ESG Reporting Standards: GRI, SASB, TCFD, and ESRS Compared
With multiple ESG reporting frameworks available, choosing the right standard for your organization can be challenging. Understanding the differences between GRI, SASB, TCFD, and ESRS is essential for effective sustainability reporting.
Framework Comparison
GRI (Global Reporting Initiative)
Focus: Stakeholder-focused, impact materiality
Scope: Global, comprehensive ESG coverage
Best For: Organizations reporting to broad stakeholder groups
Key Features:
- Rigorous, prescriptive standards covering full ESG report
- Outward-facing: focuses on company impacts on society
- Universal Standards plus topic-specific standards
- Most widely used framework globally
SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board)
Focus: Financial materiality for investors
Scope: 77 industry-specific standards
Best For: Investor-focused reporting, especially in US
Key Features:
- Industry-specific metrics tailored to sector risks
- Focus on financially material ESG issues
- Designed for integration into financial filings
- Now part of IFRS Foundation (merged with ISSB)
TCFD (Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures)
Focus: Climate-related financial risks
Scope: Climate change impacts and opportunities
Best For: Climate risk disclosure and scenario analysis
Key Features:
- Four pillars: Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, Metrics & Targets
- Voluntary framework (though increasingly required)
- Framework disbanded in 2023; monitoring transferred to IFRS
- Widely adopted and integrated into other standards
ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards)
Focus: Double materiality (financial + impact)
Scope: Mandatory for companies under CSRD
Best For: EU companies or those with EU operations
Key Features:
- Mandatory legal requirement (not voluntary)
- Comprehensive: Environmental, Social, Governance standards
- Double materiality assessment required
- Most demanding framework currently in force
Choosing the Right Framework
Multi-Framework Approach
Many companies use multiple frameworks:
- GRI + SASB: Satisfy both stakeholders and investors
- TCFD + SASB: Comprehensive climate and financial materiality
- ESRS (mandatory) + GRI: Meet EU requirements plus global standards
Convergence and the ISSB
The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) is working toward global baseline standards, building on TCFD and SASB. This aims to reduce reporting burden while meeting diverse stakeholder needs.
Sources: EcoActive | TechTarget | Novisto
Need Expert Help with ESG Reporting?
Navigating multiple ESG reporting frameworks requires specialized expertise. Connect with experienced ESG consultants who can help you choose the right standards and implement effective sustainability reporting systems.
Find ESG Reporting ExpertsRelated Resources
Explore specific frameworks in detail:
- CSRD Compliance - Deep dive into mandatory ESRS reporting requirements
- Climate Risk Disclosure - Master TCFD framework implementation
- Double Materiality - Understand the key difference in ESRS approach
- ESG Software Platforms - Find tools supporting multi-framework reporting