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Knowledge centre

Sustainability

Discover how demonstrating your sustainability credentials could present opportunities for your firm.

 

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What is sustainability?

Sustainability refers to a business's ability to meet its current needs without compromising the needs of future generations. To achieve this, a firm’s practices can be assessed against the three core pillars of sustainability: Environmental, Social, and Governance, or ESG for short, to measure the sustainability and social impact of these. These three core pillars cover a range of areas, including environmental impact, employment practices, and accounting practices. Sustainability considerations have become increasingly important for investors in looking to align their investments with their core values.

  • Environmental focuses on how companies address environmental issues, such as carbon emissions, energy efficiency and waste management.
  • Social examines how businesses manage relationships with employees, suppliers, customers and the communities they serve.
  • Governance evaluates corporate leadership, internal controls, transparency and ethical practices.

Embracing the sustainability principle, through consideration of the 3 core pillars, goes beyond meeting compliance requirements; it’s about building a firm that thrives in a changing world while making a positive impact.

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How can sustainability help accountants?

Adopting a sustainability framework provides numerous benefits for accountancy businesses, their clients and stakeholders.

A strong sustainability strategy positions businesses as leaders in innovation and responsibility, appealing to modern markets whilst driving-long term resilience.

 

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Attracting and retaining clients

Sustainability has become an important consideration for many companies and organisations. Offering expertise in this area can be a competitive advantage.

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Growing revenue streams

The demand for sustainability services is increasing as more companies and organisations recognise the importance of integrating sustainability into their operations and reporting.

 

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Enhancing firm reputation

Being seen as a leader in sustainability can enhance your reputation among clients, peers, and the wider community. This can lead to increased visibility and growth opportunities.

 

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Steamline processes

Integrating sustainability into the running of your practice can help with operational efficiency. Initiatives such as energy efficiency and waste reduction can save costs.

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Regulatory requirements

Governments and industry bodies are introducing sustainability-related regulations to drive responsible business practices and improve transparency in reporting.

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Futureproofing

Sustainability practices prepare businesses to navigate future challenges and evolving regulatory landscapes. A strong commitment appeals to top talent seeking purposeful careers.

Sustainability Products

NEW

Sustainability Assurance Manual (International)

Our Manual Package provides programmes, documents, and guidance for assurance engagements under ISSA 5000 and IESSA (including International Independence Standards).

 

 

Coming Soon

Sustainability Assurance Manual (EU/ROI)

Our Sustainability Assurance Manual provides you with all the programmes, documents and guidance needed to undertake a sustainability assurance engagement

 

Coming Soon

Sustainability Assurance Manual (UK)

Our Sustainability Assurance Manual provides you with all the programmes, documents and guidance needed to undertake a sustainability assurance engagement

 

Training

Getting Started with ESG

In this one-hour webinar, you will gain an introductory understanding of ESG from an accounting and tax perspective in the UK.

 

 

Training

Sustainability Reporting - An Update

Gain a better understand the implications of recent changes in ESG legislation and practices from an accounting and assurance perspective in the UK.

 

 

Training

ESG - An Introduction to Tax Issues

An overview of the main UK tax legislation and reporting requirements from an Environmental, Social and Governance perspective.

 

 

Training

Bespoke ESG Training

JOur team of ESG experts can tailor a session to meet your firms requirements, our in-house training can be booked as a one-off course or a structured programme of courses to fit your needs.

 

 

Our Sustainability Experts

Ross Haydock
Technical Consultant
Ross is one of Mercia's technical consultants, he performs file reviews and has contributed extensively towards the creation of sustainability manuals and methodologies. He has over 20 years of experience in auditing and a passion for sustainability assurance, holding a Fundamentals of Sustainability Accounting (SASB Level II) qualification. Follow Ross on LinkedIn for the latest updates and insights into the dynamic world of ESG.
Ross Haydock
Jo Gregory
A&A and Compliance Senior Manager
Jo Gregory
Gemma Archer
A&A and Compliance Senior Manager
Gemma Archer
Melinda Maupeu
Technical Consultant
Melinda Maupeu

 

International Accounting Awards 2025

ESG/Sustainability Initiative of the Year (Vendor)

Mercia is the proud winner of the ‘ESG/Sustainability Initiative of the Year’ in recognition of our groundbreaking Sustainability Assurance Manual (International).

 

 

Related Sustainability Articles

 

Governance

UK Sustainability Reporting Standards Consultation

The government has commenced a consultation process around the proposed adoption of a UK Sustainability Reporting Regulation (UK SRS), seeking the views of stakeholders.

 

 

 

Sustainability

Mercia wins ESG/Sustainability Award

We were very proud to walk away from the International Accounting Awards 2025 as award winners.

 

 

 

Governance

FRC consultation on ISSA 5000 - Sustainability assurance (UK)

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has announced its consultation on a proposed UK version of the International Standard on Sustainability Assurance 5000.

 

 

 

 

Governance

UK Sustainability Reporting relevant to companies of all sizes

Companies of all sizes must consider sustainability requirements in their financial reports even if they haven’t yet been mandated to do so.

 

 

 

 

Governance

FRC recommendations for the sustainability assurance market

FRC has recently conducted an in-depth market study on sustainability reporting and assurance, this article reviews the key findings

 

 

 

 

Governance

Signed, Sealed, Delivered - ISSA 5000 Receives Certification

Understand how IAASB approval of ISSA 5000 impacts global practitioners who will provide assurance services in this growing market.

 

Governance

FRC publishes findings on the UK sustainability assurance market

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has recently published initial feedback on its market study into assurance of sustainability reporting to give insight on this market in the UK.

Governance

The introduction of ISSA 5000

The International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) announced the approval of International Standard on Sustainability Assurance 5000 (ISSA 5000) on 20 September.

Governance

Effect of EU sustainability rules on UK companies - be prepared

Work on new sustainability legislation and potential reporting requirements for the UK can now begin, following the appointment of Sustainability Technical Advisory committee Chair.

Our Approach to Sustainability

Sustainability is at the heart of how we work. We focus on four key pillars; cultural positivity, customer empowerment, proactive assurance, and environmental responsibility.

Discover how Mercia and Wilmington plc use these key pillars to guide our decisions and refect our values to help build a better future through responsible business practices.