Marc Wouters

2024

This thesis provides a literature review on the topic sustainability assurance, written specifically for usage as teaching material. The thesis explores key aspects of assurance practices, including assurance levels, the concept of materiality, and distinctions within non-financial disclosures and assurance engagements. The most important standards on sustainability reporting and assurance are introduced and discussed. The European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), being a recent and significant piece of legislation on the matter, is covered in detail and discussed on its effect on the market for sustainability assurance. The paper explores said market using two perspectives. First, students are presented with a characterization of the primary providers of sustainability assurance, and an analysis of current market statistics. Subsequently, the market is addressed from an analytical viewpoint. Synthesizing the findings of the thesis with analyses from various researchers, students are presented with an outlook on sustainability assurance in the future.