services
ESG - Consulting and Communication
“We provide advisory services on sustainability reporting (preparation of ESG reports) in accordance with the CSRD directive guidelines and communication during their development – within the company and in their public disclosure to all stakeholders. Additionally, we plan and manage the stakeholder dialogue process following the highest standards of AA1000 and ESRS,” – Magdalena Dembińska, ESG Director at Icon Strategies, who previously spent nearly 20 years with PwC, Tauron, and Deloitte specialising in sustainability and ESG.
Challenging Regulations and Significant Reputational Opportunities
In the coming years, approximately 50,000 companies across the EU will be subject to mandatory sustainability reporting.
The largest entities have already begun reporting in 2024, while other large undertakings and listed SMEs will join them in 2028, making use of the deferral provided for in the regulations.
The performance of organisations presented in ESG reports will determine the potential for cooperation with clients, who, by caring for their own ESG performance, will emphasise the selection of quality partners in this area. For listed companies, the level of ESG maturity determines or will determine investor interest.
Importantly, an audit of ESG disclosure by a certified auditor will be mandatory, similar to financial statements.
Therefore, ESG reporting involves many opportunities, but also risks. At Icon Strategies, we help organisations minimise the risks associated with ESG reporting and maximise the benefits.
Top-tier Advisors
The ESG practice at Icon Strategies is led by Magdalena Dembińska, who over the past 20 years has been one of the key experts in sustainability and ESG at consulting firms PwC and Deloitte. She has worked on preparing ESG reports for large Polish and international companies such as inPost, Innova Capital, Tauron Polska Energia, ING Bank Śląski, PGNiG, Lajkonik, and Vattenfall.
Icon Strategies' ESG Services
- Consulting in the double materiality analysis process
- Substantive consulting at every stage of ESG report creation
- Support for the management board and the team responsible for preparing the ESG report in carrying out the process and its internal communication, including organising workshops with representatives of departments – providers of information for the report
- Editing, graphic design, and presentation platform for the ESG report
- Communication plan for the report results within the organisation
- Communication strategies for report results with contractors, whose cooperation depends on the results obtained in the report, and with other contractors
- Communication strategy for the report to all stakeholders at the time of its publication and communication plans for its key information to specific stakeholder groups and in the author’s own channels.
Stakeholder Dialogue According to AA1000 and ESRS Standards
ESG communication, including reporting, requires effective stakeholder engagement. On the one hand, this is a requirement of the new regulation, and on the other, enhancing two-way communication is beneficial for building company value and trust.
We support effective dialogue with key stakeholder groups, whether for the needs of the report, strategy development, specific investments, maintaining production facilities, or strengthening cooperation with local communities. We operate according to the AA1000 standard and ESRS guidelines, ensuring a professional approach in line with best practices.
Icon Strategies' Stakeholder Dialogue Services
- Stakeholder Identification: We assist organisations in identifying key stakeholders whose opinions and expectations are essential for creating a comprehensive ESG report.
- Organisation of Consultations and Dialogue: We conduct workshops, meetings, and consultations with stakeholders, allowing for the collection of valuable feedback that impacts the quality of the ESG report.
- Monitoring and Reporting: We support companies in monitoring progress and reporting the results of stakeholder dialogue, which is crucial for transparency and trust-building.