ESG标准：为高质量发展铺平道路
Introduction
On December 17, 2024, nine Chinese government ministries and departments, including the Ministry of Finance, issued the “Sustainability Disclosure Standards for Enterprises — Basic Standards”. This trial framework represents a landmark effort to guide enterprises in adopting sustainable development practices by standardizing the disclosure of sustainability information, ensuring data reliability, and laying the foundation for a comprehensive sustainability reporting system in China.
The overarching objective of these standards is to support China’s national goal of high-quality development, integrating economic growth with social and environmental progress. In addition to enhancing transparency and accountability, the standards aim to align Chinese enterprises with global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, facilitating their integration into international markets.
引言
2024年12月17日，包括财政部在内的中国九个政府部门发布了《企业可持续发展披露准则——基本准则（试行）》。这一试行框架代表了一项具有里程碑意义的努力，旨在通过标准化可持续性信息的披露、确保数据的可靠性，并为中国建立一个全面的可持续性报告体系奠定基础，引导企业采纳可持续发展实践。
这些准则的总体目标是支持中国的国家目标——高质量发展，将经济增长与社会和环境进步相结合。除了增强透明度和问责制，这些准则还旨在使中国企业与全球环境、社会和治理（ESG）实践保持一致，促进它们融入国际市场。
Main Contents
The “Basic Standards” are structured into six chapters comprising 31 articles, covering general provisions, disclosure requirements, and implementation guidelines. These include key principles such as materiality, proportionality, and long-term sustainability considerations. Notably, the standards emphasize the importance of robust internal controls and information systems to ensure the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of sustainability disclosures.
The standards were developed following extensive research, consultation, and public feedback. The drafting process incorporated over 439 suggestions from 544 public responses to align the framework with international practices while addressing China’s unique needs. Initially voluntary, the standards encourage companies to familiarize themselves with the guidelines before mandatory implementation in the future.
主要内容
“基本标准”分为六章，包含31条，涵盖了一般规定、披露要求和实施指南。这些包括重要原则，如重要性、比例性和长期可持续性考虑。值得注意的是，标准强调了健全的内部控制和信息系统的重要性，以确保可持续性披露的准确性、一致性和可靠性。
这些标准是在广泛的研究、咨询和公众反馈之后制定的。起草过程吸收了来自544份公众反馈中的439条建议，以使框架与国际实践保持一致，同时解决中国的独特需求。这些标准最初是自愿性的，鼓励公司在将来强制实施之前熟悉这些指南。
Timing
The Basic Standards are not fully clear on the question when such reports must be delivered for the first time. The Q&As published alongside the Basic Standards state that, by 2027, these Basic Standards will be finalized (right now they are a “trial version”) and application guidelines shall also be rolled out. By 2030, a unified national system of sustainable disclosure standards shall be completed.
This could mean that until 2027, the publication of corporate sustainability reports may be voluntary and encouraged (unless already required elsewhere, for example, for listed companies), while after 2027, or at the latest by 2030, publication may become mandatory.
时间点
基本标准对于这些报告必须首次提交的时间问题并没有完全明确。与基本标准一同发布的问答中指出，到2027年，这些基本标准将被最终确定（目前它们是“试行版”），并且应用指南也将推出。到2030年，一个统一的国家可持续披露标准体系将被完成。
这可能意味着直到2027年，企业可持续报告的发布可能是自愿的并被鼓励的（除非在其他地方已经要求，例如，对于上市公司），而2027年之后，或最迟到2030年，发布可能成为强制性的。
Disclosure Requirements
At this point, ESG disclosure requirements in China mostly exist for listed companies and state-owned enterprises. Private, non-listed enterprises, on the other hand, have mostly not been subjected to comprehensive ESG disclosure requirements, but only to existing individual requirements that could be regarded as ESG-like (for example, environmental impact assessment reports).
The Q&As state that China will gradually expand the disclosure requirements: from listed companies to non-listed companies, from large enterprises to small and medium-sized enterprises, from qualitative requirements to quantitative requirements, and from voluntary disclosure to mandatory disclosure.
By 2030 at the latest, every enterprise—even small-sized ones—may be required to prepare and publish such reports, possibly with different levels of depth depending on their size and nature.
信息披露要求
目前，中国的ESG（环境、社会和治理）信息披露要求主要针对上市公司和国有企业。另一方面，私营的非上市公司大多尚未受到全面的ESG信息披露要求的约束，而只是受到一些可以被视为类似ESG的个别要求（例如，环境影响评估报告）。
问答中指出，中国将逐步扩大信息披露要求：从上市公司到非上市公司，从大型企业到中小型企业，从定性要求到定量要求，以及从自愿披露到强制披露。
最迟到2030年，每个企业——甚至是小型企业——可能都需要准备和发布此类报告，可能根据其规模和性质的不同，报告的深度也会有所不同。
Reporting information
The Basic Standards provide detailed explanations as to what may be expected in an ESG report with respect to aspects such as corporate governance, the management of environmental risks and opportunities, or the protection of the rights and interests of employees, consumers, and end-users.
For example, regarding corporate governance, the Basic Standards suggest that the following items should be covered in an ESG report:
- Information on the governance bodies (e.g., directors and supervisors);
- How the capacities, job descriptions, and other relevant policies of these bodies reflect their oversight responsibilities;
- Whether they possess the professional skills and competencies to execute and oversee strategies and systems related to sustainable risks and opportunities;
- The methods and frequency with which these bodies are informed of sustainable risks and opportunities.
报告信息
基本标准详细解释了在ESG报告中可能期望包含的内容，这些内容包括但不限于公司治理、环境风险和机会的管理，或者保护员工、消费者和最终用户的权利和利益等方面。
例如，在公司治理方面，基本标准建议ESG报告应包含以下项目：
– 治理机构（例如，董事和监事）的信息；
– 这些机构的能力、职位描述和其他相关政策如何反映它们的监督责任；
– 它们是否具备执行和监督与可持续风险和机会相关的战略和系统的专业技能和能力；
– 这些机构被告知可持续风险和机会的方法和频率。
Impact of the Policy in the Short and Medium Term
In the short term, the policy is expected to promote voluntary adoption, particularly among large enterprises and multinational corporations already engaged in ESG reporting. These companies will benefit from enhanced credibility, improved risk management, and greater access to green financing and investment opportunities. The standards will also raise awareness about sustainability within China’s business community, encouraging a shift toward more responsible practices.
In the medium term, the standards are likely to become mandatory for all enterprises, driving widespread transformation across industries. This shift will necessitate the establishment of sophisticated reporting systems and frameworks, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. The integration of sustainability considerations into business strategies will also contribute to China’s high-quality development goals, reducing environmental risks and promoting green innovation. Additionally, adherence to the standards will strengthen Chinese enterprises’ competitiveness in global markets by aligning with international expectations.
政策在短期和中期的影响
短期内，预计该政策将促进自愿采纳，特别是在已经参与ESG（环境、社会和治理）报告的大型企业和跨国公司中。这些公司将从增强的信誉、改善的风险管理和更多地获得绿色融资和投资机会中受益。这些标准还将提高中国商界对可持续性的认识，鼓励向更负责任的实践转变。
在中期，这些标准可能会成为所有企业必须遵守的规则，推动各行业的广泛转型。这种转变将需要建立复杂的报告系统和框架，培养透明度和问责制文化。将可持续性考虑纳入商业战略也将有助于中国的高质量发展目标，降低环境风险，促进绿色创新。此外，遵守这些标准将通过符合国际期望，增强中国企业在全球市场的竞争力。
Challenges and Opportunities for the Industry
The implementation of these standards presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses operating in China.
– Challenges:
– Financial and Operational Strain: Enterprises, particularly SMEs, may struggle with the upfront costs of implementing robust sustainability reporting systems, including technology upgrades, staff training, and external audits.
– Knowledge and Expertise Gaps: Many companies lack the technical expertise to accurately measure and disclose sustainability data, necessitating significant investment in capacity building.
– Alignment with Global Standards: While the new standards aim to harmonize with international frameworks, differences in methodology and scope could create additional complexity for multinational companies.
– Opportunities:
– Enhanced Transparency and Reputation: Compliance with the standards will improve stakeholder trust, enhancing the reputation of businesses domestically and internationally.
– Access to Green Financing: Companies meeting the disclosure requirements will be better positioned to attract investments from ESG-focused funds and access green bonds.
– Market Differentiation: Early adopters of the standards can gain a competitive edge, positioning themselves as leaders in sustainability within their industries.
– Innovation and Efficiency Gains: The shift toward sustainability reporting will drive investment in innovative technologies and practices, improving resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
行业面临的挑战与机遇
这些标准的实施为中国运营的企业带来了挑战和机遇。
– 挑战：
– 财务和运营压力：企业，特别是中小企业，在实施健全的可持续性报告系统方面可能会面临前期成本的压力，包括技术升级、员工培训和外部审计。
– 知识和专业技能差距：许多公司缺乏准确测量和披露可持续性数据的技术专长，需要在能力建设上进行大量投资。
– 与全球标准的一致性：虽然新标准旨在与国际框架协调一致，但方法论和范围上的差异可能会为跨国公司增加额外的复杂性。
– 机遇：
– 提高透明度和声誉：遵守这些标准将提高利益相关者的信任，增强企业在国内和国际上的声誉。
– 获得绿色融资：满足披露要求的公司将更有能力吸引以ESG为重点的资金投资，并获取绿色债券。
– 市场差异化：标准的早期采用者可以获得竞争优势，将自己定位为行业内的可持续性领导者。
– 创新和效率提升：向可持续性报告的转变将推动对创新技术和实践的投资，提高资源效率，减少环境影响。
Contribution of CNEUCN
As a bridge between China and Europe, CNEUCN is uniquely positioned to support enterprises in navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the new standards. The organization can play a pivotal role in the following areas:
1. Advisory and Consultancy Services:
CNEUCN can provide tailored guidance to enterprises on understanding and implementing the “Basic Standards.” By leveraging its expertise in ESG practices and carbon neutrality, CNEUCN can help businesses align their sustainability disclosures with both domestic and international requirements.
2. Capacity Building and Training:
Through workshops, seminars, and knowledge-sharing platforms, CNEUCN equips companies with the tools and knowledge needed to meet the new reporting requirements. This includes training on materiality assessment, data aggregation, and sustainability management.
3. International Collaboration:
CNEUCN facilitates partnerships between Chinese and European enterprises to share best practices, develop joint sustainability initiatives, and foster cross-border cooperation in sustainability reporting. These collaborations ensure that Chinese enterprises can align with global standards while addressing local challenges.
4. Advocacy and Policy Engagement:
Representing the interests of businesses, CNEUCN actively participates in policy discussions, ensuring that the practical needs of enterprises are considered during the refinement and implementation of the standards.
5. Innovation and Research:
CNEUCN supports research initiatives aimed at developing innovative solutions to sustainability challenges, such as advanced data management systems and methodologies for measuring environmental impact.
By acting as a trusted partner, CNEUCN empowers enterprises to not only comply with the new standards but also excel in their sustainability journey, contributing to global carbon neutrality goals and sustainable development.
仲欧脱碳科技的贡献（CNEUCN）
作为中国与欧洲之间的桥梁，CNEUCN具有独特的地位，能够支持企业应对新标准带来的挑战和机遇。该组织可以在以下领域发挥关键作用：
- 咨询和顾问服务：
CNEUCN可以为企业提供定制化的指导，帮助企业理解和实施“基础标准”。通过利用其在ESG实践和碳中和方面的专业知识，CNEUCN可以帮助企业将其可持续性披露与国内外要求保持一致。
- 能力建设和培训：
通过工作坊、研讨会和知识共享平台，CNEUCN为公司提供满足新报告要求所需的工具和知识。这包括对实质性评估、数据聚合和可持续性管理的培训。
- 国际合作：
CNEUCN促进中国和欧洲企业之间的伙伴关系，分享最佳实践，共同开发可持续性倡议，并促进跨境合作以实现可持续性报告。这些合作确保中国企业能够与全球标准保持一致，同时解决本地挑战。
- 倡导和政策参与：
代表企业的利益，CNEUCN积极参与政策讨论，确保在标准细化和实施过程中考虑到企业的实际需求。
- 创新和研究
CNEUCN支持旨在开发可持续性挑战的创新解决方案的研究计划，例如先进的数据管理系统和衡量环境影响的方法论。 作为值得信赖的合作伙伴，CNEUCN赋予企业不仅遵守新标准，而且在其可持续性旅程中取得卓越成就的能力，为全球碳中和目标和可持续发展做出贡献。
The introduction of the “Sustainability Disclosure Standards for Enterprises — Basic Standards” marks a transformative step in China’s pursuit of sustainable and high-quality development. By fostering transparency, aligning with global practices, and promoting environmental stewardship, the standards provide a robust framework for enterprises to integrate sustainability into their core operations.
While the journey toward full implementation presents challenges, it also offers unprecedented opportunities for innovation, market differentiation, and long-term growth. Businesses that embrace these standards will not only enhance their competitiveness but also contribute to China’s transition to a greener and more sustainable economy.
CNEUCN remains committed to supporting enterprises during this transition. Through its advisory, training, and advocacy efforts, the organization strives to empower businesses to achieve excellence in sustainability reporting. By fostering cross-border collaboration and innovation, CNEUCN continues to play a central role in advancing global climate governance.
结论
《企业可持续发展披露准则——基本准则（试行）》的引入标志着中国在追求可持续和高质量发展方面迈出了转型的一步。通过促进透明度、与全球实践接轨以及推动环境管理，这些标准为企业将可持续性融入其核心运营提供了一个坚实的框架。
尽管全面实施的旅程面临挑战，但它也为创新、市场差异化和长期增长提供了前所未有的机遇。拥抱这些标准的企业不仅将增强其竞争力，还将有助于中国向更绿色、更可持续的经济转型。
CNEUCN（仲欧脱碳科技）继续致力于在这一转型期间支持企业。通过其咨询、培训和倡导工作，该组织努力赋予企业在可持续性报告中实现卓越。通过促进跨境合作和创新，CNEUCN继续在加强全球气候治理中发挥中心作用。
Cover photo
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