About the Client
A large, multi-site Australian retailer with an extensive physical store network and complex supply chain, captured in the early phases of mandatory ASRS climate disclosure requirements.
The Challenge
The retailer was preparing for mandatory ASRS climate disclosure but faced coordination and prioritisation challenges. Climate risks and opportunities were understood unevenly across functions, there was no single prioritised view of what mattered most to the business, and executives needed clarity on how climate considerations connected to strategy, risk, and financial performance. Internal teams needed to be set up to own the process beyond the first report. Without a structured approach, there was a risk that ASRS compliance would become reactive, fragmented, and overly resource-intensive.
Our Approach
ESG Strategy provided senior Fractional CSO leadership to support ASRS readiness. We designed a phased ASRS Success Plan with detailed gap analysis and action plan focused on governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics. We engaged a cross-functional executive group including sustainability, finance, risk, operations, and property leaders through one-on-one interviews and structured workshops. Using an ASRS-aligned framework, we supported identification and prioritisation of physical and transition climate risks across operations and the value chain. We linked risks and opportunities to existing enterprise risk management, clarified which issues required immediate action versus longer-term planning, and supported development of a two-year action plan with clear ownership, milestones, and board oversight. We also built internal capability through executive workshops, practical tools and templates, and training to reduce long-term reliance on external advisers.
Results
- Board-endorsed ASRS compliance roadmap delivered within 60 days
- Climate risks prioritised across 100+ retail locations and supply chain
- Cross-functional executive alignment achieved, 5 departments now coordinated on climate
- Internal capability built, team now equipped to manage disclosure without external reliance
- On track for ASRS Group 2 compliance by July 2026 deadline
- Climate disclosure repositioned as strategic advantage, not compliance burden