Bærekraftrapportering

In the future, many industries will be shaped by a number of new regulations that affect the market prospects of the company. This applies to regulations related to waste, emissions, environmental and social conditions of subcontractors and not least in the financial sector. At the same time, there will be requirements for more comprehensive reporting of non-financial information about the activities of companies.

The course provides an overview of regulatory trends that lie behind the requirements, and a review of different approaches to the preparation of non-financial information in a financial context. The course provides a thorough introduction to what sustainability and sustainable business are and the obligations that apply to the preparation and certification of sustainability reporting based on Norwegian and EU regulations. The UN Sustainable Development Goals are also included as a central element in this. Requirements for content, scope, quality and certification of sustainability reporting constitute the central content of the course.

The language of instruction is English.

None

After completing the course, the student should have the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student has:

• Advanced knowledge of corporate sustainability, sustainability reporting, and the role of businesses in addressing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues.
• Advanced knowledge of major sustainability reporting frameworks and regulatory requirements, including the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), and IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (IFRS S1 and IFRS S2).
• Advanced knowledge of the principles of double materiality and their application in sustainability reporting.
• Knowledge of environmental, social, and governance reporting requirements, including relevant ESRS standards and voluntary sustainability reporting standards for small and medium-sized enterprises (VSME).
• Knowledge of sustainability assurance, including relevant regulatory requirements, assurance principles, and practices.
• Knowledge of corporate sustainability responsibilities, business ethics, and relevant Norwegian legislation, including the Transparency Act and requirements concerning the board of directors' report.

Skills

The student can:

• Analyse and critically evaluate corporate sustainability reports using relevant reporting standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Apply the principles of double materiality to identify and assess sustainability-related impacts, risks, and opportunities.
• Interpret and apply relevant sustainability reporting requirements under CSRD, ESRS, IFRS S1, and IFRS S2.
• Assess environmental, social, and governance disclosures and evaluate their relevance, transparency, and quality.
• Analyse the relationship between sustainability reporting, corporate governance, and financial reporting.
• Evaluate sustainability assurance practices and identify key challenges related to the reliability and credibility of sustainability disclosures.

General Competence

The student can:

• Critically reflect on the role of sustainability reporting in promoting corporate accountability, transparency, and responsible business practices.
• Evaluate ethical challenges and dilemmas related to corporate sustainability, ESG disclosures, and sustainability assurance.
• Independently acquire and apply updated knowledge of sustainability reporting standards, regulatory developments, and emerging reporting practices.
• Communicate sustainability-related analyses and findings effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Collaborate effectively in groups to analyse and discuss practical sustainability reporting issues.

The main learning activities in the course are lectures, problem-solving, discussion of issues, and independent study.

The lectures will introduce and review key concepts, theories, and frameworks. They will also highlight practical applications where available, as well as observable trends and developments. Students are expected to participate in discussions, study the course literature independently, and prepare for lectures. Group study sessions are also recommended.

The teaching takes place with in-person attendance on campus. Some lectures may be delivered online.

The following coursework requirements must have been approved for the student to take the exam:

• Coursework 1: A mandatory group presentation (2-3 students) that consists of a 20 minutes presentation and 5 minutes feedback and discussion led by the lecturer.

The coursework must be completed in English.

The aim of the mandatory group presentation is to develop students' ability to critically analyse and apply sustainability reporting frameworks, standards, and regulatory requirements to practical business contexts. The coursework will strengthen students' analytical, teamwork, and communication skills and encourage critical reflection on sustainability reporting practices and challenges.

All required coursework must be completed and approved by the given deadline for the student to take the exam. If the coursework requirements have not been approved, the student will be given one opportunity to submit an improved version by a given deadline.

The exam in the course is a supervised exam of 4 hours.

The exam must be written in English.

The following aids are permitted:

• The ESRS standards (European Sustainability Reporting Standards)
• Exam mode of Lovdata Pro

Grade scale A - F

The exam papers are assessed by one internal and one external examiner.

At least 25% of the exam papers will be assessed by two examiners. The grades awarded for the papers assessed by two examiners form the basis for determining the level for all the exam papers.

Rudresh Pandey