How do you show sustainability performance?

1 Sustainability frameworks

One of the first steps to show your sustainability performance is to choose a suitable framework or standard that guides your reporting and disclosure practices. There are many options available, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), or the Food Industry Sustainability Strategy (FISS). These frameworks provide you with a set of criteria, indicators, and metrics that help you assess and benchmark your environmental, social, and economic impacts.

3 Sustainability reporting

Once you have your sustainability data, you need to prepare and publish your sustainability report. This is a document that summarizes and communicates your sustainability performance to your internal and external stakeholders. Your sustainability report should follow the principles and guidelines of your chosen framework, as well as the expectations and requirements of your target audience. Your report should be clear, concise, and credible, and highlight your achievements, challenges, and goals. You can use various formats and channels to disseminate your report, such as print, online, or interactive media.

4 Sustainability disclosure

In addition to your sustainability report, you may also need to disclose your sustainability performance to specific regulators, investors, or customers. This is a process of providing information that is relevant, material, and comparable to these parties, who may use it to evaluate your risks, opportunities, and performance. Some of the common platforms and initiatives that facilitate sustainability disclosure include the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI), or the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange (SEDEX).

5 Sustainability assurance

To enhance the credibility and reliability of your sustainability reporting and disclosure, you may also consider obtaining external assurance. This is a service that involves an independent third party that evaluates and verifies your sustainability data, processes, and claims. Assurance can help you improve your data quality, identify gaps and errors, and increase your stakeholder confidence and trust. There are different levels and types of assurance, such as reasonable assurance, limited assurance, or integrated assurance, depending on your needs and objectives.

6 Sustainability communication

The final step to show your sustainability performance is to communicate it effectively to your stakeholders, customers, and the public. This is a strategic and ongoing process that involves engaging and informing your audience about your sustainability vision, values, and actions. Communication can help you build your reputation, increase your transparency, and create value for your business and society. You can use various methods and media to communicate your sustainability performance, such as stories, case studies, videos, infographics, or social media.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?