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Thought Leadership, Research & CPA Spotlights

International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Sustainability Standards

IFRS Sustainability Standards issued by the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB):

These standards form a global baseline for businesses to use in their sustainability reporting.

Who’s impacted?

Local jurisdictional authorities will decide as to if and when these standards are adopted. Refer to “What do Canadian CPAs need to know” below for Canadian implications.

The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), which represents 95% of the world’s securities markets, endorsed the IFRS Sustainability Standards, encouraging its member commissions to adopt the standards in their respective jurisdictions.

What’s the latest?

  • On December 11, 2025, the ISSB issued targeted amendments to IFRS 2 related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, based on feedback received during consultation.  These amendments will be effective for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2027.
  • On the same day, the ISSB also released consequential amendments to align emissions metrics in three industry-specific SASB Standards with the corresponding amended requirements in IFRS S2.

What do Canadian CPAs need to know?

The IFRS Sustainability Standards issued by the ISSB are not mandatory in Canada.

However, in December 2024, the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB) issued its inaugural Canadian Sustainability Disclosure Standards (CSDS), based on the IFRS Sustainability Standards. To learn more about the CSDS, visit the CSDS page.

Where can I learn more?

For more information, please refer to our At a Glance: Sustainability Reporting Standards and Regulations and related FAQs.

You can also refer to the ISSB website for: