Trends update | December 2023
Global Survey of Sustainability Reporting
First published in 1993, the KPMG Survey of Sustainability Reporting is produced every 2 years and this year’s edition provides analysis of the sustainability and Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting from 5,800 companies across 58 countries and jurisdictions. The findings released show that there is still a disconnect between the urgency of addressing climate change and social equity, and the ‘hard results’ provided by businesses.
This Global report and Australian statistics on our website are intended for corporate reporting, investor relations and sustainability professionals who want to understand the standards set by the leaders. While also helping board directors, investors, lenders, asset managers and rating agencies assess the standard of sustainability reporting and where improvement is required.
The survey’s aim is to support those who have a responsibility for assessing and preparing their own organisation’s sustainability by focusing on:
- Key global trends in sustainability reporting
- Reporting on the risks of biodiversity loss
- Reporting on climate-related risk and carbon reduction
- Reporting on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Materiality (new)
- ESG risks and governance (new).
Download 2022 Global reports
Sustainability Reporting – KPMG can help
If you’d like to discuss the findings or need assistance with your reporting, please contact us.
