ISSA 5000 Update: A Major Step Forward in Sustainability Assurance
The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) is pleased to announce the publication of the International Standard on Sustainability Assurance 5000 (ISSA 5000). The full text of this landmark standard is now available on the IAASB website.
This milestone represents the culmination of years of dedicated collaboration with industry stakeholders and subject matter experts. Their invaluable input has shaped a robust framework designed to meet the growing global demand for credible sustainability assurance.
ISSA 5000 offers qualified professionals a comprehensive foundation for providing assurance across any recognized sustainability standard or reporting framework, enhancing trust and transparency in sustainability reporting worldwide.
What's Next?
Stakeholders can look forward to a series of guidance documents and application materials scheduled for release in January. These resources will support practitioners in effectively implementing ISSA 5000. Further enhancements and supplementary tools are expected throughout 2025 as the IAASB continues to expand its support for the evolving sustainability assurance landscape.
Aligning with IESBA's Sustainability Standards
The International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA), a key partner of the IAASB, is finalizing its own set of sustainability standards, which include:
- The International Ethical Standards on Sustainability Assurance (IESSA);
- Updates to the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, focusing on sustainability reporting and auditor independence;
- Amendments to the Code addressing scenarios where sustainability experts collaborate with professional accountants and assurance specialists.
The IESBA aims to approve these standards during its December board meeting.
A Unified Global Approach at its meeting in December
The alignment and interoperability between ISSA 5000, IESSA, and the IESBA’s Code of Ethics promise to create a strong, cohesive global framework for sustainability assurance. This harmonization is expected to streamline practices, enhance the credibility of sustainability reports, and provide consistent assurance across various industries and jurisdictions.
Conclusion: Meeting the Global Need for Credible Assurance
The release of ISSA 5000 marks a significant step in establishing a standardized approach to sustainability assurance. By building a reliable foundation and aligning with ethical standards, IAASB and IESBA are paving the way for a more sustainable future. As the demand for sustainability assurance grows, these efforts will play a pivotal role in bolstering trust in corporate sustainability disclosures, ultimately contributing to more informed decision-making by stakeholders worldwide.
Discover more about ISSA 5000 at IAASB website
