By Kirsten Taylor
Once you know why you are reporting, and you’ve chosen your framework, it’s time to think about how your sustainability report can make an impact.
Here are some tips from reports we have seen that can make your report stand out:
- Provide a scorecard for year-on-year comparison. For example, if we look at impact reporting on emissions reductions, you need to know how well the emission cutting is going, backing it up with a solid transition plan to reach future targets/goals. Sustainability efforts should go beyond just low-hanging fruit or indicators where changing performance does not alter the structure of the larger system. For example, just reducing your water use does not contribute to improving the wider water supply system.
- Try to show the whole picture of your sustainability strategy and reporting, rather than being compliance-driven. Show where you are implementing policies and initiatives around sustainability risks. Tell what you are doing well, but also what you could improve on. Be transparent.
- Storytelling – about what sustainable practices the people in your company feel passionate about. This can include engagement with key stakeholder groups, as well as perspectives and commentary from external stakeholders. This will give readers a feel for what your company is doing, and to find out how involved the company’s stakeholders are in their sustainability journey.
- Tell stories about the activities you are doing within your company that create connections and a sense of community. This could be volunteer days with a sustainability purpose, or a special project your company is involved with to enhance green spaces in your community. It could be a biodiversity project with your suppliers, or a company initiative such as creating a wild future for long-finned eels (tuna) by enhancing a section of river near where you work. For example, this is a piece of excellent storytelling about a biodiversity initiative by Country Road.
- Emissions reductions is just one part of the sustainability challenge. It is important to connect stakeholders to your broader sustainability purpose. Start thinking systemically and educate yourself and your company on planetary boundaries – a company is a small part of a much larger system, the Earth. Wao is a central Otago collective who deliver climate action events and educational programmes dedicated to inspire communities to live within a thriving ecosystem. 2022 Wao Annual Impact Report
Sustainability reporting is an evolving field, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution for reporting on sustainability. Companies should choose the frameworks and metrics that are most relevant and material to their operations and stakeholders, and should strive to be transparent and consistent in their reporting.
Get in touch for a chat about what sustainability reporting approach fits your company.
Kirsten Taylor is our sustainability reporting specialist.