SASB convenes Industry Working Groups (IWG) that review SASB’s sustainability accounting standards, providing comments and feedback. The IWGs are formed at the Industry Group level in SICS, and are responsible for reviewing the standards of each industry within that Industry Group. The IWGs play a critical role, assisting SASB to ensure that each standard fully and accurately captures the material issues for each industry.
Membership
Industry Working Groups are composed of members with deep industry expertise and representing one of three interest groups:
Market Participants (Investors, Research Analysts, Exchanges)
Corporations
Public Interest & Intermediaries (Government, NGOs, Academics, Accountants, Auditors, Consultants)
Key Aspects of IWG Membership
Here are factors to consider when considering joining an Industry Working Group:
- Membership is free of charge
- Members convene virtually, so there are no travel related costs
- Members provide feedback (via an online, self-paced survey) on the selection of material issues and key performance indicators for their industry (a time commitment estimated to be four hours)
- Membership provides the opportunity to shape sustainability accounting standards for your industry and network with like-minded peers
- There are no ongoing responsibilities after the feedback is provided
- IWG participation is limited to three industries, no more than two industries per one sector.
- All IWG Members serve as individuals, imparting personal and professional expertise. Their participation does not in anyway imply an endorsement of SASB by their employer
Join an IWG today!
If you’d like to become an IWG Member, please fill out this form and we’ll respond to you within a month of the start date of your sector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an IWG? Industry Working Groups, also known as IWGs, are industry-specific groups of experts that provide input into the SASB sustainability Standards while they are being developed. We have grouped our 88 industries within 35 different IWGs, based on similar sustainability impacts and opportunities forinnovation.
Who can participate? IWGs will be comprised of experts with at least five years of industry experience, representing the following interest groups:
- Market participants (investors, research analysts, exchanges)
- Corporations
- Public Interest & Intermediaries (government, NGOs, academics, accountants, auditors, consultants)
How much of my time will it take? We understand that you have limited availability. Most activity will take place over a one month period. The actual time-commitment is approximately four hours of time, and because it is online, you can complete tasks on your own schedule.
What will it involve? Participating in an IWG will grant you access to SASB’s straw-man sustainability standards, specific to your industry. You will review the straw-man standards and provide written feedback via an online survey. Involvement with an IWG does not entail much writing. It is a streamlined process whereby you will (1) review the selection of material issues and (2) review proposed industry key performance indicators for your industry. You will be asked some multiple-choice questions and have an opportunity to provide comment within SASB’s communication platform. The final output of each IWG is Draft Standards for that industry.
Will it conflict with my current job or company? No. By participating in an IWG you are representing yourself and your own views (with a lens from your industry experience). Your participation does not in any way imply an endorsement of SASB by your employer. All information submitted is confidential, and results are summarized and presented collectively and anonymously. Chatham House Rules apply for discussions in the forum area of the IWG. (When a meeting is held under the Chatham House Rules, participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed.)
What if my company wishes to pilot the SASB standard? SASB encourages the members of IWGs to pilot the industry Draft Standards within their organization. Once the Draft Standards are complete for an industry, corporations are free to employ them and to provide feedback.
How much does it cost to join? Nothing! It is completely free to join an IWG and there is no cost for participation. There is no travel involved and no mandatory meetings to attend (although there are optional webinars). All interactions will occur electronically, through a web-based communication platform. All that is required is an internet connection and enthusiasm.
How do I sign-up? To get involved today, please sign-up on our website here.
How do IWGs collaborate? IWG members are invited to join a members-only LinkedIn group, in which they can discuss issues and network with their colleagues.
