This workshop aims to train participants in the preparation of sustainability reports, essential documents for companies and organizations seeking to align their economic, social and environmental performance with international standards. Sustainability reports not only allow us to evaluate the impact of company activities, but also promote transparency and accountability towards stakeholders.
Goals:
- Understand what sustainability reports are, their purpose and the different types of reports that exist.
- Know the main norms and standards related to sustainability reporting, such as GRI, CSRD and NEIS, and their practical application.
- Distinguish between materiality analysis and dual materiality analysis and learn how to perform the latter effectively.
- Develop skills to create strong sustainability narratives, avoiding greenwashing and ensuring clear and transparent communication.
- Apply practical tips to prepare high-level sustainability reports that meet expected quality and rigor requirements.
- Strengthen the ability to use sustainability reporting as a tool for competitiveness, reputation and risk management in a global environment.
Further information:
Content:
- Introduction to sustainability reports: what is it? Why do we do them? Boys
- Main rules and standards relating to sustainability reports and their practical application (GRI, CSRD, NEIS…).
- Analysis of materiality versus dual materiality
- How to do the double materiality analysis
- From slogan to narrative: avoiding greenwashing in sustainability reports
- Online session: Tips for creating a 10-day sustainability report
More information and registration:
How can companies effectively engage stakeholders during the sustainability reporting process?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Sustainability Reporting Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Emily Carter, a leading expert in sustainability reporting. Dr. Carter, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Emily Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
Editor: To kick things off, can you explain what sustainability reports are and why they are crucial for companies today?
Dr. Carter: Absolutely! Sustainability reports are essential documents that outline a company’s economic, social, and environmental performance. They serve multiple purposes, such as evaluating the impact of a company’s activities and promoting transparency with stakeholders. In today’s world, where consumers and investors are increasingly concerned about corporate responsibility, these reports are more important than ever.
Editor: That makes sense! I understand there are different types of sustainability reports. Can you walk us through some of the most common ones?
Dr. Carter: Certainly! The main types typically include annual sustainability reports, which give a comprehensive overview of a company’s performance over a year; integrated reports that combine financial and non-financial data; and sector-specific reports focusing on particular industries. Each type serves the unique needs of various stakeholders, from customers to investors.
Editor: Interesting! Now, how does one prepare an effective sustainability report? What should companies keep in mind?
Dr. Carter: Preparing an effective sustainability report requires a structured approach. First, companies should understand the key norms and standards related to sustainability reporting, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP). These frameworks provide guidelines and metrics for reporting. Additionally, engaging with stakeholders throughout the process is vital. This ensures that the report covers aspects of performance that are meaningful to them.
Editor: Stakeholder engagement seems essential. Can you delve deeper into why this aspect is critical to the reporting process?
Dr. Carter: Yes, of course. Stakeholder engagement is critical because it allows companies to identify what matters most to their stakeholders. By understanding their concerns and priorities, organizations can enhance their sustainability reports to be more relevant and impactful. This connection fosters trust and accountability, which are crucial for a company’s reputation and long-term success.
Editor: These insights are valuable! Many organizations aim to align with international standards. What are some key standards companies should consider when drafting their sustainability reports?
Dr. Carter: There are several important standards, but two of the most recognized are the GRI and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards. GRI is widely used across various sectors to report on sustainability impacts in a comprehensive manner, while SASB offers industry-specific sustainability metrics that can provide focused data for investors.
Editor: Great to know! What challenges do companies often face when creating these reports?
Dr. Carter: One of the main challenges is data collection. Gathering accurate and meaningful data across various departments can be complex, particularly for large organizations. Companies may also struggle with the coordination among multiple stakeholders, especially when trying to present diverse perspectives cohesively in the report. Furthermore, ensuring that the report complies with multiple standards can be a daunting task.
Editor: With the growing scrutiny on corporate sustainability, what future trends do you see emerging in sustainability reporting?
Dr. Carter: We’re likely to see an increase in technology-driven solutions, such as AI and blockchain, being utilized to enhance the accuracy and transparency of sustainability reporting. Additionally, more companies will adopt integrated reporting, combining financial and sustainability performance to give a clearer picture of overall company health. Lastly, stakeholder engagement will continue to evolve, with companies seeking more collaborative ways to solicit feedback from their communities.
Editor: Fantastic insights! Dr. Carter, thank you so much for sharing your expertise on sustainability reporting. It’s evident how important these reports are for aligning company actions with responsible practices.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing this critical topic. Sustainable business practices are the future, and I’m excited to see more companies embrace them.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. We hope this interview has shed some light on the importance of sustainability reporting in today’s corporate landscape. Until next time, stay informed!