VSME & global standards
IFRS S1 vs IFRS S2
Also known as: IFRS S1 · IFRS S2 · IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards
The ISSB's first two standards: IFRS S1 covers general sustainability-related disclosures; IFRS S2 covers climate. They are designed to be applied together.
What it means
IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 are the ISSB's first two standards, both issued in June 2023 and effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 January 2024. IFRS S1 (General Requirements for Disclosure of Sustainability-related Financial Information) is the overarching standard covering all sustainability topics; IFRS S2 (Climate-related Disclosures) layers the climate-specific requirements on top. They are designed to be applied together.
IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 side by side
| IFRS S1 | IFRS S2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | General sustainability-related disclosures (all topics). | Climate-related risks and opportunities. |
| Role | The overarching standard. | Adds climate specifics on top of S1. |
| Shared structure | Governance · Strategy · Risk management · Metrics & targets | Governance · Strategy · Risk management · Metrics & targets |
How it relates to nearby concepts
S1 and S2 come from the ISSB and interoperate with the ESRS. They use investor-focused single materiality, in contrast to ESRS double materiality.
Common misunderstandings
- S1 and S2 are alternatives, or S1 is “non-climate”: S1 is the umbrella covering all topics (including the general requirements you apply to climate); S2 adds the climate specifics. They are used together, not chosen between.
See Statera's ISSB / IFRS S1 & S2 framework:
ISSB / IFRS S1 & S2 →Sources
Last reviewed: 19 June 2026
See how Statera handles this in practice
Statera carries structure, controls and filing evidence through every reporting cycle. Request a demo to see it end to end.
Request a demo