“From Risk Reduction to Value Creation” was a major theme of this year’s research on the state of the world’s sustainability reporters. Showcasing the world’s top 50 reporters, it was evident that the reporting landscape has vastly evolved over recent years.
The emphasis on materiality was consistent across reporters, so too the trend to more sophisticated reporting processes, which really capitalize on value creation rather than just risk avoidance.
Other conclusions of the report include that financial markets are beginning to influence sustainability disclosure; that sustainability is increasing integrated into core business processes; and that international frameworks – such as the GRI - provide valuable context for reporters.
Contrary to anecdotes of some sceptics was the encouraging result that “half of the Leading 50 companies are complete newcomers, including 5 entrants from non-OECD countries.” At the London launch, this idea was discussed further with participants debating how the growing sophistication of leading reporters could be balanced with the needs of first-time reporters.
GRI congratulates the 50 leading reports – all of whom reference the GRI Guidelines.