Sustainability Reports Assurance Standards Comparison
This is a comparison table comparing the main assurance standards commonly used to assure sustainability reports in accordance with the GRI Standards
ISAE 3000 (Revised) | AA1000 | FBRH Sustainability Report Assurance (for GRI Standards reports) | |
1) GRI Standards Specific | N/A | N/A | The only sustainability assurance that is specific for the GRI Standards |
2) Knowledge of the GRI Standards requirements | N/A | N/A | Proven knowledge of the GRI Standards a necessity. Name of assurer must appear on the GRI website to prove that he/she is a holder of the GRI exam certificate |
3) Includes levels designed to increase positive change | N/A | N/A | 1) FBRH Assurance Levels incorporate the use of GRI Supplier Assessment Standards which can have a knock-on effect, helping suppliers provide specific sustainability information
2) Use of GRI 201-1 Economic Value Generated and Distributed |
Why is it important to increase positive sustainability change?
Only 1 in 10 businesses globally are taking sustainability action beyond compliance. This is especially important at our time with 7 billion people simultaneously on earth, more that many centuries combined. A culture of sustainability is needed with more businesses knowing their impacts on the environment, society and economy so as to take action to minimise negative impacts and increase positive ones.
Not having a culture of sustainability is the root of all the issues we are facing (for example climate change). Each and every business and professional must use any leverage they have to increase positive change.
GRI Standards (since 1997)
The GRI Standards are the gold standard when it comes to sustainability reporting. 80% of the world’s largest 250 companies report in accordance with the GRI Standards. They are the world’s most complete set of standards which can address all Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Α mechanism is also in place to address any impacts that cannot reasonably be connected to the 34 topics, empowering businesses to take solid sustainability action. Furthermore, Under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2010, the UN Global Compact adopts the GRI Standards as the recommended sustainability reporting framework for companies to communicate on progress made.
Claiming to be in accordance with the GRI Standards
To claim that a sustainability report is in accordance with the GRI Standards certain GRI requirements must be met. Basically, these can be viewed as two sets of questions which require specific answers/information so you can claim to be in accordance with the GRI Standards. A first set of questions is about the company (GRI 102: General Disclosures). The second set of questions is about the actions a company is taking to address its most important impacts (material topics). Material topics are defined through a process called materiality, which typically involves a workshop conducted with internal stakeholders, and through stakeholder engagement.
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 FBRH GRI Standards Certified & IEMA recognised course you will be taking the first step in gaining the many benefits of sustainability reporting.
Most importantly, you will gain the knowledge to use the GRI Standards, project manage your own first-class sustainability report and:
- Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and Society
- Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP