How did the idea of a framework for sustainability reporting develop into the global action network that is GRI?

A brief history details institutional development, your input, and milestones in the network’s development.

Download a briefing on the history of GRI Sustainability Reporting 10 Years On (PDF)

1997-1998 

·         The idea of a disclosure framework for sustainability information is conceived;

·         The Boston-based non-profit CERES started a “Global Reporting Initiative” project division and staffing, fundraising and network development began;

·         GRI Steering Committee formed (and runs until 2002);

1999

·         UNEP joined as a partner, securing a global platform for GRI;

·         Exposure draft of GRI Sustainability Reporting Guidelines released;        

·         20 organizations released sustainability reports based on the Guidelines;

2000

·         GRI’s first Sustainability Reporting Guidelines released;

·         Worldwide outreach efforts with events held in South America, North America, Australia, Europe, South Asia, and Japan;

·         50 organizations released sustainability reports based on the Guidelines;

2001

·         CERES Board decided to separate GRI as independent institution, as per the GRI Steering Committee recommendation;

·         Institutional development focused on drafting articles of incorporation and recruiting Board members;

·         Structured Feedback Process on the 2000 Guidelines engaged 30 companies, which resulted in recommendations update the Guidelines;

·         80 organizations released sustainability reports based on the Guidelines;

2002

·         Provisional GRI Board appointed, and announced. Provisional Board met and elected Judy Henderson as Chair. Steering Committee dissolved;

·         GRI Institution was publicly inaugurated at the United Nations in New York City;

·         GRI relocated and incorporated as a Stichting (Foundation) in the Netherlands. Operations and assets were transferred from CERES;

·         The second iteration of Sustainability Reporting Guidelines were released in Johannesburg, South Africa, at the World Summit for Sustainable Development;

·         Ernst Ligteringen was appointed as Chief Executive of the GRI Secretariat and as a Member of the GRI Board;

·         150 organizations released sustainability reports based on the Guidelines;

2003

·         Board approved Business Plan 2003-2005;

·         60 Stakeholder Council  (SC) members appointed.  The SC has its first annual meeting, and Linda Funnel-Milner elected as Chair;

·         Structured Feedback Process commenced;

·         Organizational Stakeholder (OS) membership program launched

·         Sector Supplements completed for Tour Operators (PDF), Telecommunications (PDF);

·         325 organizations released sustainability reports based on the Guidelines;

2004

·         Structured Feedback Process concluded having engaged 450 experts world wide. Findings were presented to the Board and SC;

·         Board approved 2 year plan to develop the next generation of GRI Guidelines;

·         100th Organizational Stakeholder joined the GRI;

·         Sector Supplements completed for Mining and Metals (PDF), Financial Services (PDF);

·         500 organizations released sustainability reports based on the Guidelines;

2005  

·         Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) appointed and met for the first time;

·         OS program had 225 Organizational Stakeholders;

·         Major technical revisions process commenced and engaged 100 people worldwide in working groups to produce the third generation of GRI Guidelines (known as “G3”);

·         Boundary Protocol (PDF) Completed;

·         Sector Supplements completed for Logistics and Transportation (PDF), Public Agencies (PDF);

·         Board approved Business Plan for 2005-2010;

·         750 organizations released sustainability reports based on the Guidelines;

2006

·         Draft G3 Guidelines released for public comment; 270 responses were received;

·         300 partners and sponsors convened “Sneak Peek” events in 28 cities globally, introducing the draft G3 Guidelines to over 3000 participants;

·         Outcomes of engagement and analysis were assessed by GRI’s governance bodies (Board, Technical Advisory Committee and Stakeholder Council) and integrated into the final G3, which passes for release by a majority vote;

·         850+ organizations released sustainability reports based on the Guidelines;

·         Organizational Stakeholders numbered over 330;

·         A Technology Partnership was convened with software providers in anticipation of market demands for digital reporting;

·         The research, development, and applied experience with sustainability reporting generated over nearly a decade culminated at a world-class conference in Amsterdam that includes the launch of the G3 Guidelines;

2007

·         Board approved the GRI Development Plan 2008-2012;

·         Resource publications issued include “Reporting the Business Implications of Climate Change in Sustainability Reports” (PDF) ;"Biodiversity Resource Document” (PDF) and “Making the Connection” (PDF);

·         GRI Readers’ Choice Awards and Survey launched;

·         Certified local training program initiated – first call for partners in USA, Brazil and India;

·         “The GRI sustainability reporting cycle: A handbook for small and not-so-small organizations” published in English, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, German and Portuguese;

·         The world’s first aggregated sustainability report issued by Valle de Maipo Chilean Fruit Company;

·         GRI/GTZ Transparency in the Supply Chain project;

·         Sector Supplements for the airports, food processing and NGO sectors all initiated;

·         Piloting of the Financial Services Sector Supplement takes place;

·         Working groups and drafting of the Apparel & Footwear and the Electric Utilities Sector Supplements continue; and

·         470 Organizational Stakeholders based in some 50 countries.

 2008

        ·         2nd Amsterdam Global Conference on Sustainability
          and Transparency attracts over 1000 international delegates

     ·        First ever Readers' Choice Awards and Readers' Survey give a voice to
          the readers of sustainability reports