Program Overview

Sustainability has become increasingly important for companies and industries across the globe. Commercial, financial, governmental and civil society stakeholders want businesses to consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors in their decision-making; and to ensure that these issues are integral to the way they operate and make decisions.

For companies to effectively identify, manage and report on significant ESG risks and opportunities, we need to determine the topics that are important and ‘material’ to the specific business and its operating environment. A materiality assessment is vital for developing an effective ESG strategy, and forms a critical component of any sustainability report. The assessment process provides a firm foundation for strategy development, focusing of resources, engaging with stakeholders and determining sustainability disclosures.

There is a growing focus on materiality in reporting frameworks and standards. Many companies today are either looking to conduct their first assessment or revise one done previously. While many understand materiality in principle, the process of getting it done can be challenging.

This program will help sustainability professionals and managers understand what it takes to carry out an effective materiality assessment. More importantly, it will focus on how this can be done meaningfully and be translated into action.

At the end of the program, participants will be able to:

• • Understand the importance of materiality for ESG strategies and sustainability reporting;
  • Recognize the key steps to developing an effective materiality assessment;
  • Identify and prioritize ESG topics in real-world scenarios;
  • Support management in developing materiality assessment as part of a wider strategy and to meet reporting expectations;
  • Recognize challenges that may arise from materiality assessment.

Who Should Attend?

• • Senior management
  • Management staff
  • Sustainability professionals
  • Anyone who might find this program helpful

Should the Covid situation worsen and infection rates rise, we may resort to conducting the programs online or via a hybrid mode. In the event that that happens, please rest assured that participants will be notified ahead of time.