Welcome to the Sustainability section of SAICA’s website!
Sustainability is a key thought leadership area forming part of SAICA’s strategy. We recognize the importance of sustainable business in a changing world where natural resources are under increasing pressure from climate change and human intervention. Sustainability is a critical issue for business today. There is a risk of destruction of business value. Moreover, society expects business to be accountable and responsible for its impact on natural resources and the community.
Chartered Accountants have an important role to play. Organisations need sustainability information to make business decisions. External stakeholders also need this information to form a holistic view of an organization. CAs(SA) are increasingly being called upon to provide such information. They are being called upon to build sustainability into business strategies and operations. They are being called upon to report on sustainability, and to provide assurance on sustainability reports. And beyond sustainability reporting, the King III Code on Governance now requires that organizations produce an integrated report. CAs(SA) have a crucial role to play in this expanded reporting arena.
Accounting bodies around the world are working on sustainability issues. As member bodies of IFAC it is incumbent on them to inform their members of sustainability issues, and to ensure their members understand the implications of issues like climate change on business practice and reporting.
What SAICA offers . . . Our dedicated www.sustainabilitysa.org website is our main information hub. It provides a relevant information source for members and business users. A wide range of issues are covered - from sustainability reporting and integrated reporting to environmental taxes. The website is regularly updated and offers a quick and easy way to get up-to-speed on sustainability.
SAICA hosts regular sustainability events with guest speakers.
SAICA is an accredited training partner of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and we hold training courses - the GRI Masterclass - throughout the year. The GRI is widely regarded as the 'de facto' standard for sustainability reporting.
We have released two publications to date - 'Green' written by Graham Terry of SAICA, and the 'Reporting and Assurance of Greenhouse Gas Emissions in South Africa'.
SAICA was instrumental in founding the Integrated Reporting Committee (IRC). This multi-organisation Committee includes ASISA (Association of Savings and Investment SA), BUSA, JSE Ltd, and the Institute of Directors SA. The Committee is chaired by Professor Mervyn King. The aim is to develop guidelines on good practice and its first task will be to develop a framework for an integrated annual report. JSE-listed companies are required to produce integrated reports (for year ends starting on or after 1 March 2010) in terms of the listing requirements and King III. On the tax side, a sub-committee has been formed, namely the Carbon Tax sub-committee. Other committees will be established in 2010.
Should you have any input or questions related to the SAICA sustainability service offering, kindly contact the Project Director: Sustainability Leigh Roberts on - leighr@saica.co.za
Click here to go to www.sustainabilitysa.org