SASB Telecommunication Services
SASB
Guidelines for sustainable telecom operations and reporting.
The SASB Telecommunication Services costs $0 USD. Renewal costs $0 USD.
Key Strengths
- Industry-specific ESG metrics tailored to telecommunications sector
- Widely recognized by institutional investors and ESG rating agencies
- Enables comparable, decision-useful sustainability disclosures
- Developed through rigorous multi-stakeholder standard-setting process
- Integrated into IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB) framework
- Free to access and download from the SASB Navigator
Ideal For
This standard is best suited for publicly traded or large private telecommunications companies seeking to align their ESG disclosures with investor-grade frameworks. It is particularly valuable for sustainability officers, investor relations teams, and ESG analysts at telecom firms who need industry-specific, comparable metrics for reporting to institutional investors and rating agencies.
Target Audiences
Relevant Roles
Industries
Alignment & Recognition
Accrediting Body
Scope
Overview
The SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) Telecommunication Services focuses on setting sustainability standards specific to the telecommunications industry. Originating to enhance transparency and performance in sustainable practices, SASB aims to provide clear metrics and guidelines for organizations.
The program assists telecommunication companies in reporting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) information. Notable statistics include improved investor confidence and a clearer understanding of a company's sustainability practices.
SASB's standards are utilized by various global organizations seeking certification to comply with sustainable business criteria. Major clients and partners typically include large telecom corporations, regulatory bodies, and investors interested in sustainable business practices.
SASB helps companies enhance sustainability efforts through structured reporting, ultimately driving long-term value. The practicality of SASB's approach ensures comprehensive, comparable data across the industry, supporting informed decision-making among stakeholders.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Organizations self-report against SASB's defined disclosure topics and accounting metrics for the Telecommunication Services industry. No formal third-party audit or submission to SASB is required; companies disclose metrics in annual reports, sustainability reports, or SEC filings. Evidence typically includes quantitative data on energy consumption, data privacy incidents, network reliability, and workforce metrics as defined in the standard.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
There is no formal exam or audit process for SASB standard adoption. Organizations self-select the relevant industry standard, identify applicable disclosure topics and accounting metrics, and incorporate these into their public ESG or financial reporting. Some organizations voluntarily engage third-party assurance providers to verify reported data, but this is not required by SASB.
Renewal & Compliance
The SASB standard itself does not have a formal renewal or recertification cycle. Organizations are expected to report annually against the standard as part of their ongoing ESG disclosure practices. SASB periodically reviews and updates its standards; organizations should monitor for standard revisions and update their reporting accordingly.
Accountability Model
Impact & Outcomes
Employer Recognition
Consider Alternatives If...
Organizations looking for a pass/fail certification or a public-facing sustainability seal should consider alternatives like ISO 14001 or B Corp. Small telecom operators with limited ESG reporting resources may find the framework's specificity more demanding than their current reporting maturity warrants.
Alternative Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Certification
English
2018