SGS to Guide Firms Through ESG Maze at Net Zero Summit 2026

LONDON, UK – January 07, 2026 – As businesses worldwide grapple with an increasingly complex and mandatory landscape of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting, BizClik has announced a pivotal workshop led by global assurance leader SGS. The session, a key feature of the upcoming Sustainability LIVE: The Net Zero Summit 2026, is designed to equip senior leaders with the tools to transform regulatory burdens into strategic opportunities.

The workshop, titled “ESG Reporting & Regulation Strategies,” will be held on March 4, 2026, at the QEII Centre in London. It arrives at a critical juncture for corporations navigating a whirlwind of new standards, from the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) to emerging frameworks in the UK and beyond, all while investor and public scrutiny intensifies.

Navigating a Fragmented Regulatory Landscape

The era of voluntary ESG disclosure is decisively over, replaced by a complex web of mandatory reporting that presents significant challenges for multinational organizations. While the European Union recently adjusted the scope and timeline for its landmark CSRD, the directive remains a powerful force, compelling thousands of companies to conduct detailed “double materiality” assessments and integrate climate risks into their core governance.

Across the Atlantic, while the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s federal climate rules have stalled amid legal challenges, state-level initiatives like California's SB 253 are stepping into the void. This legislation mandates broad climate disclosures and third-party assurance for large companies doing business in the state, effectively creating a national standard by proxy. Meanwhile, the UK is preparing to roll out its own ISSB-aligned Sustainability Reporting Standards (UK SRS) from 2026, adding another layer of complexity.

This regulatory fragmentation forces companies to navigate overlapping requirements, differing materiality definitions, and inconsistent timelines. The SGS-led workshop at the Net Zero Summit aims to address these issues head-on, providing a roadmap for creating a unified reporting strategy that satisfies multiple jurisdictions without duplicating effort.

From Compliance Burden to Strategic Goldmine

For many organizations, the immediate challenge of ESG reporting is perceived as a costly compliance exercise, characterized by fragmented data, unclear internal ownership, and a scramble to meet deadlines. The result is often a report that ticks a box but fails to deliver actionable insight or build stakeholder trust.

The session at BizClik’s summit will focus on shifting this paradigm. The core message is that robust ESG data, when properly managed and analyzed, is not just a regulatory requirement but a source of immense strategic value. High-quality ESG information can illuminate operational inefficiencies, identify supply chain risks, uncover new market opportunities, and attract a growing pool of sustainability-focused capital.

Attendees will learn how to move beyond static reporting to insight-led analysis, connecting non-financial metrics to business performance. The workshop will demonstrate how to leverage ESG data to inform long-term planning, strengthen risk management frameworks, and ultimately build a more resilient and competitive enterprise. A key focus will be on ensuring data integrity and audit readiness, which is crucial for building credibility and avoiding accusations of “greenwashing” in a market that is increasingly skeptical of unsubstantiated claims.

A Partnership of Expertise and Influence

The collaboration between SGS and BizClik brings together a global assurance expert with a leading B2B media and events platform. SGS, with over three decades of experience in sustainability services, is a recognized authority in the field. The company holds a top-tier AAA rating from MSCI ESG Ratings and has been lauded for its comprehensive approach to embedding sustainability into corporate strategy. This deep expertise ensures the workshop's content will be grounded in practical, real-world application.

BizClik, through its extensive media portfolio including Sustainability Magazine and its global Sustainability LIVE event series, has established itself as a central hub for industry dialogue. The Net Zero Summit, now a flagship event, convenes senior executives, policymakers, and innovators to accelerate decarbonization and ESG delivery. The 2026 summit is expected to feature over 50 speakers from leading organizations like NVIDIA and Schneider Electric, with content tracks dedicated to the most pressing climate challenges. By hosting this workshop, BizClik leverages its platform to facilitate critical knowledge transfer at a pivotal moment for the industry.

Building Credibility in a Scrutinized World

Ultimately, the workshop aims to empower leaders to build unshakable credibility. In today's transparent world, investors, regulators, customers, and employees demand proof of a company's commitment to sustainability. This requires more than a glossy report; it requires robust internal controls, clear lines of accountability, and verifiable data.

The SGS session will provide practical guidance on designing these robust disclosure processes. It will delve into the mechanics of improving data quality from the ground up, strengthening governance around ESG information, and aligning disclosures with the specific expectations of different stakeholder groups. The goal is to help organizations communicate their sustainability journey authentically and effectively, building the trust that is now central to long-term corporate value. For the senior leaders in finance, risk, and sustainability in attendance, the workshop offers a timely opportunity to refine their strategy and ensure their organization is not just compliant, but leading the way in the new economy.