ESG Reporting Frameworks Compared: GRI, SASB, TCFD, and ISSB

Navigating the landscape of ESG reporting frameworks can be overwhelming. This guide compares the major standards—GRI, SASB, TCFD, and ISSB—helping you choose the right approach for your organization.

The ESG Reporting Landscape

Multiple ESG reporting frameworks have emerged over the past two decades, each with distinct focus, methodology, and audience. This proliferation created confusion and reporting burden, prompting consolidation efforts.

Understanding framework differences helps organizations select appropriate standards and communicate effectively with stakeholders. The landscape is evolving toward greater harmonization, particularly through the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)

GRI is the most widely adopted sustainability reporting framework globally, focusing on impact materiality—how organizations affect the economy, environment, and society. GRI Standards use a modular structure: Universal Standards apply to all organizations, while Topic Standards address specific issues.

The framework emphasizes multi-stakeholder reporting, serving investors, employees, communities, regulators, and civil society. GRI's strength lies in comprehensive coverage of sustainability topics and flexibility for diverse organizations.

SASB and ISSB Standards

SASB focuses on financially material sustainability information for investors, using industry-specific standards covering 77 industries. Each standard identifies 3-8 material sustainability topics and associated metrics, ensuring relevance to financial performance.

The ISSB, established in 2021, aims to create a global baseline for sustainability disclosure. IFRS S1 and S2 were issued in June 2023, building on TCFD, SASB, and other existing frameworks to create an integrated approach.

Choosing the Right Framework

Framework selection depends on stakeholder priorities, regulatory requirements, industry norms, and organizational capacity. Many organizations use multiple frameworks to serve different audiences.

A common approach combines GRI (for comprehensive stakeholder reporting) with SASB or ISSB (for investor-focused disclosure). Companies should consider regulatory trends in their jurisdictions and leverage framework interoperability to reduce duplication.