The Warsaw Stock Exchange in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has published the ESG reporting Guidelines, an ESG reporting manual for listed issuers which structures and organises relevant guidelines and recommendations. Effective management of environmental, social and governance factors has been gaining prominence over the years under growing pressure of the environment including evolving expectations of investors and the financial industry, legislative amendments and rising awareness of the general public. Other key drivers include new business opportunities, such as growing demand for sustainable products and services, the aspiration of businesses to be an attractive employer, as well as changing customer behaviour.

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The ESG reporting Guidelines for GPW Listed Companies have been prepared in line with national and European Union regulations, including the Accountancy Act implementing the Non-Financial Reporting Directive and the Directive itself (NFRD/CSRD), the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) and the EU Taxonomy Regulation at EU level, as well as the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) at the global level. The Guidelines are also based on the top corporate governance standards defined in the Best Practice for GPW Listed Companies 2021.

From the international perspective, the Guidelines will strengthen the position of the Polish capital market and investor interest in companies listed on GPW. Investors need to know how well companies are prepared to manage ESG factors, which may become a precondition of access to capital. Improved quality of ESG reporting will support economic transition in line with the sustainable development goals.

The ESG reporting Guidelines for GPW Listed Companies explain why ESG disclosures are important, what they really are, and how to start reporting. However, reporting is a complex process as there is no one-size-fits-all approach. With a view to stakeholders’ needs, companies need to find solutions that best fit their business models and business segments. The Guidelines describe the process step by step from a practical perspective.

In view of the growing importance of non-financial reporting, GPW is planning to offer a range of information initiatives addressed to issuers, including webinars and training rounds.

Źródło: Giełda Papierów Wartościowych w Warszawie