New research launched on 20 May suggests that digital technology is changing the way companies report on sustainability. The research reveals that sustainability performance data is generally found within two clicks from companies’ home pages, highlighting the importance that is now placed on sharing this information with external stakeholders.
But while the priority given to sustainability reporting is increasing, the research points out some pitfalls of using digital technology – including making information harder to find. Over 20% of the companies in our sample require stakeholders to look at three or more locations to get the full GRI information.
The research looked at 40 organizations from around the world who report using the GRI G3 Guidelines. The findings identify a number of factors that can determine the effectiveness of online reporting, including the format, and how new digital technologies are used to enhance the user-experience.
Interestingly, while all the companies used PDFs to support the online communication of GRI data, the research confirms the trend towards more creative use of online channels. This could present a dilemma for companies: how can they provide information in new and innovative ways reaching new audiences through new channels while maintaining the integrity, comparability and usefulness of data that is increasingly sought by key stakeholders such as investors?
GRI and Radley Yeldar will present the research findings and launch the next stage of the engagement process at an upcoming event: 18 June 2009 in central London*.
The research is now available at www.sustainabilityreportingonline.com
Read the full press release here.