What should a sustainability report contain?

Sustainability reporting is becoming more common as companies in all industries strive to raise their awareness of challenges related to climate change. It's an effective strategy that increases accountability and promotes continuous CSR (corporate social responsibility) and ESG (environmental, social, and governance) efforts. It provides an effective way for a company to communicate its position on sustainable development.

A sustainability report, nevertheless, precisely what is it? What exactly must you include in one while creating one?

What exactly is a sustainability report, and what does it serve?

A statement explaining a company's plans to make operations more sustainable and indicating how near it is to achieving essential goals are both found in sustainability reports. It outlines the ESG objectives for an organization and emphasizes the steps that must be taken to achieve those objectives regarding social, ethical, and environmental concerns.

One of the primary metrics for ESG reporting is sustainability. It's a relaxed way to describe how a company demonstrates its commitment to social and environmental responsibility, two qualities increasingly needed to win over investors and customers.

However, developing a positive public image and reputation are only some sustainability reporting goals. Additionally, it offers a valuable way to recognize risks and opportunities, enabling companies to adjust to shifting environmental and social best practice requirements.

What should a sustainability report contain?

It's time to look at the factors you'll need to consider as part of your reporting process now that you have a better knowledge of the goal of sustainability reporting. Sustainability reports can contain a wide range of topics, so being thorough is essential for success.

The items you should include in your sustainability report are mentioned below:

1. A vision statement for sustainability

Making a statement about your report's sustainability vision is an excellent place to start. Consider this your overall perspective on ESG issues; it should reflect your philosophy and views and how your company can advance a more sustainable future.

It can be beneficial to be audacious and forward-thinking when developing a vision statement, but try to avoid grandiose concepts outside your organization's capacity for profit. While ESG-conscious investors will want to see a forward-thinking strategy, they can be put off if your vision statement goes beyond the scope and development of your company.

2. Concerns to be resolved

Introduce the issues you've determined to be essential points for action for your company directly from your vision statement. This shows that you understand the importance of sustainable development and successfully set the scene for the rest of your report, giving your goals, objectives, and aspirations more weight.

Although the problems you name are incredibly subjective, they frequently involve energy waste on your property, lack of sustainable materials, supply chain traceability, and plastic waste. This situation calls for a comprehensive strategy, so include essential stakeholders (such as managers and supervisors) from across your company in the list of problems you identify in your report.

3. The current sustainability situation

Transparency and honesty are essential because the first portions of your sustainability report are all about where your company stands. Here, describing the game's current state might be a valuable method to contextualize your plan and show the advancements you've already made toward making your company more sustainable.

4. Objects and goals

Setting targets and goals is related to the particulars of your ESG strategy. Outlining attainable and practical plans that your firm can act upon immediately and over time is crucial here.

Try to list one or more objectives that address the essential issues mentioned previously in the document. This exhibits a systematic strategy that will be successful in the long run, which investors will be eager to witness.

5. A well-defined plan

You must specify precisely how you will achieve your goals and objectives after establishing them. Consider this section of your report its main body, where you break down each goal into its risks, opportunities, and steps necessary to achieve it.

Consider the specifics and insights investors will be looking for while developing your sustainability strategy.

A well-thought-out strategy confirms the viability of your sustainability goals and offers you and your team a vital road map for future reference.

The following are additional items you should include in your sustainability report along with the ones described above:

6. KPIs

7. Governance frameworks and execution

8. CEO declaration

Reporting On Sustainability:

International standards (GRI, ESG, SDG, and GRESB) are the foundation of sustainability reports, which assist businesses in disclosing sustainability information and its effects on the environment, climate change, human rights, and well-being.

Our qualified staff offers guidance in selecting the optimal sustainability reporting standard for your company and provides oversight throughout the entire reporting process.

Benefits of sustainability reporting include:

I. Increasing company performance transparency and efficiency;

II. Achieving long-term returns; and

III. Identifying and controlling organizational risks.

IV. Openness fosters more substantial relationships with stakeholders

V. Clearance improves the company's reputation and trustworthiness

VI. Reporting enables businesses to take advantage of new opportunities.

Our role as sustainability report consultants:

Agile Advisors assists companies in undertaking more socially and environmentally responsible operations by acting as a sustainability report consultant. We'll establish long-term answers to the societal, environmental, economic, and corporate needs that are usually at odds with one another.

An organization’s influence on the environment will be assessed at work, and the company will either plan how to use its limited resources more wisely or take steps to lessen the impact.