Laying the foundation for good communication with responsible ESG/ sustainability reporting
Responsible ESG/ Sustainability reporting implemented through a structured, methodical approach (identify-measure-manage-change) is of paramount importance for good communication. It provides a solid foundation for companies to succeed in the long-term by building and maintaining favourable reputations and relationships with key stakeholders for business success (for example: investors, top talent, local communities, clients, business partners et cetera). Your responsibly prepared ESG/ sustainability report becomes a valuable source of information and a reference for your company to demonstrate that it is already taking action through a methodical and structured approach – and that it does not leave anything to chance.
Good communication is evermore important in the digital age we live in. Information is instantly and freely accessible throughout the globe and this applies to companies, too: people are able to instantly access information about your company’s policies, the impact of its activity, its reputation, with or without your consent. Whether you are aware of it or not, conversations could be taking place about your company and people take action and make choices based on what information they have available.
Two key questions:
Responsible ESG/sustainability reporting acts like a radar for companies by enabling them to be proactive, foresee risks and take action before situations spiral out of control. The well-recognised GRI Standards for ESG/sustainability reporting are an important tool used globally to instill trust in people in our ever-connected world where there is increasing concern about climate change and the protection of our fragile environment. Equally important is that with the GRI Standards, your company gets to build trust and deal responsibly and conscientiously with its impacts on its key stakeholders (clients, suppliers, shareholders, local communities, NGOs or local government) who can hold it back or stop it from reaching its objectives. For instance, it is a well-known fact that trust is a key element in a relationship with clients. By building trust your company creates loyalty and long-term commitment to its services and brands.
Also read:
• How to use the GRI Standards ASAP to accelerate positive change
• License to operate – Millennials
• Case Studies: How companies are cleaning their supply chains of bad environmental and social practices
• Case studies: How companies are affecting positive change on the economies and societies they operate in and rely on for profit/growth
Simon Pitsillides
Sustainability Reporting and Marketing Communication Strategy Expert. Simon is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIM) a Fellow of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (FIEMA) and a Chartered Marketer, and holds an MBA in Marketing. He is a GRI and IEMA Trainer, the publisher of www.sustaincase.com and owner of www.fbrh.co.uk. Simon teaches the FBRH GRI Standards, CPD and IEMA Certified Course (venue: London School of Economics (LSE).
https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-pitsillides
78% of the world’s 250 largest companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards
SustainCase was primarily created to demonstrate, through case studies, the importance of dealing with a company’s most important impacts in a structured way, with use of the GRI Standards. To show how today’s best-run companies are achieving economic, social and environmental success – and how you can too.
Research by well-recognised institutions is clearly proving that responsible companies can look to the future with optimism.
FBRH GRI Standards Certified & IEMA recognised Sustainability Course | Venue: London LSE
By registering for the next 2-day FBRH GRI Standards Certified & IEMA recognised course you will be taking the first step in gaining the many benefits of sustainability reporting.
References:
- Cornelissen, J. (2011), Corporate Communications: Theory and Practice, third edition, Sage, London.
- Jefferson, S. & Tanton S. (2015), Valuable Content Marketing: How to make quality content your key to success, 2nd Edition, Kogan Page, London.
- Damian, R. (2015), Understanding Social Media: How to create a plan for your business that works, Kogan Page, London.
- http://www.fbrh.co.uk/csr