ESG and Sustainability
Sustainability and climate reporting, assurance and ratings support, with the rigour of financial reporting.
Investors, lenders, customers, regulators and funders increasingly rely on sustainability information. We bring the discipline of financial reporting to it: clear boundaries, documented methods, controlled data and evidence that stands up to assurance.
ESG Reporting
Credible sustainability reporting, from materiality and emissions data through to a published report your stakeholders can rely on.
View detailsClimate Reporting (ASRS)
Prepare for mandatory climate-related financial disclosures under AASB S2, Australia's standard based on IFRS S2.
View detailsESG Assurance & Verification
Independent assurance and verification that gives stakeholders confidence in your sustainability information and claims.
View detailsESG Ratings
Independent ESG, sustainability and carbon ratings through SYNE Ratings, with support to prepare, respond and improve your score.
View detailsHow We Work
A clear, consistent process from first conversation to ongoing support.
View detailsThe SYNE Advantage
Industry-experienced professionals, fixed fees and connected platforms.
View details
ESG Reporting
Credible sustainability reporting, from materiality and emissions data through to a published report your stakeholders can rely on.
Investors, lenders, customers, employees and funders increasingly expect organisations to report on environmental, social and governance performance. Reports are only credible when the data behind them is complete and well controlled.
We bring the discipline of financial reporting to sustainability information: clear boundaries, documented methods and evidence that would stand up to assurance.
What's Included
Materiality Assessment
Identify the sustainability topics that matter most to your organisation and stakeholders.
Sustainability Reports
Voluntary reports aligned with recognised frameworks such as the GRI Standards and IFRS S1 and S2.
Greenhouse Gas Inventory
Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions measured using the GHG Protocol and, where relevant, NGER methods.
Modern Slavery Statements
Statements for entities with annual consolidated revenue of $100 million or more, and voluntary reporters.
ESG Data and Controls
Data collection processes, KPIs and controls so figures are consistent year to year.
Impact Reporting
Outcome and impact reporting for not-for-profits, social enterprises and funders.
Climate Reporting (ASRS)
Prepare for mandatory climate-related financial disclosures under AASB S2, Australia's standard based on IFRS S2.
Australia now requires large companies and other entities that report under Chapter 2M of the Corporations Act to include climate-related financial disclosures in a sustainability report within their annual report. The requirements are phased in over three groups, with Group 2 entities reporting for financial years beginning on or after 1 July 2026.
The disclosures are set out in the Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards (ASRS). AASB S2 Climate-related Disclosures is mandatory for reporting entities and is based on IFRS S2, with some Australian modifications. AASB S1, based on IFRS S1, is available for voluntary reporting on broader sustainability matters.
We help you confirm whether and when you need to report, close the gaps, and produce disclosures that are ready for assurance by your auditor.
What's Included
Applicability Assessment
Confirm which group you fall into, when your first report is due and what it must contain.
Readiness and Gap Analysis
Compare current processes and data with AASB S2 and build a practical roadmap.
Governance
Board and management oversight of climate risks, roles and reporting lines.
Risks and Opportunities
Identify climate-related risks and opportunities and their financial effects.
Scenario Analysis
Climate resilience analysis using the scenarios the legislation requires.
Emissions and Metrics
Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions, targets and industry metrics.
Sustainability Report Drafting
Climate statements and notes, prepared alongside your financial report.
Assurance Readiness
A pre-assurance review so evidence and controls are ready for your auditor.
Who Must Report, and When
An entity that reports under Chapter 2M of the Corporations Act generally falls into a group if it meets at least two of the three size criteria for that group, or meets one of the other tests shown.
| Group | First reporting period | Size criteria (two of three) | Other entities included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group 1 | Financial years beginning on or after 1 January 2025 | Consolidated revenue $500 million or more; gross assets $1 billion or more; 500 or more employees | NGER reporters above the publication threshold |
| Group 2 | Financial years beginning on or after 1 July 2026 | Consolidated revenue $200 million or more; gross assets $500 million or more; 250 or more employees | Other NGER reporters; asset owners with $5 billion or more in assets |
| Group 3 | Financial years beginning on or after 1 July 2027 | Consolidated revenue $50 million or more; gross assets $25 million or more; 100 or more employees | Disclosures are required only where the entity has material climate-related risks or opportunities |
This is a summary only. Confirm your position with your auditor and legal adviser. Registered charities that report to the ACNC rather than under Chapter 2M are generally outside these requirements.
How IFRS S1 and S2 Relate to the ASRS
The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) issued IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 as a global baseline for sustainability disclosures. Australia adopted them through the AASB as AASB S1 and AASB S2, with modifications for the Australian context. AASB S2 is mandatory for reporting entities, while AASB S1 is voluntary.
If you have overseas investors or group companies in other countries adopting ISSB-based standards, we can help you align your reporting across jurisdictions, including through SYNE practices in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Canada and India.
ESG Assurance & Verification
Independent assurance and verification that gives stakeholders confidence in your sustainability information and claims.
As sustainability information is used by investors, lenders, customers and regulators, it needs the same level of scrutiny as financial information. Independent assurance tests that your data and claims are supported by evidence.
We apply the Australian assurance standards for sustainability information, with a team that understands both the financial and non-financial data behind your report.
What's Included
Sustainability Report Assurance
Limited or reasonable assurance over voluntary sustainability reports and selected ESG metrics.
Greenhouse Gas Verification
Independent verification of Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas statements.
Assurance Readiness Reviews
A dry run before mandatory ASRS assurance, identifying evidence and control gaps.
Environmental Claims Review
Testing environmental and sustainability claims against evidence and ACCC guidance, to reduce greenwashing risk.
Sustainability-Linked Finance
Verification of KPIs and targets tied to sustainability-linked loans.
Supplier Data Verification
Checks of ESG data supplied to customers, certifiers and ratings assessments.
Limited or reasonable assurance?
- Limited Assurance
- Based mainly on enquiry and analysis. The conclusion states whether anything has come to our attention suggesting the information is materially misstated. Lower cost, and a common starting point.
- Reasonable Assurance
- Involves detailed testing of data and controls, similar to a financial statement audit. The conclusion is a positive opinion that the information is fairly presented.
Mandatory assurance over a sustainability report prepared under the Corporations Act must be performed by the auditor of your financial report. Where we are not your financial auditor, we can provide readiness reviews and assurance over voluntary disclosures.
ESG Ratings
Independent ESG, sustainability and carbon ratings through SYNE Ratings, with support to prepare, respond and improve your score.
Ratings and customer questionnaires now influence who wins tenders, who receives finance and how investors view a company. SYNE Ratings provides independent ESG, sustainability and carbon ratings, governed at arm's length from the SYNE platform.
We help you prepare accurate, evidence-based information, understand why you scored as you did, and build a plan to improve. Your rating itself is issued independently by SYNE Ratings.
What's Included
SYNE Ratings Assessment
Independent ESG, sustainability and carbon ratings, built on verified data.
Rating Readiness
A gap analysis against the rating criteria before you are assessed.
Customer Questionnaires
Consistent, evidence-based answers to supplier ESG questionnaires and tender criteria.
Supplier Ratings
Independent supplier scores that give buyers a third-party check on ESG performance.
Benchmarking
Comparison with sector and country peers, and the criteria that most affect your score.
Policies and Improvement Plan
Environmental, ethical sourcing and other policies, and a prioritised roadmap.
Who We Work With
The clients we support with ESG and sustainability.
Growing and Mid-Sized Companies
Preparing for mandatory climate reporting or responding to investor and lender expectations.
Small Business
Suppliers asked by larger customers for emissions and ESG information.
Not-for-Profits
Impact reporting for funders, donors and members.
Group 1, 2 and 3 Entities
Companies, registered schemes and other Chapter 2M reporters that meet the size thresholds.
Suppliers to Reporting Entities
Businesses asked to provide emissions data that their customers need for Scope 3 reporting.
Entities Reporting Voluntarily
Organisations adopting AASB S1 and S2 or IFRS S1 and S2 for investors or overseas stakeholders.
Reporting Entities
Companies preparing for mandatory climate disclosures who want a readiness review.
Voluntary Reporters
Organisations seeking independent assurance over published ESG reports and targets.
Borrowers and Suppliers
Businesses with sustainability-linked loans or customer verification requirements.
How We Work
A clear, consistent process from first conversation to ongoing support.
- 01
Scope
We confirm your reporting drivers, obligations and audience.
- 02
Assess
A materiality assessment and gap analysis identify what to report and what is missing.
- 03
Measure
Data is collected, calculated and documented, including your emissions inventory.
- 04
Report and Assure
We prepare disclosures and get them ready for assurance.
The SYNE Advantage
Why Organisations Choose SYNE for ESG and Sustainability
Industry-experienced professionals, connected platforms and a process built around you.
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Industry-Experienced Professionals
Specialists with 25 years of industry experience, who understand how organisations like yours operate.
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One Accountable Team
A named lead coordinates every service you use, so nothing falls between providers.
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Fixed, Written Fees
A clear scope and price agreed before work begins. No hourly billing surprises.
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Reviewed Twice
Every piece of work is checked by a second professional before it reaches you.
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Connected SYNE Platforms
Your data flows between SYNE One, SYNE People and SYNE Sustainability, so figures always agree.
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Year-Round Support
Regular reviews, deadline reminders and a direct line to your adviser, not just at year-end.
Frequently Asked Questions
We are a small business. Why would we report on ESG?
Larger companies now need emissions and supply chain information from their suppliers, and tenders increasingly include ESG criteria. Being able to provide reliable data can win and keep customers.
What are Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions?
Scope 1 is direct emissions from sources you own or control, such as vehicles. Scope 2 is from purchased electricity. Scope 3 covers other indirect emissions in your value chain, such as purchased goods, travel and the use of your products.
Who provides assurance over the sustainability report?
Under the legislation, assurance is provided by the auditor of the entity's financial report. Assurance is phased in, starting with limited assurance over selected disclosures and moving to reasonable assurance over the full climate statements for financial years beginning on or after 1 July 2030. We provide readiness support, and assurance where we are your appointed auditor.
We are below the thresholds. Does this affect us?
Possibly. Reporting entities must disclose Scope 3 emissions from their second reporting year, so they will ask suppliers for data. Lenders and investors may also ask for climate information.
Which standards do you apply?
We apply the Australian assurance standards issued by the AUASB for sustainability and greenhouse gas information, which are aligned with international standards.
Can you assure information you helped prepare?
No. Independence rules prevent us from providing assurance over information we prepared. If we help you report, a separate assurance provider must be used.
Who issues the rating?
SYNE Ratings issues ratings independently, governed at arm's length from the SYNE platform and from our advisory team. We help you prepare; we do not decide your rating.
How long does a rating take?
A first assessment typically takes several weeks of data gathering. Later years are faster once your data is held in SYNE Sustainability.
Free consultation
Speak with an Adviser
Talk to our ESG and sustainability team. Book a complimentary 20-minute consultation and we respond within one business day.
- No obligation and no sales script
- A fixed, written quote within two business days
- Qualified professionals who stay with you all year