The shift towards consistent UK sustainability reporting
The UK government is exploring a new approach to sustainability reporting through the development of the UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS), which has been adopted from the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards. This development sits alongside consultations on transition planning and sustainability assurance. For SMEs, a new voluntary framework is also being developed by industry leaders, to ease the growing demand for emissions data from customers and lenders.
At Planet Mark, we see these changes as more than compliance. They represent a chance for businesses to strengthen resilience, attract investment, and gain competitive advantage.
What’s changing
- Year 1: Climate-related risks and opportunities except Scope 3 emissions
- Year 2: Climate-related risks and opportunities including Scope 3 emissions
- Year 3: Climate-related risks and opportunities, Scope 3 emissions and wider sustainability-related risks and opportunities
The government is also:
- Consulting on transition plans for financial institutions and FTSE 100s, ensuring credible pathways to net zero.
- Proposing a voluntary regime for sustainability assurance providers to build trust and reduce greenwashing risks.
- They are considering the outputs of the B4NZ SME Sustainability Taskforce, which has proposed a draft voluntary UK SME Sustainability Reporting Standard to simplify supply chain data requests and ensure consistency and fairness for SMEs.
Why it matters for business
These developments send a clear signal: credible, consistent sustainability reporting is becoming business critical.
For large organisations, early adoption can mean:
- Lower cost of capital through investor-grade reporting
- Stronger credibility with customers and supply chains
- Long-term resilience by embedding ESG into strategy
For SMEs, simplified standards will:
- Reduce the reporting burden
- Improve data quality
- Unlock access to sustainable finance and procurement opportunities
How Planet Mark helps
Our team has been actively involved in discussions and consultations with the Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, to ensure our members’ best interests are well represented. We believe the best way to stay ahead of the curve is to help shape it.
Through our Measure–Engage–Communicate model, we help businesses build reliable data systems, engage employees and suppliers, and communicate progress with confidence.
The UK SRS may be new, but Planet Mark members are already future-ready.
Want to future-proof your reporting? Get in touch.
