Sustainability reporting educational modules 1 to 8

ASIC, in partnership with the Australian Accounting Standards Board, the University of Technology Sydney and Studio 3 Learning, has published an eight module educational series to help preparers understand the foundational concepts behind the mandatory climate and sustainability reporting requirements in the Corporations Act 2001. PDF versions of all eight modules were released progressively, with the first three modules also released as self paced e-learning modules.

The modules cover introductory content including the basics of the sustainability reporting requirements, climate change fundamentals, climate related physical and transition risks, emissions accounting, scenario analysis, and governance and risk management, with the final module addressing how entities might integrate climate related governance and risk management processes supported by practical case study examples. The materials are primarily aimed at entities not yet subject to the reporting requirements, commencing sustainability reporting for financial years beginning on or after 1 July 2026, but ASIC has said they are suitable for any report preparer, adviser, accountant, auditor, director or other stakeholder in the climate reporting ecosystem.

ASIC has been clear that the educational modules do not replace Regulatory Guide 280 Sustainability reporting or the underlying law and standards, and are intended to support understanding of foundational concepts rather than serve as a complete compliance guide. ASIC has separately published observations from its review of sustainability reports lodged by Group 1 entities, noting that quality, quantity and consistency of climate related disclosure has improved since the requirements were introduced, while identifying areas such as linking sustainability report content to the financial report and providing quantitative information on financial effects where possible.