The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has released two exposure drafts proposing significant amendments to the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Standards and updates to the Industry-based Guidance on Implementing IFRS S2. The move is aimed at improving alignment and interoperability across sustainability reporting frameworks and strengthening the decision-usefulness of disclosures for investors.
The proposals focus on three key areas:
- A comprehensive review of nine high-priority industries, including all eight in the Extractives & Minerals Processing sector and the Processed Foods industry;
- Metric alignment across an additional 41 industries, targeting topics such as Water Management and Workforce Health & Safety;
- Updates to IFRS S2 Industry Guidance to reflect revised SASB content in the prioritised sectors and 37 of the 41 industries receiving metric updates.
These amendments form part of the ISSB’s 2024–2026 work plan and are intended to support companies applying IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (IFRS S1 and IFRS S2) as well as those using SASB Standards voluntarily. According to the Board, this is the first comprehensive opportunity for global stakeholders to assess and provide feedback on the cost-effectiveness and relevance of the SASB Standards.
ISSB Vice-Chair Sue Lloyd stated: “SASB Standards are widely used voluntarily and are an important source of industry-based guidance for those using the ISSB Standards. This comprehensive review for nine industries further aligns the language and concepts in the SASB Standards with the ISSB Standards. For our stakeholders, this is the first noteworthy opportunity to weigh in comprehensively on the content of the SASB Standards in the context of the ISSB Standards.”
The exposure drafts are open for public comment until 30 November 2025, with the ISSB planning to finalise and issue the enhancements in 2026, following a detailed review of stakeholder feedback. The consultation process includes an online survey that allows stakeholders to comment on all proposals or select specific areas of interest. Supplementary materials, including a clean version of the proposed changes, are also available to ease review.
The ISSB also confirmed that, before the end of 2025, exposure drafts for three additional SASB Standards—Electric Utilities & Power Generators and two from the Food & Beverage sector—will be published. Further sectors may be prioritised later this year.
The proposed changes reflect extensive stakeholder engagement and collaboration with organisations such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), EFRAG, and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). Special focus has been placed on enhancing global interoperability and ensuring international applicability.
