SASB Insurance
SASB
Practical sustainability standards for the insurance sector.
The SASB Insurance costs $0 USD. Renewal costs $0 USD every 12 months.
Key Strengths
- Industry-specific metrics tailored to the insurance sector's unique ESG risks
- Developed by SASB (now part of IFRS Foundation), lending strong global credibility
- Focused on financially material sustainability topics relevant to investors
- Widely adopted by institutional investors and asset managers as a disclosure benchmark
- Free to access and implement — no licensing fees for the standards themselves
- Aligned with ISSB/IFRS S1 and S2 frameworks for future-proof reporting
Ideal For
This standard is best suited for insurance companies, reinsurers, and specialty insurers seeking to communicate financially material ESG risks and opportunities to institutional investors. It is particularly valuable for publicly listed insurers, those responding to investor ESG questionnaires, or sustainability/IR teams building out structured disclosure frameworks.
Target Audiences
Relevant Roles
Industries
Alignment & Recognition
Accrediting Body
Scope
Overview
The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) provides guidelines for companies to disclose financially material sustainability information to their investors. Founded in 2011, SASB creates industry-specific standards, including for the insurance sector, to help businesses report on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. These standards are designed to help investors make more informed decisions. Key metrics for insurance include climate risk management, policies on sustainable practices, and customer data privacy.
Several large insurance companies and asset managers use SASB standards, demonstrating their relevance and reliability. Being certified in SASB standards helps organizations build trust with stakeholders by showing a commitment to transparency and sustainable practices. With a growing focus on climate change and social responsibility, SASB plays an essential role in aligning business practices with investor needs, ensuring long-term value and resilience.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Organizations self-report against SASB's Insurance sector standard metrics, which include quantitative and qualitative disclosures on topics such as transparent information and fair advice for customers, climate change physical and transition risk management, and policies on environmental and social risk. No third-party audit is mandated by SASB itself, though companies may choose to have disclosures externally assured.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
There is no formal exam or audit process for SASB standards adoption. Organizations self-select the applicable industry standard (Insurance sector) and prepare disclosures aligned to the defined metrics and topics. Disclosures are typically included in annual reports, sustainability reports, or SEC filings. External assurance is optional and conducted by third-party auditors if chosen by the organization.
Renewal & Compliance
SASB standards are updated periodically by the IFRS Foundation (which absorbed SASB in 2022). Organizations are expected to apply the most current version of the standard in their annual reporting cycle. There is no formal renewal or recertification process — adoption is ongoing and tied to annual disclosure cycles.
Accountability Model
Impact & Outcomes
Salary & Market Value
ESG reporting and disclosure expertise aligned with SASB frameworks is increasingly valued in finance and sustainability roles. Professionals with SASB knowledge can command a premium in sustainability, investor relations, and ESG analyst roles, where salaries typically range from $80,000–$150,000+ USD depending on seniority and sector.
Employer Recognition
Consider Alternatives If...
Organizations primarily seeking a stakeholder-facing sustainability certification with a public seal or badge should consider alternatives like B Corp or ISO 14001. Companies outside the insurance sector will find more relevant SASB standards in other industry categories.
Alternative Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Certification
English
2011