Discover why experience is crucial in identifying climate risks and opportunities. Learn how partnering with specialised advisors like Edge Impact ensures compliance and strategic value in your climate disclosure and reporting journey.

The top 5 reasons why experience matters when identifying climate risks and opportunities

Written by 
Max Van Biene, Global Head of Client Impact

The introduction of the Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards has sparked an inundation of advisory businesses claiming they can support clients on their climate disclosure and reporting journey.

However, it is becoming increasingly clear that very few have the proven experience or pedigree in climate risk assessment and scenario analysis to ensure outputs provide strategic or operational value. This results in organisations feeling they do not receive value for their consulting spend and possibly in non-compliance to the requirements of the new disclosure standards.

Instead, working with advisors that specialise in climate and sustainability, such as Edge Impact, will ensure that the outputs are evidence-based, fit-for-purpose, understandable for all stakeholders, and leverage the significant experience in climate risk assessment across a range of sectors and industries.  

Laura Reed, Principal Consultant, Governance & Transparency

The message from government and regulators is clear: companies should start preparing now for mandatory climate-related financial disclosure by planning across governance, strategy, risk management, metrics and targets.

Leveraging quantifiable data-led insights

Access and understanding of climate change models and scenarios on the physical exposure of the business to extreme climate events provide a tangible, science-led evidence base upon which to prioritise risks and make decisions.

Utilising sector-level or industry-specific insights

Application of climate risks and opportunities that are common across industries or sectors enable efficiency of delivery and a common baseline for analysis across peers and supply chains. For example, the application of previous analysis on the impact of extreme heat on health care providers, or the impact of extreme weather on certain regions on agricultural yields. These efficiencies can only be realised through using a provider that has done this work before. 

Translating risks and opportunities into on-ground action

Experienced climate risk practitioners will be able to help translate key insights into operational, on-ground mitigation actions. This provides more than just a risk register but an operational action plan engaging multiple business units. 

Conducting a ‘dry run’ before due date

Effective support should enable your business to complete a full ‘dry run’ of climate disclosure reporting before the due date, mitigating your compliance risk.

Truly experienced advisors will understand the nuisance and mindset of various teams when it comes to understanding climate risk. From your executive team to your risk and finance team, Each stakeholder group requires.

Edge Impact has been undertaking climate risk assessments for the last 15 years across a range of sectors and industries. We have one of Australia’s largest and most experienced teams that specialise in climate risk and disclosure.   

Whether through the identification of specialised expertise or upskilling for all directors, the need for climate governance proficiency is undeniable and has been emphasised by professional bodies such as the AICD.

With our in-depth knowledge of reporting standards, whether ISSB, CRSD or ASRS - our readiness assessment process will consider which standards are relevant for your business.


Download the ASRS Readiness Assessment Guide here.

Explore our range of Mandatory Climate-Related Financial Disclosure resources

Contact Mark Siebentritt, our Global Practice Lead for Climate or get in touch here.

We have a number of exciting projects in the works and are rapidly expanding our team of consultants. Below are our latest job openings across our global offices. 

Careers at Edge

Be first to get our ideas, invites and breakthroughs. Join the list with your name and email.

Newsletter

Vicinity Centres' circular economy strategy boosts ESG performance through co-design and evidence-based approaches.

Supporting Vicinity Centres' journey towards a circular future

We set out to unpack the nature-related impacts and dependencies through UNSW’s supply chain.

UNSW’s supply chain reliance and impact on nature

An industry-led approach to cutting emissions while ensuring prosperity for grape growers and winemakers.

Wine Australia's Emissions Reduction Roadmap

Viña Concha y Toro partnered with Edge to assess climate risks and meet TCFD requirements.

Supporting Viña Concha y Toro’s Decarbonisation Journey

Tyre Stewardship Australia partnered with Edge to model tyre-derived products, assessing impacts and market benefits.

The Environmental Impacts of Waste Tyre Recovery

Max leads the ESG & Sustainability Strategy team at Edge. He has nearly 15 years of consulting experience across the government and corporate sectors, specialising in ESG strategy development, sector wide sustainability roadmaps, executive and board capacity building and advisory.

In addition to designing full spectrum sustainability strategies for multiple ASX 100 companies, Max has also led projects with national significance including the National Food Waste Strategy and the Australian Sustainable Events Roadmap.

Max is a graduate of the AICD, community board member of the Australian B Corp movement, and standing co-chair of a number of ESG committees for listed organisations.

Max is the Global Head of Client Experience at Edge Impact, with nearly 15 years of consulting experience across government and corporate sectors. He specialises in ESG strategy, sustainability roadmaps, and executive and board advisory. Max is a graduate of the AICD and a board member for B Corp Australia.

Articles by Max Van Biene