Sydney, Australia—HLB Mann Judd has taken another step toward integrating the principles of sustainability and ESG into the firm’s operations with the creation of a Sustainability Steering Committee. The committee will provide stewardship for the development of internal sustainability initiatives and those for clients, as well as leading on related matters involving ESG.
SSC to lead on sustainability, ESG matters
In steering the process, the Sustainability Steering Committee is chaired by Nicholas Guest, Assurance and Advisory Partner at HLB Mann Judd Sydney, and Michelle Warren, Director of Financial and Corporate Reporting in HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association. The committee, in essence, emphasizes the development of firm sustainability culture through policy development, awareness creation, and actual actions for long-term positive impacts.
Implementation Focus on Sustainability
This SSC is going to work with internal teams across HLB Mann Judd to underpin sustainability in all the activities and dealings of the firm. These will also involve educating the staff on the risks and opportunities that sustainability presents so that while undertaking business decisions, they are well-armed and empowered to make ‘win-win-win’ decisions for the environment, society, and the organization. These initiatives by the SSC will help further root a sustainability mindset in the company and work toward a sustainable future.
Client Support in ESG Journey
Beyond internal operations, the SSC will also play a crucial role in supporting the firm’s clients on their respective ESG and sustainability journeys. The committee will provide guidance and tools to help clients navigate an increasingly complex sustainability landscape in terms of reporting and compliance. This is particularly pressing at a time when businesses, irrespective of their size, are increasingly coming under new regulations and expectations enunciated by stakeholders concerning the impact of businesses on the environment and society.
Partnership Sumday for Carbon Accounting
HLB Mann Judd will continue to support their clients in meeting their sustainability goals through a collaboration with Sumday, the category leader in GHG and carbon accounting technology. The Sumday platform affords organizations the ability to measure GHG to audit-ready standards, which is a core part of any serious sustainability strategy. This partnership shows that HLB Mann Judd keeps sticking to the ability of the clients to properly measure and reduce environmental impact.
The Role of Accountants in Sustainability
The establishment of the SSC manifests an increased role for accountants in sustainability. With increased focus on ESG factors by businesses, accountants are better placed to contribute to such initiatives through the provision of relevant finance and compliance expertise. HLB Mann Judd acknowledges this and has actually started preparing its professionals with knowledge and tools to help clients navigate the complexities of sustainability reporting.
Into the Future
“Establishing the SSC and collaborating with Sumday is just the start of an improved emphasis toward sustainability and ESG by HLB Mann Judd. The firm is committed to creating a long-term positive impact on the environment, people, and the communities in which it operates. To that end, the SSC will continue to develop and work for strategies that embody global sustainability standards and best practices.
Establishing a Sustainability Steering Committee, HLB Mann Judd has taken the critical first steps toward the internal and client service-based incorporation of sustainability. With Sumday, educating its team and clients, this accounting firm will be moved into a leadership position within their industry for the environment and social movement. This is in line with the commitment by HLB Mann Judd toward driving positive change for a sustainable future.
Source: HLB Mann Judd