Using climate disclosure for competitive advantage

In the UK, the government has committed to adopting the International Sustainability Standards Board's (ISSB) standards as UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS) and in June 2025 issued consultations on drafts of these standards and on transition plan requirements. We spoke to the standard setter along with regulator the FCA about why sustainability reporting needs to go beyond compliance.

Against a backdrop of competing priorities, non-executive directors need to balance the risks and opportunities presented by climate into their corporate and investment decision-making processes. During London Climate Action Week, an expert panel at a joint Chapter Zero, Deloitte Academy and ISSB event offered tips on ensuring that climate is front and centre of boardroom discussions.

In 2023, Chapter Zero organised a series of two roundtables for Audit Committee Chairs and members in partnership with Accounting for Sustainability (A4S) to explore forward planning, effective communication, and an understanding of emerging requirements for Audit Committees to drive climate action on boards.  With expert input from A4S, the first session focused on external reporting requirements and internal audit and assurance controls. These are two key topics that continue to evolve and are critical for Audit Committees to keep ahead of, and you can find the key session takeaways below.