Recent ESG Updates
- RCC submission to greenwashing guidance consultation
In December 2024, the Competition Bureau released draft guidance on greenwashing for consultation. RCC submitted comments last week with several recommendations to improve the final guidance. Background: Greenwashing … Continued - Greenwashing guidance and modern retailRecent reforms to the federal Competition Act included new amendments targeting “greenwashing,” or deceptive environmental claims. RCC submitted to the Competition Bureau’s recent consultation on enforcement guidance for … Continued
- Understanding the Section 46 Notice of Federal Plastics Registry
On April 20, 2024 Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) published a Section 46 notice in the Canada Gazette, Part 1, regarding new reporting requirements for certain plastic products. … Continued
Tools and resources
Overview of CSSB Sustainability Disclosure Standards
The Final Guidelines for the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board (CSSB) Sustainability Disclosure Standards were released on December 18, 2024. The reporting requirements follow the ISSB Disclosure Standards and are currently voluntary. For more information on the adjusted timelines, please see the following webage.
Energy and Water Reporting Requirements for Commercial Buildings
Stay informed on voluntary and mandated provincial and municipal energy (heat/electricity) and water reporting requirements for commercial buildings. This resource covers who is required to report, current and future reporting deadlines, and important resources such as support and incentives.
Overview of ESG ratings and rankings
There is growing interest from investors, regulators, employees and customers on corporate ESG performance. Many stakeholders are now turning to rating agencies to help evaluate companies and identify any issues that may pose financial, legal, supply chain or reputational risk. In recognition of this, RCC has prepared an overview webpage, including fundamentals, why ESG is relevant, and different ways retailers can help improve scores.
Overview of ISSB Sustainability Disclosure Standards
The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) standards published the the IFRS S1 General Requirements for Disclosures of Sustainability-Related Financial Information and the IFRS S2 Climate-Related Disclosures in June 2023. Both standards are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2024. To help members better understand these requirements, RCC has prepared an overview webpage.
RCC Webinar: Sustainable Impact Through Partner Collaboration
As retailers continue to invest in sustainable development, partner collaboration for sustainable procurement becomes increasingly critical for end-to-end visibility on footprint and impact. This 2022 panel discussion looked at the foundation and benefits of partner collaboration in working towards sustainability goals including the importance of sustainable procurement, working towards collaborative goals, and the most valuable tools for education and measurement of success.
Gracee Shorter presented Ecovadis’ latest insights from the 2022 Impact Report which promotes a greater understanding of sustainable impact, what it is, and how it is measured and illuminates how the network is helping drive impact at scale.
Member committee
ESG & Climate Action Committee
Governments around the world, including Canada’s federal government, are participating in global efforts to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5C. Moreover, ESG reporting frameworks and rating agencies have emerged as an important area for corporates to both monitor and inform. This committee is looking to help facilitate best practice sharing, monitor policies/trends, explore collaborative opportunities and develop related resources. (Meets bi-monthly)
Contact Harrison Brook, Manager, Sustainability Programs, at hbrook@retailcouncil.org, for questions or additional information.