Navigating the Green Path: Key Recommendations for Implementing Public Sector Sustainability Reporting

Navigating the Green Path: Key Recommendations for Implementing Public Sector Sustainability Reporting

In recent months, we have discussed with colleagues and stakeholders the increasing demand and feasibility of implementing Sustainability Reporting (SR) in the public sector. While some countries have long produced sustainability reports, especially in the private sector, others still struggle with basic financial reporting. Implementing SR in the public sector will require a clear plan, commitment, and resources, Otherwise, progress could take years or even decades.

Despite these challenges, SR is increasingly recognized as a necessary aspect of transparent and accountable governance, particularly as the effects of climate change attract heightened attention. SR standards are becoming indispensable for the public sector.

According to the World Bank's recent Public Sector Accounting and Reporting (PULSAR) Program'sknowledge product, "Sustainability Reporting: Implications for Public Sector and the Next Steps", developed with the Korean Institute of Public Finance (KIPF) and Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), implementing SR can strengthen governance, enhance accountability, and support informed decision-making in the public sector. SR helps governments identify climate-related risks and opportunities, understand climate change impacts on public finances and service delivery, and monitor progress on environmental objectives. However, the lack of standardized public sector reporting frameworks has impeded progress in this area.

To address this gap, the International Public Sector Accounting Standard Board (IPSASB), with support from the World Bank, is developing its first sustainability reporting standard (SRS) on climate-related disclosures. The IPSASB SRS Exposure Draft 1, Climate-related Disclosureswas published on October 31, 2024 and was open for public comment through February, 2025.

The main objective of the IPSAS SRS ED 1 is to guide public sector entities in disclosing climate-related risks and opportunities linked to their operations and policy outcomes. Its application aims to: (i) measure and monitor climate policies and programs; (ii) identify climate risks and opportunities; and (iii) manage climate concerns at the public sector entity level.

IPSASB received 96 formal responses to the above-mentioned technical consultation. In response, the Board has decided to split ED 1 into two phases to address the complexity of different reporting perspectives within a single standard. Phase 1, Own Operations, will address how public sector entities disclose climate-related risks and opportunities associated with their own operations. Phase 2, Public Policy Programs, will focus on public sector entities responsible for delivering climate-related public policy programs and their outcomes.

What will it take to successfully implement these standards in each jurisdiction? Four key recommendations should be highlighted:

First, it is important to review the lessons learned from the implementation of public sector accounting and IPSAS reforms. The implementation of SR could be viewed as an extension of accounting and financial reporting by integrating non-financial information into the existing financial reporting framework.

Second, create and implement a roadmap with three phases: preparation, transition, and utilization. The preparation phase covers strategic decisions about adopting SR in the public sector; the transition phase focuses on implementing SR requirements; and the utilization phase ensures full integration of SR across public sector entities.

Third, ensure adequate time for government organizations and stakeholders to integrate and accept new practices and standards, while avoiding overlapping PFM reforms, which can reduce support and confidence in the reform process.

Finally, it is essential to conduct a thorough assessment of the direct and indirect impact of SR in a particular jurisdiction during the implementation phase.

To conclude, sustainability reporting is becoming standard in the public sector, and it is a matter of time before more countries choose to adopt it. We hope that the recommendations in this article will assist public sector practitioners in comprehending the implications of SR and guide them through the implementation process.

RECENT