An evolving landscape: the future of sustainability reporting
Published date: 18 August 2022
Interview with Eelco van der Enden unpacks the opportunities and challenges
What do new developments in sustainability disclosure, including those being progressed by the IFRS Foundation and the EU, mean for GRI? Why is it significant that there is growing consensus behind a ‘two-pillar’ reporting system – for both financial and impact reporting? And what can be expected of GRI’s role in this changing landscape?
These are just some of the discussion points covered in an interview with GRI’s Eelco van der Enden, by Elaine Cohen, author of the CSR-Reporting blog and a well-respected corporate sustainability consultant:
Perspectives from Mr. Impact: GRI CEO Eelco van der Enden
Out-takes from Eelco’s answers include:
I represent a purpose, not a legal entity. This purpose is about reporting facts, not perceptions, for multiple stakeholders, not just investors.
On what GRI’s core purpose isWe need to get better at the fine art of compromise. Moving ahead, we will see how this convergence works. Focusing on governance rather than technicalities is what will make the difference for regulators.
On achieving alignment in a two-pillar reporting structureWe were not vocal enough about who we are and what we are all about. It’s very simple. We enable society to have a discussion based on facts, not perceptions, providing free standards as a public good.
On the need for GRI to be clearer about what it stands forThe key point is that the Universal Standards are fit for purpose and fit for the future. Five years on from when GRI transitioned from providing guidelines to setting standards, it was time to modernize and renew these disclosure requirements.
On the relevance of the new Universal Standards 2021Find out more about GRI's position in the reporting landscape, including ongoing collaboration with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), and the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG).
A new briefing series, launched in January 2022, dives beneath the surface of key sustainability reporting trends and developments. Take a look at the eight editions of The GRI Perspective published so far.