TCFD Reporting - Climate Risk Disclosure Explained

Termina Talks: Energy Smarts Podcast

Frequently Asked Questions on TCFD Reporting

•What is TCFD reporting and why is it important?

TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) reporting is a framework developed to help companies disclose climate-related financial risks and opportunities to investors, lenders, and other stakeholders. Its importance lies in promoting transparency and providing comprehensive information on how climate change impacts an organization's financial health, enabling better-informed decisions and encouraging climate-conscious investment.

•What are the four key areas of focus within the TCFD framework? The TCFD framework focuses on four key areas: Governance (how an organization's governance structure handles climate-related issues), Strategy (the impact of climate-related risks and opportunities on the business model, strategy, and financial planning), Risk Management (the processes used to identify, assess, and manage climate-related risks), and Metrics & Targets (the metrics and targets used to assess and manage relevant climate-related risks and opportunities).

•Who is required to comply with TCFD reporting in Australia, and when are the deadlines? In Australia, entities required to report under Chapter 2M of the Corporations Act will be phased into TCFD reporting based on certain criteria. Group 1 entities, those meeting two of three thresholds (over 500 employees, over $1 billion in consolidated gross assets, or over $500 million in consolidated revenue) or that are a 'controlling corporation' under the NGER Act and meet the NGER publication threshold, must begin reporting from 1 January 2025. Group 2 entities (over 250 employees, over $500 million in consolidated gross assets, or over $200 million in consolidated revenue, OR entities required to report under Chapter 2M of the Corporations Act that are a 'controlling corporation' under the NGER Act and meet the NGER publication threshold.) must begin reporting from 1 July 2026. Group 3 entities (over 100 employees, over $25 million in consolidated gross assets, or over $50 million in consolidated revenue, OR entities required to report under Chapter 2M of the Corporations Act that are a 'controlling corporation' under the NGER Act) must begin reporting from 1 July 2027.

•What are the main requirements for TCFD reporting? Companies must integrate climate-related risks into their governance and strategy, develop a systematic risk management approach for identifying and mitigating these risks, and disclose relevant metrics and targets, including greenhouse gas emissions, energy usage, and reduction targets.

•What are the benefits of adopting TCFD reporting beyond regulatory compliance? Beyond compliance, TCFD reporting enhances transparency, improves risk management by identifying and mitigating climate-related vulnerabilities, can improve access to capital by making a company more attractive to investors focused on sustainability, and creates a competitive advantage by demonstrating a commitment to long-term resilience.

•How can a company like Termina support businesses with TCFD reporting? Companies like Termina can help automate emissions reporting, streamlining data collection and eliminating manual data entry errors. They also offer automated energy management tools to optimize energy use, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with TCFD guidelines. Furthermore, they provide comprehensive support and expertise throughout the entire reporting process.