Disclosure focus
This disclosure asks an organisation to explain the targets it has set for sustainability-related matters and how those targets are intended to be used over time. In practice, the report should make clear what the target is, what it covers, and how progress is being tracked so readers can understand whether the organisation is moving in a consistent direction.
The practical focus is on clarity and comparability over time. An organisation should show whether the target applies across the whole business or only to selected activities, sites or regions, and explain any changes in scope, methods or assumptions that could affect year-on-year comparison. The aim is to help users judge whether reported progress reflects a stable approach rather than a one-off or selectively reported result.
This LRA educational guidance supports disclosure preparation. For the exact requirements, always refer to the official IFRS source.
Before you start
A quick mental checklist before you prepare this disclosure — tick each as you settle it.
Preparation
Key datapoints to prepare
＋ Show s1-51-53 sub-elements (LRA working checklist)
State the starting point or reference period used for the target.
Check that the label and definition are accurate and fit for use.
Specify the measure that the target is built on.
Set out any interim steps or checkpoint targets along the way.
Report how actual results compare with the target.
Make clear whether the target is numerical or descriptive.
Identify the time span covered by the target.
Explain any changes made to the target, and why they were made.
Review the pattern of change over time.
How to prepare it
1Set the reporting boundary first. Decide which target or performance item you are covering, then pin down the time frame it relates to, including the starting reference point and the period the target runs over.
2Check the wording and meaning of each label before you draft. Make sure the name you use for the target, milestone, or performance measure matches the underlying business meaning, and that any definition is clear and consistent.
3Confirm the measure you are using for the target and gather the supporting records. If the target is expressed in numbers, collect the figures; if it is described in words, collect the source notes, approvals, or other evidence that supports the narrative.
4Map out any milestones or interim checkpoints and capture progress against them. Include the current position, what has been achieved so far, and how that compares with the target path.
5Record any changes to the target and explain why they happened. If the target has been revised, keep the earlier version, the updated version, and the reason for the change together so the history is clear.
6Review the full disclosure against the official source before finalising. Check that the trend story is complete, the figures or narrative are internally consistent, and nothing required has been left out or described in a way that could mislead.
Request the data
Request the target pack and tracking evidence
Translate the disclosure into an internal business question — then adapt it to your organisation's own language.
What target is in place, how was it set up, how has it been tracked over time, and what changed along the way?
Use your organisation’s own names for plans, KPIs, scorecards, dashboards, or business objectives first, then map them to the disclosure items. Keep the request in everyday internal language rather than framework wording, and check the source material before sign-off.
Weak request
Please provide the IFRS S1 target information, including the base year, target period, milestones, performance against target, revisions, and trend analysis.
Why it fails: It uses framework language that many teams do not use day to day, so the owner may not know which files or reports to pull. It also bundles several ideas without pointing to the internal plan, KPI, or dashboard that actually holds the evidence.
Better request
Please send the latest pack for [metric / plan name] showing the starting point, the target we are working to, any interim checkpoints, the latest progress view, and any changes made since it was first set. If the measure or definition has changed, please note when and why. A table or export from your usual report is fine.
Industry examples
Draft your disclosure
Notes that turn data into a disclosure
LRA training templates — adapt them to your organisation, and check the official source before sign-off.
Method note
Explain the basis used for the target by stating the starting point, the measure chosen to track it, how any interim checkpoints are defined, and whether the aim is expressed numerically or in descriptive terms.
Context note
Set out what the figures mean by linking the target period, the starting benchmark and the current result, so readers can understand the intended direction of travel and the level of progress achieved.
Fluctuation statement
Describe any notable movement by pointing to changes in the underlying trend, the timing of milestone updates, and any revisions to the target together with the reasons given for those revisions.
Content index entry
s1-51-53 Targets and consistency over time — [location / page] / [notes]
Download Centre
Preparation tools & forms
Professional preparation tools for s1-51-53 — free with an LRA Community membership. Register once (it's free) and every download unlocks, together with the Disclosure Library, templates and the LRA AI-assistant.
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Assurance readiness
For each claim, check the evidence
Evidence pack to prepare
Common reporting gaps
The information is presented without a date or as-at point.The scope or boundary of the statement is left undefined.Key terms are used inconsistently across the report.Material changes since the previous period are not disclosed.Assertions are made without supporting detail or a source record.Boilerplate is used that does not actually answer what is asked.
Common gaps
Mistakes to avoid when collecting the data
Wrong owner
The team chases the board pack owner instead of the business lead who actually holds the target file and supporting records.
Framework words, not business terms
People ask for the data using reporting jargon, so the operational team cannot match it to the labels they use day to day.
Scope not pinned down
The collector does not fix which business units, products, sites, or activities are in scope, so different teams send different populations.
Wrong time basis
The request mixes the reporting year with the target start date or review date, so the figures are pulled for the wrong period.
Counting methods get mixed
One source gives headcount while another gives full-time equivalent or another basis, and the team combines them as if they were the same measure.
Source labels are lost
The original spreadsheet tabs, field names, or system codes are stripped out, making it hard to trace where each number came from.
Separate groups are merged
Targets for different regions, business lines, or target types are rolled into one file even though they should stay separate for review.
Evidence trail is incomplete
The pack is saved without the underlying extracts, version notes, or approval trail, so no one can show how the data was checked.
No sign-off record
The final dataset moves forward without a named reviewer confirming it, leaving no clear record of who accepted the figures.
Where judgement is often needed
Setting the starting point after a business change
If the group has bought, sold, or closed parts of the business, pick a starting point that matches the current operating perimeter and explain what changed, what was left out, and why the comparison still makes sense.
Using one business definition across different countries
Where local teams classify the same activity differently, choose one group-wide definition for the target, note any local exceptions, and explain how you kept the measure comparable across locations.
Deciding who sits just inside or just outside the target scope
For people, sites, products, or activities near the boundary, state the inclusion rule you used, describe any borderline cases, and explain the practical reason for that cut-off.
Choosing the timing basis for the target and progress updates
If the target is tracked on a calendar-year, financial-year, rolling, or project basis, say which timing basis you used, keep it consistent where possible, and explain any change in timing from one period to the next.
Balancing estimates against direct measurement
When full measurement is not available, use the best supportable estimate, say where it was needed, and explain the method, main assumptions, and any known limits on accuracy.
Handling rounding and small movements
If figures are rounded, apply the same rounding approach each period, make sure the rounded numbers still tell the same story as the underlying data, and explain any small differences caused by rounding.
Protecting privacy when the data set is too small
If disclosing a detailed split could identify individuals or sensitive groups, combine categories or present a higher-level view, and explain that the aggregation was chosen to protect confidentiality while keeping the target picture useful.
Explaining a change in the target itself
If the target, milestone, or performance measure is revised, state what changed, why the change was made, and how the revised version affects the comparison with earlier periods.
Keeping the trend line meaningful after a methodology update
If the way the target is measured changes over time, restate the earlier figures on the new basis where that can be done reliably, or explain why that is not possible and how you preserved a fair trend view.
Examples
Illustrative examples
Synthetic, written by LRA — not from a company report, not text from any standard.
Illustrative (synthetic) example — manufacturing
We set a 2024–2028 emissions-intensity goal against a 2023 baseline, and we checked that the label and short explanation clearly match the measure used. The target is a 30% cut in Scope 1 and 2 emissions per tonne of output by 2028, with checkpoints of 10% by end-2025 and 20% by end-2026; by 2026 we had reached a 12% reduction, so we were slightly ahead of plan. We revised the path in 2025 after adding two acquired sites to the boundary, which raised the starting figure from 100,000 to 112,000 tCO2e, and the longer-term line still shows a steady downward trend from 112,000 in 2023 to 98,560 in 2024 and 98,560 in 2025 on the same basis.
Synthetic illustration only. Shows how to describe the starting point, the wording check on the target label, the metric chosen, interim waypoints, current progress, whether the aim is numeric, the end date, any later change to the plan and why it changed, plus the direction of travel over time.
Illustrative (synthetic) example — retail
Our customer-safety programme uses a 2022 starting point and a five-year horizon to track store incident rates, and we reviewed the wording so the label, short description and measure all line up. The aim is a 25% fall in reportable incidents per 100,000 customer visits by 2027, with 8% due by 2024 and 16% by 2025; by the end of 2025 we had achieved a 14% fall, so we were behind the interim path but still moving in the right direction. We changed the plan in 2024 after opening 18 new stores, which lifted the base count from 240 to 258 locations, and the series shows a gradual improvement from 240 incidents in 2022 to 228 in 2023 and 206 in 2024 on the revised store base.
Synthetic illustration only. Shows how to explain the baseline, a plain-language check that the target title matches the underlying measure, the chosen metric, staged milestones, actual delivery against the plan, whether the aim is expressed in numbers, the end date, later changes and the reason for them, and the overall trend.
How companies report s1-51-53
Real reports where this topic is disclosed. These are report practice, not exact disclosure templates to copy.
MTR Corporation
Ground Transportation — Railroads · Hong Kong · 2025
MTR Corporation’s Sustainability Report 2025 provides a clear base year for its science-based targets (SBTs), referencing 2019 as the baseline for measuring reductions (p.68). The report also details interim milestones for 2023 and 2024, showing specific percentage reductions for railway, property, and Scope 3 emissions (p.68). However, the report lacks explicit information on the definition quality of labels, the exact metrics used for targets remain unclear (p.88), and there is no clear disclosure of target periods, revisions, or trend analysis.
SITC International Holdings Company Limited
Water Transportation · Hong Kong · 2025
SITC International Holdings Company Limited’s 2025 Environmental, Social and Governance Report includes some related context on targets, such as references to metrics used to set targets and milestones (p.197), and mentions progress against plans disclosed in previous periods (pp.188, 191, 193). However, the report does not clearly disclose the base year or base period, target period, or performance against targets, and the information on target revisions and reasons is unclear (p.192). Quantitative or qualitative target details and trend analysis are also not found in the report.
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Check your understanding
Scenarios to work through
A group set a five-year emissions goal two years ago using 2022 as the starting point. This year, the sustainability team wants to restate the starting point because a business unit was sold and the original figure now looks less comparable.
QShould the report keep the original starting point, or can it switch to a new one without explanation?
Reveal model answer →Hide answer ↑Keep the original starting point if it still supports a fair comparison over time. If the starting point is changed, explain what changed and why the new basis gives a better view of progress; do not leave readers guessing about the shift.
Why this matters · When a target basis changes, explain the reason so readers can still compare progress sensibly over time.
A company has a headline target to cut water use by 30% by 2030, but the draft report only says the target exists. The team also has quarterly checkpoints and a year-end result, yet these are scattered across internal slides and not linked in the draft.
QWhat should the preparer do about the target wording and the progress information before sign-off?
Reveal model answer →Hide answer ↑Bring the target description together so it shows the measure being tracked, the time horizon, any interim checkpoints, and how current performance compares with the plan. If the target is numeric or descriptive, make that clear in plain language and keep the progress update tied to the same measure.
Why this matters · A target disclosure should let readers see what is being tracked, when it is due, and how current progress lines up with it.
A business has changed the way it measures employee training completion. Last year it counted attendance; this year it counts only completed assessments, which lowers the reported rate from 92% to 78%. The draft report shows both years side by side without comment.
QHow should the preparer handle the year-on-year comparison?
Reveal model answer →Hide answer ↑Do not present the figures as if they are directly comparable unless the change in method is explained. State that the measurement basis changed, describe the new approach, and explain the effect on the trend so readers understand whether the movement reflects real performance or a reporting change.
Why this matters · If the measurement basis changes, the trend needs context so readers can tell operational movement from a reporting change.
A target to reduce packaging waste was revised mid-year after a supplier exit made the original plan unrealistic. The draft mentions the new target but leaves out the fact that the old one was replaced and why the revision happened.
QWhat should the preparer include about the revision?
Reveal model answer →Hide answer ↑Set out that the target was revised, identify what changed, and explain the reason for the revision. The report should make clear how the new target relates to the earlier one so the reader can follow the continuity of the plan over time.
Why this matters · When a target is updated, the report should show both the change and the reason behind it.
Framework references
Related framework references
How this disclosure maps across the major reporting frameworks.
IFRS / ISSB
s1-51-53
within IFRS-S1: IFRS S1 - General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information
Open official source →Related & explore
FAQ
Questions this page answers
For s1-51-53, what data do I need to gather before I start drafting the disclosure?+−
The page says to prepare a baseline period, label and meaning check, target metric basis, interim target steps, target progress status, target type, target timeframe, target changes log and a progress trend review. Use the step-by-step preparation section to turn that into a working data request and draft plan.
How do I use the s1-51-53 page to set the scope and methodology for the disclosure?+−
Use the plain-language explainer, the preparation steps and the datapoint list to decide what the disclosure will cover and how the target information will be presented. The page is designed to help you set up the approach before drafting, rather than to replace your own internal methodology.
Who should own the s1-51-53 data points in practice, and how do I assign responsibilities?+−
The page is aimed at sustainability/ESG managers, HR or data owners, and assurance reviewers, so it is useful for splitting ownership across those roles. Use the preparation section and evidence pack to decide who supplies each datapoint and who signs off the final draft.
What evidence should I collect for s1-51-53 so the disclosure is assurance-ready?+−
The page includes six assurance claims to verify and an evidence pack with five items to support readiness. Use those sections together to build a file that shows the claim, the risk, and the supporting evidence for each key point.
What are the common mistakes to avoid when preparing the s1-51-53 disclosure?+−
The page lists common reporting gaps and mistakes, so it is meant to help you spot missing or inconsistent target information before you finalise the draft. A practical use is to compare your draft against the datapoints, the assurance claims and the evidence pack to catch gaps early.
How do I use the Prep & Assurance workbook for s1-51-53?+−
The Download Centre includes a Prep & Assurance workbook in .xlsx format, which is there to help you organise the preparation and assurance work. Use it alongside the page’s datapoints, assurance claims and evidence pack to track what is complete and what still needs input.
What is the Library Card PDF for s1-51-53 and when would I use it?+−
The Download Centre also includes a printable Library Card in .pdf format. It is useful as a quick reference while you are collecting data, checking the draft and preparing the evidence pack.
Can I use the synthetic example disclosure on the s1-51-53 page as a template for my own draft?+−
Yes, the page includes synthetic illustrative example disclosures, including a quantitative table, to show how the disclosure can be presented. Treat them as examples only and make sure your own figures, labels and narrative match your actual data.
How do I turn the s1-51-53 data into a draft disclosure narrative?+−
The draft-output section gives visualisation ideas, narrative starters and a content-index line to help you shape the final text. Start from the datapoints and evidence you have collected, then use those prompts to build a clear draft.
How does the s1-51-53 page relate to ESRS 2, and can I reuse the same data?+−
The page says the closest ESRS correspondence is ESRS 2 (General Disclosures). You can reuse data where it is relevant, but the page does not say the requirements are identical, so check the fit before reusing anything.
More questions this page can help with
s1-51-53 disclosure checklist for baseline period, target metric basis and progress trend reviews1-51-53 how to document target changes log for assurances1-51-53 evidence pack items for draft disclosure readinesss1-51-53 workbook download how to use for data collections1-51-53 common reporting gaps and mistakes to check before filings1-51-53 synthetic example disclosure table how to adapt to my datas1-51-53 narrative starters and content index line exampless1-51-53 who should own target timeframe and interim target steps datas1-51-53 label and meaning check what should I verifys1-51-53 target progress status how to evidence its1-51-53 closest ESRS correspondence can I reuse data for ESRS 2s1-51-53 step-by-step preparation section what does it help me do
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