This document summarizes a study conducted by the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship and Ernst & Young LLP on the value of sustainability reporting. Some key findings from the study include:
- Sustainability reporting can provide major value to companies in areas like improved reputation, increased employee loyalty, risk management, and access to capital.
- The majority (95%) of large global companies now issue sustainability reports, with the Global Reporting Initiative framework being the most widely used standard.
- While data availability and resources remain challenges, transparency with stakeholders is a major motivation for companies to report across all industries.
Leading player in Energy and Sustainability Services
Led more than 500 sustainability service offerings( CSR, EIAs, LCAs, CDM, Environmental Finance etc.)
Sectors( Energy and Infrastructure, Mines and Metals, Manufacturing, Habitats, Forestry, Agriculture) and
Geographies (India, Srilanka, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania)
Clients (Governments, Multilaterals, UN, Business groups, NGOs)
Delivered more than 500 million USD benefits to clients
Operating across India, South East Asia and Africa
Created by the Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB) and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), the TCFD Good Practice Handbook offers real-world examples of TCFD aligned disclosures in mainstream reports across many G20 countries. Striking a balance between financial and non-financial sectors, the Handbook helps you understand how organisations in your industry are implementing the TCFD recommendations and provide insight into good practice techniques to enhance your own climate-related financial disclosures.
Leading player in Energy and Sustainability Services
Led more than 500 sustainability service offerings( CSR, EIAs, LCAs, CDM, Environmental Finance etc.)
Sectors( Energy and Infrastructure, Mines and Metals, Manufacturing, Habitats, Forestry, Agriculture) and
Geographies (India, Srilanka, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania)
Clients (Governments, Multilaterals, UN, Business groups, NGOs)
Delivered more than 500 million USD benefits to clients
Operating across India, South East Asia and Africa
Created by the Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB) and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), the TCFD Good Practice Handbook offers real-world examples of TCFD aligned disclosures in mainstream reports across many G20 countries. Striking a balance between financial and non-financial sectors, the Handbook helps you understand how organisations in your industry are implementing the TCFD recommendations and provide insight into good practice techniques to enhance your own climate-related financial disclosures.
There is no better way to spend a Monday night than joining one of B-Hive’s famous FIN AND TONICs in New York City! This time CO2Logic had the honor to be co-host for this memorable event. We had the pleasure of gathering at Flanders Investment & Trade’s beautiful space as our experts discussed the future of Sustainable Finance.
ESG and Compliance: Where do we go from here?Nimonik
Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) issues are taking on more and more presence in the corporation's planning and strategy. This presentation discusses emerging trends, potential paths forward and challenges with staying in compliance to the myriad of ESG standards and requirements.
The deck sets the scene by introducing the current sustainability context, the Global Reporting Initiative's (GRI- https://www.globalreporting.org/Pages/default.aspx) role in providing metrics for measuring and communicating on sustainability performance and impacts. With numerous reporting requirements out there for organizations to comply with, the deck also explains GRI's collaborative efforts in aligning with other Frameworks.
The presentation was made during the April 2013 'CSR and Sustainability in extractive and energy industries. UK global expertise' week in London. The audience was comprised of representatives from the Oil and Gas and Mining sectors, from Russia and Kazakhstan, who were relatively new to sustainability reporting. The deck puts forward the business case for reporting on sustainability performance and impacts, and includes brief sector-specific information on sustainability reporting trends in those two sectors.
Besides providing a framework for organizations to use, GRI also offer support and guidance - what this means exactly is clarified in the deck.
ESG is best characterized as a framework that helps stakeholders understand how an organization is managing risks and opportunities related to environmental, social, and governance criteria.
Sustainability reporting is becoming increasingly prevalent due to the growing consensus that sustainability-related issues can materially affect a company’s performance. This is leading to increased demand from various stakeholder groups for higher levels of transparency and disclosure about the company’s business activities and performance.
Getting started with GRI reporting
To get started with sustainability reporting using standards like BRSR, companies are turning to sustainability management platforms like POSITIIVPLUS. These platforms can help businesses monitor KPIs like energy use, emissions and waste generation, operational costs, and regulatory compliance.
Stakeholders also want information from companies as to how they are responding to issues of sustainable development. This is why companies use sustainability reporting as a tool to disclose their sustainability practices. Sustainability reporting is not mandatory, but it increases the transparency and accountability of an organization. This in turn helps companies to be better equipped to make profitable decisions which will increase the chances of their long-term success.
Using sustainability management software can help companies gain an understanding of the BRSR format, choose material topics to report on, a report from the variety of available KPIs, aggregate and analyze sustainability performance data, draft a sustainability report, as well as support organizational transparency and communication.
Presentation by Stathis Gould at The 6th Annual Symposium on Sustainable Business Non-Financial and Integrated Reporting, Baruch College, November 1, 2013
Presentation delivered at the Women in Finance Conference, South Africa.
The presentation deals with Integrated Sustainability Reporting, South Africa, 2010.
There is no better way to spend a Monday night than joining one of B-Hive’s famous FIN AND TONICs in New York City! This time CO2Logic had the honor to be co-host for this memorable event. We had the pleasure of gathering at Flanders Investment & Trade’s beautiful space as our experts discussed the future of Sustainable Finance.
ESG and Compliance: Where do we go from here?Nimonik
Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) issues are taking on more and more presence in the corporation's planning and strategy. This presentation discusses emerging trends, potential paths forward and challenges with staying in compliance to the myriad of ESG standards and requirements.
The deck sets the scene by introducing the current sustainability context, the Global Reporting Initiative's (GRI- https://www.globalreporting.org/Pages/default.aspx) role in providing metrics for measuring and communicating on sustainability performance and impacts. With numerous reporting requirements out there for organizations to comply with, the deck also explains GRI's collaborative efforts in aligning with other Frameworks.
The presentation was made during the April 2013 'CSR and Sustainability in extractive and energy industries. UK global expertise' week in London. The audience was comprised of representatives from the Oil and Gas and Mining sectors, from Russia and Kazakhstan, who were relatively new to sustainability reporting. The deck puts forward the business case for reporting on sustainability performance and impacts, and includes brief sector-specific information on sustainability reporting trends in those two sectors.
Besides providing a framework for organizations to use, GRI also offer support and guidance - what this means exactly is clarified in the deck.
ESG is best characterized as a framework that helps stakeholders understand how an organization is managing risks and opportunities related to environmental, social, and governance criteria.
Sustainability reporting is becoming increasingly prevalent due to the growing consensus that sustainability-related issues can materially affect a company’s performance. This is leading to increased demand from various stakeholder groups for higher levels of transparency and disclosure about the company’s business activities and performance.
Getting started with GRI reporting
To get started with sustainability reporting using standards like BRSR, companies are turning to sustainability management platforms like POSITIIVPLUS. These platforms can help businesses monitor KPIs like energy use, emissions and waste generation, operational costs, and regulatory compliance.
Stakeholders also want information from companies as to how they are responding to issues of sustainable development. This is why companies use sustainability reporting as a tool to disclose their sustainability practices. Sustainability reporting is not mandatory, but it increases the transparency and accountability of an organization. This in turn helps companies to be better equipped to make profitable decisions which will increase the chances of their long-term success.
Using sustainability management software can help companies gain an understanding of the BRSR format, choose material topics to report on, a report from the variety of available KPIs, aggregate and analyze sustainability performance data, draft a sustainability report, as well as support organizational transparency and communication.
Presentation by Stathis Gould at The 6th Annual Symposium on Sustainable Business Non-Financial and Integrated Reporting, Baruch College, November 1, 2013
Presentation delivered at the Women in Finance Conference, South Africa.
The presentation deals with Integrated Sustainability Reporting, South Africa, 2010.
In order to effectively implement and then develop sustainability initiatives its important to be clear on how to report around the issues. The Footprint Forum came together to discuss sustainability reporting best practice
Today Sustainability and Sustainability reporting is buzz in every organisation. This presentation is just an awareness on sustainability and sustainability reporting process.
Presentation by Managing Principal William Newman at the 2011 Management and Information Business Shows sponsored by the Michigan Association of CPAs Management Consulting Task Force.
The slides are lecture slides when I guess lecturing in the Post Graduate Program in Department of Accounting, La Trobe University, Australia. The majority of students attended this lecture are enrolled in Master of Professional Accounting and Master of Finance program. Among them there were also students from Master of Islamic Banking and Finance. This lecture was intended to enlighten students on the importance of Sustainable Development or Sustainability paradigm in accounting. Furthermore, the objective was to encourage students to be involved in Sustainability practice.
An understanding of how our company behaves towards its internal and external
stakeholders is essential in order to analyse its results thoroughly and define the next
steps towards increasing the integration of our company in the context in which it
operates.
This type of approach, aimed at all categories of stakeholders, underlies my intention
and that of the entire senior management of Esprinet to launch a series of initiatives
aimed at firmly and continuously raising awareness in the different company areas on
issues of “sustainability” and at representing them in this 2015 Sustainability Report.
The report is intended to be a starting point, able to provide information to our
stakeholders on the activities already performed by us and to help identify the next
steps required to make our company’s business model even more “sustainable” and
thus more competitive.
Esprinet is active in protecting the environment and is committed to promoting, within
its structures, the rational use of resources and the search for innovative solutions
aimed at guaranteeing constant energy savings. The real engine of the Company are
the people who work there and Esprinet pays them the greatest attention both in
terms of training opportunities and professional growth and in terms of welfare in
the workplace.
Esprinet is committed to achieving excellence in its management systems relating to
quality, environment, health and safety, encompassing their underlying philosophy
based upon constantly striving for improvement. In this field, Esprinet’s “integrated”
portfolio of certifications (Quality - UNI EN ISO 9001 standard, Safety and Protection
of Health - OHSAS 18001 standard, Environment - UNI EN ISO 14001 standard)
stands as a concrete response to the requirements of some of our main stakeholders.
Driven by these values and capitalizing on what has been constructed thus far, we are
defining “sustainable projects” that can significantly complement existing business
proposals. In this perspective, it was decided to identify a team of people within our
company dedicated to maintaining and commencing activities that concretely commit
Esprinet towards greater sustainability and competitiveness.
In the hope that the steps taken to date represent the harbinger of further real and
lasting initiatives aimed at satisfying the expectations of the stakeholders, we invite
you to read the 2015 Sustainability Report.
Prepentation on navigating sustainability reporting given by Elaine Cohen at the Beyond Business Fifth Annual Sustainability Reporting Conference 2011 in May in Israel
The term corporate sustainability is often misconstrued. Many relates corporate sustainability with environmental management others with compliance of regulatory requirements such as Sox etc. However, corporate sustainability is not reporting, compliance or green wash. It is about building profitable, conscientious and responsible corporation of the future. It is essence is capability building strategy that addresses holistic and dynamic nature of sustainability. Please view this presentation to know more and participate in my research to help build sustainable corporation.
Investor calls for transparency and the rise of social media have thrust the impact businesses have on the economy, the environment and society more firmly into the spotlight. Drawing on more than 2,500 interviews with business leaders in 34 economies, Corporate Social Responsibility: beyond financials, looks at how companies are responding to this challenge; how they are making their operations more sustainable and what role they feel integrated reporting can play.
Despite continued uncertain economic conditions, most companies remain persuaded that there is a strong causal link between their financial performance over a 5-10 year time horizon and their current commitment to improving their environmental, social and governance performance.
Against this background, a number of business leaders are reviewing their approach to sustainability, weighing new corporate strategies and new business models in efforts to ensure their long-term sustainability.
An Exploratory Study of Factors Influencing Corporate Sustainability on busin...AkashSharma618775
This study evaluates the effect of corporate sustainability on business performance of manufacturing
industries in USA, from 2012 to 2015. These Manufacturing industries are listed in Corporate Social
Responsibility Hub (CSRHub), Morning Star and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). All data used in this report
were extracted from 37 manufacturing companies’ Sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and
annual reports. These companies are of diverse sectors such as Automobile, Health care, consumer goods, food,
beverages and technology. Quantitative method of research is used in this study; this also includes the use of
explanatory and descriptive research design. The main issues to be discussed in this study are Donation, Incident
rate reduction and Water Recycled as the independent variables, while Revenue is the dependent variable. Data
analysis was carried out using the regression analysis, descriptive statistics and correlation. E-views software
generated the data for further analysis. The findings imply that donation has a positive insignificance effect on
revenue, reduced incident rate reduction had positive significance effect on revenue and water recycling has
negative insignificant effect on revenue. In the future researches, larger samples of companies form diverse sectors
and subsectors should be studied to broaden the research on company performance especially the non-financial
aspect.
An Exploratory Study of Factors Influencing Corporate Sustainability on busin...AkashSharma618775
This study evaluates the effect of corporate sustainability on business performance of manufacturing
industries in USA, from 2012 to 2015. These Manufacturing industries are listed in Corporate Social
Responsibility Hub (CSRHub), Morning Star and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). All data used in this report
were extracted from 37 manufacturing companies’ Sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and
annual reports. These companies are of diverse sectors such as Automobile, Health care, consumer goods, food,
beverages and technology. Quantitative method of research is used in this study; this also includes the use of
explanatory and descriptive research design. The main issues to be discussed in this study are Donation, Incident
rate reduction and Water Recycled as the independent variables, while Revenue is the dependent variable. Data
analysis was carried out using the regression analysis, descriptive statistics and correlation. E-views software
generated the data for further analysis. The findings imply that donation has a positive insignificance effect on
revenue, reduced incident rate reduction had positive significance effect on revenue and water recycling has
negative insignificant effect on revenue. In the future researches, larger samples of companies form diverse sectors
and subsectors should be studied to broaden the research on company performance especially the non-financial
aspect.
Drawing on more than 2,500 interviews with business leaders in 34 economies, this report from Grant Thornton and UNICEF looks at what companies are doing to make their operations more sustainable and why, and considers the role integrated reporting can play in improving transparency and decision making. In this latest iteration, cost management and customer demand have risen to the top as leading drivers of the move toward sustainable business practices, followed by moral imperative, brand building, and staff recruitment and retention.
Corporate social responsibility: beyond financialsGrant Thornton
Drawing on more than 2,500 interviews with business leaders in 34 economies through our International Business Report (IBR), insight from the leading children’s charity
UNICEF and Grant Thornton leaders, this report looks at what companies are doing to make their operations more sustainable and why, and considers the role integrated reporting can play in improving transparency and decision making.
Sustainability Reporting: Definition, Benefits, And Challenges | Enterprise W...Enterprise Wired
Sustainability reporting has emerged as a critical tool for organizations to transparently communicate their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance.
Triggers and considerations for refreshing CSR marketing servicesTilly Pick
A major trend that I consider in my work and that is influencing tomorrow’s winners is the rise in environmental, social and governance principles (ESG). That’s code for “we need to all be considerate global citizens.” (CSR, or Corporate Social Responsibility, is how ESG relates to brand marketing.) People are taking notice, at all levels and everywhere. From stock exchanges to massive pension funds, the UN to Millennials, and big non-profits to those on shoe-string budgets, the discussions and work that are happening will lead to good things. For customers. Investors. Employees. Suppliers. Our communities, too. Nirvana for marketers wired to create value that makes a difference. Follow me here, on Twitter and LinkedIn if you feel the same way.
This white paper was the culmination of a series of webinars and in-person conversations with corporate practitioners in the sustainability field. It provides the end user with an understanding of the ESG ratings and rankings field and helps prioritize engagement with the most influential organizations in the field.
SustainAbility launched a tool to help companies improve transparency in their sustainability reporting.
The report notes that in order for transparency to instigate change, companies must increase their efforts on three transparency elements: materiality, valuation of externalities and integration.
Discover the innovative and creative projects that highlight my journey throu...dylandmeas
Discover the innovative and creative projects that highlight my journey through Full Sail University. Below, you’ll find a collection of my work showcasing my skills and expertise in digital marketing, event planning, and media production.
RMD24 | Retail media: hoe zet je dit in als je geen AH of Unilever bent? Heid...BBPMedia1
Grote partijen zijn al een tijdje onderweg met retail media. Ondertussen worden in dit domein ook de kansen zichtbaar voor andere spelers in de markt. Maar met die kansen ontstaan ook vragen: Zelf retail media worden of erop adverteren? In welke fase van de funnel past het en hoe integreer je het in een mediaplan? Wat is nu precies het verschil met marketplaces en Programmatic ads? In dit half uur beslechten we de dilemma's en krijg je antwoorden op wanneer het voor jou tijd is om de volgende stap te zetten.
Affordable Stationery Printing Services in Jaipur | Navpack n PrintNavpack & Print
Looking for professional printing services in Jaipur? Navpack n Print offers high-quality and affordable stationery printing for all your business needs. Stand out with custom stationery designs and fast turnaround times. Contact us today for a quote!
The world of search engine optimization (SEO) is buzzing with discussions after Google confirmed that around 2,500 leaked internal documents related to its Search feature are indeed authentic. The revelation has sparked significant concerns within the SEO community. The leaked documents were initially reported by SEO experts Rand Fishkin and Mike King, igniting widespread analysis and discourse. For More Info:- https://news.arihantwebtech.com/search-disrupted-googles-leaked-documents-rock-the-seo-world/
Improving profitability for small businessBen Wann
In this comprehensive presentation, we will explore strategies and practical tips for enhancing profitability in small businesses. Tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by small enterprises, this session covers various aspects that directly impact the bottom line. Attendees will learn how to optimize operational efficiency, manage expenses, and increase revenue through innovative marketing and customer engagement techniques.
Digital Transformation and IT Strategy Toolkit and TemplatesAurelien Domont, MBA
This Digital Transformation and IT Strategy Toolkit was created by ex-McKinsey, Deloitte and BCG Management Consultants, after more than 5,000 hours of work. It is considered the world's best & most comprehensive Digital Transformation and IT Strategy Toolkit. It includes all the Frameworks, Best Practices & Templates required to successfully undertake the Digital Transformation of your organization and define a robust IT Strategy.
Editable Toolkit to help you reuse our content: 700 Powerpoint slides | 35 Excel sheets | 84 minutes of Video training
This PowerPoint presentation is only a small preview of our Toolkits. For more details, visit www.domontconsulting.com
Attending a job Interview for B1 and B2 Englsih learnersErika906060
It is a sample of an interview for a business english class for pre-intermediate and intermediate english students with emphasis on the speking ability.
Business Valuation Principles for EntrepreneursBen Wann
This insightful presentation is designed to equip entrepreneurs with the essential knowledge and tools needed to accurately value their businesses. Understanding business valuation is crucial for making informed decisions, whether you're seeking investment, planning to sell, or simply want to gauge your company's worth.
Tata Group Dials Taiwan for Its Chipmaking Ambition in Gujarat’s DholeraAvirahi City Dholera
The Tata Group, a titan of Indian industry, is making waves with its advanced talks with Taiwanese chipmakers Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) and UMC Group. The goal? Establishing a cutting-edge semiconductor fabrication unit (fab) in Dholera, Gujarat. This isn’t just any project; it’s a potential game changer for India’s chipmaking aspirations and a boon for investors seeking promising residential projects in dholera sir.
Visit : https://www.avirahi.com/blog/tata-group-dials-taiwan-for-its-chipmaking-ambition-in-gujarats-dholera/
Memorandum Of Association Constitution of Company.pptseri bangash
www.seribangash.com
A Memorandum of Association (MOA) is a legal document that outlines the fundamental principles and objectives upon which a company operates. It serves as the company's charter or constitution and defines the scope of its activities. Here's a detailed note on the MOA:
Contents of Memorandum of Association:
Name Clause: This clause states the name of the company, which should end with words like "Limited" or "Ltd." for a public limited company and "Private Limited" or "Pvt. Ltd." for a private limited company.
https://seribangash.com/article-of-association-is-legal-doc-of-company/
Registered Office Clause: It specifies the location where the company's registered office is situated. This office is where all official communications and notices are sent.
Objective Clause: This clause delineates the main objectives for which the company is formed. It's important to define these objectives clearly, as the company cannot undertake activities beyond those mentioned in this clause.
www.seribangash.com
Liability Clause: It outlines the extent of liability of the company's members. In the case of companies limited by shares, the liability of members is limited to the amount unpaid on their shares. For companies limited by guarantee, members' liability is limited to the amount they undertake to contribute if the company is wound up.
https://seribangash.com/promotors-is-person-conceived-formation-company/
Capital Clause: This clause specifies the authorized capital of the company, i.e., the maximum amount of share capital the company is authorized to issue. It also mentions the division of this capital into shares and their respective nominal value.
Association Clause: It simply states that the subscribers wish to form a company and agree to become members of it, in accordance with the terms of the MOA.
Importance of Memorandum of Association:
Legal Requirement: The MOA is a legal requirement for the formation of a company. It must be filed with the Registrar of Companies during the incorporation process.
Constitutional Document: It serves as the company's constitutional document, defining its scope, powers, and limitations.
Protection of Members: It protects the interests of the company's members by clearly defining the objectives and limiting their liability.
External Communication: It provides clarity to external parties, such as investors, creditors, and regulatory authorities, regarding the company's objectives and powers.
https://seribangash.com/difference-public-and-private-company-law/
Binding Authority: The company and its members are bound by the provisions of the MOA. Any action taken beyond its scope may be considered ultra vires (beyond the powers) of the company and therefore void.
Amendment of MOA:
While the MOA lays down the company's fundamental principles, it is not entirely immutable. It can be amended, but only under specific circumstances and in compliance with legal procedures. Amendments typically require shareholder
Premium MEAN Stack Development Solutions for Modern BusinessesSynapseIndia
Stay ahead of the curve with our premium MEAN Stack Development Solutions. Our expert developers utilize MongoDB, Express.js, AngularJS, and Node.js to create modern and responsive web applications. Trust us for cutting-edge solutions that drive your business growth and success.
Know more: https://www.synapseindia.com/technology/mean-stack-development-company.html
[Note: This is a partial preview. To download this presentation, visit:
https://www.oeconsulting.com.sg/training-presentations]
Sustainability has become an increasingly critical topic as the world recognizes the need to protect our planet and its resources for future generations. Sustainability means meeting our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It involves long-term planning and consideration of the consequences of our actions. The goal is to create strategies that ensure the long-term viability of People, Planet, and Profit.
Leading companies such as Nike, Toyota, and Siemens are prioritizing sustainable innovation in their business models, setting an example for others to follow. In this Sustainability training presentation, you will learn key concepts, principles, and practices of sustainability applicable across industries. This training aims to create awareness and educate employees, senior executives, consultants, and other key stakeholders, including investors, policymakers, and supply chain partners, on the importance and implementation of sustainability.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts that form the foundation of sustainability within corporate environments.
2. Explore the sustainability implementation model, focusing on effective measures and reporting strategies to track and communicate sustainability efforts.
3. Identify and define best practices and critical success factors essential for achieving sustainability goals within organizations.
CONTENTS
1. Introduction and Key Concepts of Sustainability
2. Principles and Practices of Sustainability
3. Measures and Reporting in Sustainability
4. Sustainability Implementation & Best Practices
To download the complete presentation, visit: https://www.oeconsulting.com.sg/training-presentations
Sustainability: Balancing the Environment, Equity & Economy
Value of sustainability reporting
1. Value of Sustainability Reporting
A study by the Center for Corporate Citizenship and Ernst & Young LLP
Executive Summary
2. 1 Value of Sustainability Reporting
Where once sustainability disclosure was the province of a
few unusually green or community-oriented companies,
today it is a best practice employed by companies world-
wide. A focus on sustainability helps organizations manage
their social and environmental impacts and improve
operating efficiency and natural resource stewardship,
and it remains a vital component of shareholder,
employee, and stakeholder relations.
One of the biggest moments in the mainstreaming of sustainability
reporting came in 2009, when Bloomberg made access to sustainability
data available to terminal subscribers as part of its regular subscription.
There are more than 100 sustainability data points available for each firm
covered, and in the latter half of 2010, analysts and investors viewed more
than 50,000,000 indicators, representing a 29% uptick from the prior six
months.1
It is clear that sustainability reporting is here to stay. A full 95% of the
Global 250 issue sustainability reports.2
Firms continuously seek new
ways to improve performance, protect reputational assets, and win share-
holder and stakeholder trust. The evidence is all around us.
Sustainability reporting has emerged as a common practice
of 21st-century business
Ways that sustainability reporting provided major value
Improved reputation
Increased employee loyalty
Reduced inaccurate information about the
organization’s corporate social performance
Helped the organization refine
its corporate vision or strategy
Increased consumer loyalty
Led to waste reduction within the organization
Improved relationships with regulatory bodies
Monitoring long-term risk and improving
long-term risk management
Led to other forms of cost savings
within the organization
Helped the organization to take measures to
increase long-term profitability
Improved access to capital
Preferred insurance rates
0% 20% 40% 60%10% 30% 50%
Source: Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship and Ernst & Young 2013 survey
3. 2 Value of Sustainability Reporting
1. Financial performance
New research suggests that the value of disclosure extends to the firm’s
balance sheet. This is consistent with the survey responses for this report,
where by a majority reported realizing business value as a result of their
companies’ reporting efforts.
A 2009 analysis of the results of more than 200 independent empirical
studies examining the relationship of corporate social and environmental
performance to corporate financial performance suggested that companies
might benefit from increased communication of their good deeds.3
The
studies in the sample specifically covering transparency and reporting indi-
cated positive market reactions to sustainability reporting.4
Recent research found that environmental disclosure quality and firm value
have a positive relationship. Even after implementing a control for environ-
mental performance, the most transparent companies in the study tended
to have higher cash flows.5
2. Access to capital
A recent paper suggests that investors increasingly prefer to invest in
transparent enterprises due to higher stakeholder-manager trust, more
accurate analyst forecasting, and lower information asymmetry.6
Recent research found that reporting firms ranked highly for sustainability
have Kaplan-Zingales Index scores that are 0.6 lower than the scores for
low-sustainability companies.7
A lower score signifies fewer capital
constraints.
Seven major business benefits of sustainability reports
3. Innovation, waste reduction, and efficiency
Reporting can offer firms insight into potential changes in process and
business. Innovative firms can employ social and environmental initia-
tives as opportunities for learning.8
In a 2012 global survey of sustainability
reporters, 88% indicated that reporting helped make their organizations’
decision-making processes more efficient.9
4. Risk management
The links between material business impacts and environmental and social
risks suggest that sustainable business management and its key metrics will
become more significant in the evaluation of overall business risk.10
Reporting firms may be better able to predict and manage risks emanating
from sustainability-related dimensions of business. Engaging in sustain-
ability reporting may allow firms to:
• Anticipate and prepare for issues in communities of operation
• Increase agility in process improvement
• Anticipate and prepare for future materials scarcity
4. 3 Value of Sustainability Reporting
5. Reputation and consumer trust
Reporting may prove to be a powerful tool for corporations that need
to build or restore trust. A recent Ernst & Young study found that social
acceptance risk was one of the Top Ten Risks for Global Business and
that corporations may benefit from communicating transparently to the
public.11
The 2013 Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship and Ernst &
Young survey revealed that more than 50% of respondents issuing
sustainability reports reported that those reports helped improve firm
reputation (see figure on page 1).
6. Employee loyalty and recruitment
Proactively communicating your firm’s corporate responsibility commit-
ments has a positive impact on productivity, including the number of
voluntary, uncompensated hours worked. A reputation for responsibility
and disclosure can help recruiting efforts.12
More than 30% of reporters in the 2013 Boston College Center for
Corporate Citizenship and Ernst & Young survey saw increased employee
loyalty as a result of issuing a report (see figure on page 1).
7. Social benefits
A study of corporate social responsibility in highly competitive markets con-
cluded that companies engaging in sustainability initiatives can
simultaneously increase firm success, reduce negative social influence and
benefit society at large.13
5. 4 Value of Sustainability Reporting
More than two-thirds of respondents indicate that their
organizations employ the GRI framework in the
preparation of their reports.
The Global Reporting Initiative was founded at the end of the 1990s
and the first version of the GRI standards appeared in 2000.
The GRI framework is a collection of reporting guidance documents —
all of which were developed through global, multi-stakeholder
consultative processes — designed to assist companies in preparing
sustainability reports and ESG disclosures. This framework is the most
widely adopted globally, and provides a unified standard for reports to
be assessed and compared.
The key benefit of using the GRI framework, in addition to standardiza-
tion of reports, is guidance on material issues. The GRI emphasizes that
a company consider those environmental and social aspects that are
most significant to its key stakeholders and have the most significant
impacts on its business —or result from it.14
The Global Reporting Initiative: The leading global standard
Reporting framework organizations use to
organize their reports
51%
18%
4%
21%
6%
GRI Guidelines
GRI-referenced
Non-GRI
No framework
I'm not sure
Source: Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship
and Ernst & Young 2013 survey
6. 5 Value of Sustainability Reporting
Between 2007 and 2011, the GRI Sustainability Disclosure
Database, which tracks sustainability reports submitted by
companies, grew, on average, more than 30% each year.
Only a few dozen companies filed reports with the GRI in its first few
years, but with the environmental sustainability movement at its core, it
quickly gathered momentum. By the mid-2000s, hundreds of companies
were voluntarily adopting the GRI framework and producing sustainability
reports. In January 2011, the GRI began collecting GRI-referenced and non-
GRI-referenced reports.15
Today, thousands of companies, from all over the globe, are publishing
sustainability reports. In the Boston College Center for Corporate
Citizenship and Ernst & Young survey, a majority of respondents indicated
that their organizations issue a sustainability report.
Sustainability reports: Yesterday and today
0
1000
1500
2000
2500
Growth of sustainability reporting, 2000–2011
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
500
3000
3500
Source: Data from GRI Sustainability Database; collection of GRI-Referenced
and Non-GRI reports began in January 2011
Numberofsustainabilityreportsissued
GRI
Non-GRI
GRI-referenced
7. 6 Value of Sustainability Reporting
Companies are motivated to report for different
reasons. Large companies are more likely to report
than small companies, and they appear to be influ-
enced more than small companies by expectations
of transparency with stakeholders and competitive
differentiation.
It’s just part of business: Reasons to report
Source: Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship
and Ernst & Young 2013 survey
0% 100%20% 40%
Transparency
with stakeholders
Risk management
Stakeholder pressure
Competitive advantage
Brand/Reputation
Other
I'm not sure
Company culture
60%
Motivations for reporting by company size
80%
Annual revenues of
$5 billion and over
Annual revenues under
$5 billion
Source: Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship
and Ernst & Young 2013 survey
0% 100%20% 40%
Transparency with
stakeholders
Risk management
Stakeholder pressure
Other
Competitive advantage
Brand/Reputation
Company culture
I'm not sure
60%
Motivations for reporting by company type
80%
Publicly traded
for-profit company
Private for-profit
company
Public companies are influenced by stakeholders to
a greater extent than privately held companies,
suggesting increased influence of stakeholder
perspectives.
Private companies are more likely than their public
counterparts to see reporting as an opportunity to
manage risk.
8. 7 Value of Sustainability Reporting
Across industries, transparency with stakeholders was a key
motivation for organizations to issue reports.
Reasons to report by industry
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
What motivates organizations to report
Finance
and
insurance
Health
care
and
socialassistance
Inform
ation
M
anufacturingProfessional,scientific,
and
technicalservices
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Utilities
and
m
ining
Transparency with stakeholders
Competitive advantage
Risk management
Stakeholder pressure
Company culture
Brand/Reputation
Source: Boston College Center for
Corporate Citizenship and
Ernst & Young 2013 survey
Additional internal and external drivers for reporting
• Rating agencies factoring sustainability information into broader
analysis16
• Executives, shareholders and investors seeking assurance that
sustainability risks have been managed
• Communities seeking information regarding how the company is
managing the environmental and social impacts of its operations
• Regulations related to environmental and social matters
• Current and potential employees seeking information about company
sustainability practice17
9. 8 Value of Sustainability Reporting
In many countries some type of sustainability reporting is mandated, either by exchanges or by the government,
and every year brings new laws and guidelines to countries throughout the world
Reporting: The law of the land?
As of 2012, the governments or stock exchanges of 33 countries have
required or encouraged some level of sustainability reporting:18
Argentina Germany Mexico
Australia Greece Netherlands
Austria Hungary Norway
Brazil India Saudi Arabia
Canada Indonesia Singapore
China Ireland South Africa
Denmark Italy Spain
Ecuador Japan Sweden
Egypt Korea Turkey
Finland Luxembourg United Kingdom
France Malaysia United States
On April 16, 2013, the European Commission issued a press release that
announced proposals for a directive of the European Parliament and the
Council of the European Union which would require large companies to
disclose information on the major economic, environmental, and social
impacts of their business as part of their annual reporting cycle.
Many indicators suggest that mandatory corporate reporting will be the
future in both developed and emerging economies.
10. 9 Value of Sustainability Reporting
More than 40% of respondents within
the information, health care, and
professional services industries
indicated that reporting provides
major value for employee loyalty.
Source: Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship and Ernst & Young 2013 survey
0% 10% 20% 40%
Health care and
social assistance
Professional, scientific,
and technical services
Information
Finance and insurance
Utilities and mining
Manufacturing
60%
Increased consumer loyalty
50%30% 0% 10% 20% 40%
Information
Health care and
social assistance
Professional, scientific,
and technical services
Finance and insurance
Manufacturing
Utilities and mining
60%
Increased employee loyalty
50%30%
0% 10% 20% 40%
Professional, scientific,
and technical services
Information
Finance and insurance
Manufacturing
Health care and
social assistance
Utilities and mining
60%
Reduce waste
50%30% 0% 10% 20% 40%
Health care and
social assistance
Information
Utilities and mining
Finance and insurance
Professional, scientific,
and technical services
Manufacturing
60%
Monitoring long-term risk and
improve risk management
50%30%
Reporting contributes to important business outcomes:
Industry breakdown
11. 10 Value of Sustainability Reporting
Organizations that are reporting are most challenged
by data-related issues. Differences emerged among the
major reasons why private and publicly traded for-profit
companies are not issuing reports.
Why not report?
Source: Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship and Ernst & Young 2013 survey
0% 10% 20% 40%
Availability of data
Accuracy or
completeness of data
Internal buy-in to
disclose data
Limited resources
70%
Challenges of sustainability reporting
and assurance process
50%30%
0% 10% 20% 40%
No one is asking for
this information
We intend to do so, but have
not gotten the resources to
prepare a public report
We track this information
internally, but elect not
to publish it
We consider the
information proprietary
60%
Reasons why companies do not report
50%30%
60%
Publicly traded
for-profit company
Private for-profit
company
12. 11 Value of Sustainability Reporting
Some advocates of sustainability believe that integrated
reporting is the way forward. As more companies issue
sustainability reports, analysts expect that public and
investor demand for external assurance of sustainability
reports will grow.
One part of the move towards standardization is the push for annual
reports that include and connect information on both financial and
non-financial aspects of business. In 2010, the GRI cofounded the
International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) to help promote the
disclosure of sustainability performance data.19
Because analysts, investors, and other stakeholders are paying atten-
tion to sustainability reporting, many firms have come to understand
that the credibility offered by assurance is important. Among those
report-issuing companies in the Boston College and Ernst & Young sur-
vey, 35% have some level of assurance conducted on their sustainability
reports. Of those reporting assurance, 55% have their full reports
assured and 45% have some indicators assured.
A recent study found that readers are more likely to believe negative
disclosures than positive disclosures in reports. In order for dis-
closures of positive performance to have the same weight and
credibility as negative disclosures, the positive disclosures had to
be assured — even if the negative disclosures were not assured.20
The future of sustainability reporting
Assured reports by provider type, 2012
65%
19%
10%
6%
Accountant
Small consultancy/
boutique firm
Other
Engineering firm
Scope of assurance, 2012
51%
32%
2%
15%
Entire
Sustainability
Report
Specific Section(s)
Not Specified
GHG Only
Source: Data from GRI Sustainability Database
13. 12 Value of Sustainability Reporting
Reporting frameworks
Organization initiative or tool
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability
Reporting Guidelines
Type/description
• Reporting framework: G3.1 is the GRI’s set
of sustainability reporting guidelines, and
G4 is planned to be released in May 2013.
Performance indicators are organized into
the following three dimensions: economic,
environmental and social.
• www.globalreporting.org
Members/
regions represented
More than 4,000 organizations from across the
globe have created a GRI or GRI-referenced report.
Industries All public and private organizations
Core subjects
• Organizational governance
• Human rights
• Labor practices
• The environment
• Fair operating practices
• Consumer issues
• Community involvement and development
Website
• The Global Reporting Initiative
www.globalreporting.org
• GRI-Reports-List-1999-2013
www.globalreporting.org/reporting/report-
services/sustainability-disclosure-database/
Pages/Discover-the-Database.aspx
• GRI Sustainability Disclosure Database
database.globalreporting.org
A table illustrating the alignment of reporting dimensions
across frameworks can be found here. This document
covers nine different initiatives, descriptions of the
reporting framework, tool, and/or standards they cover,
the industries and regions they represent, and which core
sustainability issues they address.
Sample description:
14. 13 Value of Sustainability Reporting
This study was produced as a joint effort between the
Carroll School of Management Center for Corporate
Citizenship at Boston College and Ernst Young LLP.
The Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship and Ernst Young
LLP conducted a survey on sustainability reporting, which was adminis-
tered between February 26 and March 8, 2013. The comprehensive survey
covered various aspects of an organization’s ESG reporting. Topics in-
cluded the cost and benefits of reporting, as well as making connections to
financial performance. Respondents’ companies did not have to report in
order to participate in the survey.
Survey information was sent by email to members of the Center for Cor-
porate Citizenship and to other professionals. The survey was also sent
to members of a Survey Sampling International (SSI) panel. Members of
the SSI panel were corporate professionals and were required to be em-
ployed at management or executive levels in their companies to complete
the survey. All respondents needed to be at least somewhat familiar with
their organizations’ sustainability disclosures (also known as corporate
citizenship; environmental, social and governance; ESG; or corporate social
responsibility disclosures).
There were 579 total respondents and 391 work for an organization that
issues a sustainability report.
About this study Company operations area –
domestic (US only) vs. global
61%
39%
Global
Domestic
Company type
49%
40%
6%
3%
Publicly traded
for-profit
company
Private
for-profit company
Other
Private non-profit
corporation 2%
Governmental corporation
or congressionally authorized organization
Source: Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship
and Ernst Young 2013 survey
15. 14 Value of Sustainability Reporting
Classification of companies by industry
Industry Percent of
respondents
Manufacturing 17
Finance and insurance 15
Professional, scientific, and technical services 12
Utilities and mining 9
Information 8
Other 7
Health care and social assistance 6
Retail trade 5
Construction 4
Transportation and warehousing 4
Other services (including public administration) 3
Accommodation and food services 2
Administrative and support; and waste and facili-
ties management
2
Arts, entertainment, and recreation 2
Educational services 2
Real estate 2
Note: Industries based on North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).
16. 15 Value of Sustainability Reporting
Endnotes
1P. Tullis, “Bloomberg’s Push For Corporate Sustainability,” 30 March 2011 (online).
Available: http://www.fastcompany.com/1739782/bloombergs-push-corporate-sustainability
(accessed 5 February 2013).
2GRI, “Report or Explain: a smart policy approach for non-financial information disclosure,”
7 March 2013 (online). Available: https://www.globalreporting.org/resourcelibrary/GRI-non-
paper-Report-or-Explain.pdf (accessed 13 March 2013)
3J.D. Margolis, H. A. Elfenbein and J. P. Walsh, “Does It Pay To Be Good…And Does It
Matter? A Meta-Analysis of the Relationship between Corporate Social and Financial Perfor-
mance,” Social Science Research Network, 2009.
4Ibid.
5M. Plumlee, D. Brown, R. M. Hayes and R. S. Marshall, “Voluntary Environmental Disclo-
sure Quality and Firm Value: Further Evidence,” Social Science Research Network, 2010.
6D.S. Dhaliwal, O. Z. Li, A. Tsang and Y. G. Yang, “Voluntary Nonfinancial Disclosure and
the Cost of Equity Capital: The Initiation of Corporate Social Responsibility Reporting,”
The Accounting Review, Vol. 86, No.1, 2011, pp. 59-100.
7B. Cheng, I. Ioannou and G. Serafeim, “Corporate Social Responsibility and Access to
Finance,” Social Science Research Network, 2011.
8C. E. Hull and S. Rothenberg, “Firm Performance: The Interactions of Corporate Social
Performance with Innovation and Industry Differentiation,” Strategic Management Journal,
Volume 29, Issue 7, 2008, pp. 781–789.
9Black Sun Plc, “Understanding Transformation: Building the Business Case For Integrated
Reporting,” Black Sun Plc, 2012.
10Ernst Young, “Climate change and sustainability: How sustainability has expanded the
CFO’s role,” Ernst Young, 2011.
11Ernst Young, “The top 10 risks for business: a sector-wide view of the risks facing
businesses across the globe,“ Ernst Young Business Risk Report, 2010.
12P. Crifo and V. Forget, “The Economics of Corporate Social Responsibility: A Survey,”
École Polytechnique, 2012.
13J.D. Fernández-Kranz and J. Santaló, “When Necessity Becomes a Virtue: The Effect of Prod-
uct Market Competition on Corporate Social Responsibility,” Journal of Economics Manage-
ment Strategy, Vol. 19, Issue 2, 2010, pp. 453–487.
14GRI, “Materiality in the Context of the GRI Reporting Framework” (online). Available:
https://www.gloreporting.org/reporting/guidelines-online/TechnicalProtocol/Pages/
MaterialityInThe ContextOf TheGRIReportingFramework.aspx (accessed 20 March 2013).
15GRI, “Sustainability Disclosure Database Data Legend,” September 2012 (online). Available:
https://www.globalreporting.org/resourcelibrary/GRI-Data-Legend-Sustainability-Disclosure-
Database-Profiling.pdf (accessed 17 April 2013).
16Standard Poor’s, “Corporate Responsibility Sustainability,” December 2012 (online).
Available: http://ratings.standardandpoors.com/about/who-we-are/Our-Approach-to-
Corporate-Social-Responsibility.html (accessed 26 March 2013).
17GRI, “Starting Points: GRI Sustainability Reporting: How valuable is the journey?” GRI,
Amsterdam, 2011.
18The Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations; Initiative for Responsible Investment,
“Current Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure Efforts by National Governments and
Stock Exchanges,” 2012.
19GRI, “Integrated Reporting” (online). Available: https://www.globalreporting.org/informa-
tion/current-priorities/integrated-reporting/Pages/default.aspx (accessed 19 February 2013).
20P. J. Coram, G.S. Monroe and D. R. Woodliff, “The Value of Assurance on Voluntary Nonfi-
nancial Disclosure: An Experimental Evaluation,” Auditing: A Journal of Practice Theory, Vol.
28, No. 1, 2009, pp. 137-151.
17. The Carroll School of Management Center for Corporate
Citizenship at Boston College is a membership-based
knowledge center. Founded in 1985, the Center has a
history of leadership in corporate citizenship research
and education.
The Center engages more than 400 member compa-
nies and more than 10,000 individuals annually to share
knowledge and expertise about the practice of corporate
citizenship through the Center’s professional develop-
ment programs, online community, regional programs,
and annual conference.
The Center is a GRI-Certified Training Partner.
For more information, visit the Center’s website at
BCCorporateCitizenship.org.
About the authors
55 lee road • chestnut hill, ma 02467-3942 • t: 617–552–4545 • f: 617–552–8499 • e-mail: ccc@bc.edu • www.BCCorporateCitizenship.org
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