Voluntary Adoption of SASB Standards and Sustainability Reporting in the Brazilian Electric Power Sector
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.16930/2237-766220263608Keywords:
SASB, Disclosure, Sustainability Report, Electric Power Sector, Content AnalysisAbstract
The objective of this study is to assess the level of adherence of sustainability reports issued by publicly traded companies in the Brazilian electric power sector to the SASB standards applicable to the sector. A content analysis was conducted on 72 sustainability reports, focusing on the voluntary disclosure of sustainability reporting metrics established by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, covering companies in the Electric Power subsector listed on B3 S.A. – Brasil, Bolsa, Balcão (B3) for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024. The sector is recognized for exhibiting a high level of sustainability disclosure, and companies are subject to a minimum standard of social and environmental disclosure, in accordance with the enforcement required by the regulatory agency. The results indicate that the sector displays different levels of maturity in the disclosure of information aligned with SASB standards, with a few companies showing high adherence and the majority presenting medium to low levels of disclosure. Over the period analyzed, there was only a slight overall increase in the level of adherence. This finding demonstrates that systematic adoption of SASB requirements has not yet been achieved. Seeking such alignment may facilitate the adoption of IFRS sustainability disclosure standards, as well as enhance transparency and comparability of financially material information. The relevance of this study extends beyond the industry and geographic context in which it was applied, as it may serve as a starting point for future research on financial materiality in sustainability disclosure. This analysis provides relevant information for regulators, companies, investors, and other stakeholders.
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