Nasdaq has released its new global environmental, social and governance (ESG) reporting guide which it believes will support public and private companies. The 2019 ESG Reporting Guide includes third-party reporting methodologies adopted by the industry and Nasdaq intends it to help companies navigate the evolving standards on ESG data disclosure.

The global version of the ESG Reporting Guide is based on three developments:

• Reporting frameworks developed by the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and others;
• Guidance and best practices provide by the World Federation of Exchanges; and
• The results of Nasdaq’s year-long ESG reporting pilot program

The Guide is not intended to compete with, supersede, or supplement any existing ESG reporting framework.  Nasdaq intends for the guide to act as an informal reference guide for companies looking to leverage ESG reporting as a way to improve operations, enhance strategy, broaden risk oversight, or engage with new investors.