In this podcast, host Heather Horn sits down with Emily Kirsch, a director in PwC's sustainability practice, to discuss how companies are approaching the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) implementation process. The clock is ticking as companies navigate the various phases of the process, including scoping, the double materiality assessment, the gap assessment, and remediation.

In this episode, we discuss:

• 2:08  – CSRD implementation process overview and where companies are in the journey
• 2:41 – The importance of scoping and weighing the options for various reporting approaches
• 3:50 – How the double materiality assessment drives reporting requirements
• 5:08 – Key cross-functional workstreams needed and required upskilling
• 7:32 – Applying an integrated approach across multiple ESG frameworks
• 9:16 – Pitfalls and best practices of the double materiality assessment
• 14:50 – Identifying gaps and addressing them as part of the remediation process
• 18:12 – Assessing the timeline for mandatory and voluntary reporting
• 22:13 – Difficulty in collecting data, including the availability of data at a disaggregated level
• 23:56 – A narrow lead time requiring consistent communication company wide
• 26:17 – Common challenges companies are experiencing during CSRD implementation
• 35:25 – Keys to successes throughout the CSRD implementation process

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Emily Kirsch is a director in PwC's sustainability practice focused on sustainability reporting and standard setting in the EU. She advises both public and private companies in navigating complex emerging sustainability reporting requirements and implementing new reporting regulations during periods of change in an organization.

Heather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability & Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC’s global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting. She is also the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series.

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