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IFRS S1: GeneralRequirementsfor SustainabilityDisclosures

Structure transparent sustainability reporting across jurisdictions.

IFRS S1 sets out general sustainability disclosure requirements. This guide explains what IFRS S1 covers, how it differs from IFRS S2, illustrative examples, and whether the standards are mandatory in different countries.

Sustainability illustration

IFRS S1 guide:

  1. 01
    What is IFRS S1?
  2. 02
    Why IFRS S1 matters
  3. 03
    How IFRS S1 differs from IFRS S2
  4. 04
    Measurement + illustrative examples
  5. 05
    FAQs

What is IFRS S1?

IFRS S1 requires companies to disclose sustainability-related risks and opportunities that could influence enterprise value. It covers governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics & targets for all sustainability topics.

Broad
Scope

Applies to all sustainability-related matters, not just climate.

TCFD
Uses TCFD structure

Built around Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, Metrics & Targets.

🌍
Global baseline

Allows comparability across jurisdictions before local additions.

IFRS S1 pillars

 

Governance. Board and management oversight of sustainability topics.

 

Strategy. Impacts on business model, strategy, resilience, and financial planning.

 

Risk management. Processes for identifying, assessing, and managing sustainability-related risks.

 

Metrics & targets. KPIs, targets, methodologies, and progress tracking.

WHY IT MATTERS

Why IFRS S1 is critical for preparers and investors

Consistent narrative. Creates a universal structure for sustainability storytelling.

Investor confidence. Investors can compare governance, strategy, and metrics across markets.

Readiness for mandates. Jurisdictions plan to make ISSB standards mandatory; early adoption eases the transition.

Foundation for IFRS S2. Understanding S1 makes climate-specific reporting easier.

DIFFERENCES

IFRS S1 vs IFRS S2

  1. Scope. S1 covers all sustainability topics; S2 is climate-specific.
  2. Metrics. S1 does not prescribe specific metrics; S2 details climate metrics (emissions, scenario analysis).
  3. Illustrative examples. S1 examples show how to report governance, strategy, risk, and metrics for non-climate topics.
  4. Combined reporting. Companies typically present S1 general disclosures alongside S2 climate disclosures.

MEASUREMENT

Applying IFRS S1 (illustrative examples)

  1. Materiality judgement. Focus on sustainability matters that could affect enterprise value.
  2. Cross-country adoption. Check whether your jurisdiction (UK, Singapore, etc.) plans to mandate S1/S2 and adjust accordingly.
  3. Illustrative disclosures. Use IFRS S1 examples to format governance and strategy narratives.
  4. Connectivity with financials. Reference financial statement notes when sustainability issues influence performance.

Next steps for IFRS S1

 

Monitor adoption status. Track if countries like the UK, Singapore, or Australia have mandated S1/S2.

 

Pilot reporting packs. Prepare a mock IFRS S1 report before the standard becomes mandatory.

 

Align governance teams. Brief board committees and risk teams on S1 expectations.

GLOSSARY SNAPSHOT

IFRS S1 glossary snapshot

IFRS S1. General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information.

Illustrative examples. IFRS Foundation examples showing how to present disclosures.

Mandatory vs voluntary. Some jurisdictions may mandate S1/S2; others encourage voluntary adoption first.

FAQS

IFRS S1 – General Requirements for Sustainability Disclosures FAQs

Are IFRS S1 and S2 mandatory?

They become mandatory once a jurisdiction (e.g., UK, Singapore, Australia) adopts them; some markets encourage voluntary adoption first.

Which countries have adopted IFRS S1/S2?

The UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and other markets are moving toward adoption—check local regulators for timing.

What is the difference between IFRS S1 and S2?

S1 is general; S2 focuses on climate disclosures.

Where can I find IFRS S1 illustrative examples?

The IFRS Foundation publishes illustrative guidance; use it to shape your governance/strategy/risk narratives.

Drova RunSustainably centralises objectives, tasks, and approvals so sustainability disclosures stay audit-ready.

Ready to keep IFRS/ISSB reporting on track?

Learn more about Drova RunSustainably

SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING HUB

Explore related topics

IFRS sustainability standards overview

Start with the IFRS + ISSB context.

ISSB overview

Learn who sets the global sustainability disclosure standards.

IFRS S2

Climate-related disclosure requirements.

ISSB applicability

Decide if ISSB standards apply to your organisation.

ASRS overview

See how Australia localises IFRS sustainability standards.

AASB S1

Australian version of IFRS S1.