Tülay Dilsiz-Gedik is involved in projects that help the sector become more sustainable.What are her motivations, successes, and challenges? Tülay has been working as a Senior Manager in Sustainability Reporting & Assurance team at Deloitte since 2021, where she is responsible for the quality and reliability of sustainability reports. With her expertise as a certified auditor (RA), she focuses on ensuring that sustainability reports provide an accurate and reliable portrayal of an organization’s ESG impact, helping companies navigate and meet the complex requirements set forth by CSRD. 'In my role, I blend my technical background in auditing with a passion for transparency and sustainability, focusing on robust, standards-aligned reporting that builds trust and enables informed decision-making.' In addition, she teaches several ESG courses at Nyenrode Business University, supporting the development of expertise and understanding in sustainability reporting among students and professionals.

The crucial role of sustainability

We live in a time where we face complex issues like climate change and social inequality. Tülay states, 'Our planet is our home, and we are all responsible for it. To me, sustainability means finding a balance between economic growth, social justice, and environmental protection, so we can create a sustainable future for next generations.' According to Tülay, acting consciously and adhering to regulations are key to building a world that remains within planetary boundaries. 'Personally, I view sustainability as a moral obligation. I want to play my part in creating a better future for everyone. As an auditor, I believe in the power of transparency and accountability as key forces in this transition. They not only build trust but also equip stakeholders to make responsible, well-informed decisions. By providing an assurance statement, I can help shape the path to a more sustainable world. This role enables me to be part of a movement towards a future where businesses are responsible, transparent, and supportive of the broader societal goals of equity and environmental stewardship.'

Steps towards sustainability

When looking at Deloitte's sustainability initiatives, you'll see they vary greatly, occurring on both small and large scales. We've planted mangrove forests and increased our societal impact through the Deloitte Impact Foundation. Additionally, our vehicle fleet has been upgraded with electric cars and shared vehicles. What stands out is our Multi-Disciplinary Model, offering a truly holistic approach by combining diverse expertise. Collaboration across different disciplines within Deloitte helps us tackle complex sustainability challenges. For instance, we work with WWF to combat deforestation. A colleague developed an AI tool that predicts where deforestation might occur, aiding in the protection of tropical rainforests.

One project I have particularly enjoyed is establishing the Sustainability Café—a place where colleagues gather to discuss sustainability topics. By addressing complex issues as a group, we inspire each other and make progress. I feel energized by facilitating and attending these sessions. This knowledge-sharing aspect is significant in my professional life, as I also teach ESG at the University, create ESG podcasts for BusySeasonTalks, work closely with the NBA via ESG working groups. This aligns with our goal of spreading knowledge widely, from accountants, auditors to regulators, professors to lawyers, discussing sustainability beyond office walls and industry boundaries.

Challenges

In the business world, many companies need to report on sustainability according to CSRD guidelines, including an auditor's limited assurance statement. A key challenge here is involving the value chain in sustainability targets. Organizations will need to look beyond just their own operations, which can be challenging when gathering all relevant information. Balancing short-term economic goals with long-term sustainability goals is another challenge.

My advice to shareholders, boards, and supervisory directors emphasizes creating awareness in decision-making, empowering leaders to make sustainable choices that align with both regulatory requirements and the organization’s long-term vision. Through the assurance statement, I seek to provide stakeholders with confidence that the sustainability report genuinely reflects the organization’s impact and ESG performance. My commitment is to ensure that our reports uphold the highest standards of transparency and reliability, strengthening trust and accountability.

Engaging employees and clients

Transparent communication is essential to engaging both colleagues and clients. We involve colleagues in sustainability initiatives through working groups and regularly organize workshops and training sessions to raise awareness and knowledge. Our goal is to foster a culture where sustainability is central, and everyone feels responsible for it.

Working for Deloitte with diverse teams and specializations allows me to work closely with the right colleagues. As an auditor, I see it as my responsibility to critically assess clients' annual reports and provide valuable feedback to ensure they are as transparent and balanced as possible. This is what society expects from us, and I aim to meet these expectations as much as possible within our role as auditors.

Tülay previously discussed this topic with VVP:

Topvrouwen in sustainable finance: Tülay Dilsiz-Gedik – VVP