In the 11th edition of the KPMG Survey of Sustainability Reporting, KPMG professionals reviewed sustainability reporting from 5,200 companies in 52 countries and jurisdictions, in the most extensive survey in the series to date. The companies surveyed also included the top 100 companies by revenue in each of the 52 countries and jurisdictions researched.

The survey examined global trends in sustainability reporting, offering insights for business leaders, company boards, sustainability professionals, investors, asset managers and ratings agencies. Based on several months of research by KPMG sustainability professionals who analysed thousands of corporate reports and websites, the survey focused on three key aspects of sustainability reporting:

• Reporting on the risks of biodiversity loss
• Reporting on climate-related risk and carbon reduction
• Reporting on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Key global trends in sustainability reporting the survey highlighted:

• 80% of companies globally now report on sustainability: This underlying global sustainability reporting rate has risen by 5% since the last KPMG survey in 2017, from 75 to 80 percent.
• Third-party assurance of sustainability information has become a majority business practice: The number of companies investing in independent third-party assurance of their sustainability information exceeds 50%, for the first time since the KPMG survey began in 1993.
• Americas lead in sustainability reporting: The sustainability reporting rate in the Americas, comprising North America and Latin America, has increased by 7% since 2017 to an impressive 90 percent of companies reporting.
• GRI remains the dominant global standard for sustainability reporting: GRI remains the most commonly used sustainability reporting standard, used by approximately two-thirds of the 5,200 companies surveyed and around three-quarters of the world’s 250 largest companies.
• Almost all industry sectors exceed 70 percent reporting rate: In 2020, at least 70 percent of the 5,200 companies surveyed reported on sustainability in all industries, except for the retail sector which also lagged in 2017.

As regards the survey’s three focus areas, the findings were as follows:

• Reporting on the risks of biodiversity loss:
  • Few companies currently disclose risks from biodiversity loss: Only around one-quarter of companies surveyed at high or medium risk from biodiversity loss currently disclose that risk in their corporate reporting.
  • Mining leads in disclosure of biodiversity risk: The mining sector currently stands alone as the only at-risk sector in which a majority of companies report on the risks they face from biodiversity loss.
  • Latin America leads while North America lags in biodiversity risk reporting: Almost one-third of Latin American companies surveyed reported risks from the loss of biodiversity. By contrast, North American companies had the lowest rates of biodiversity risk reporting.

• Reporting on climate-related risk and carbon reduction:
  • More companies acknowledge the financial risks of climate change: The number of companies acknowledging the risk of climate change in their financial reporting has increased significantly since KPMG’s last survey in 2017, to around 40%.
  • North American companies lead in acknowledging climate risks in financial reporting: Regionally, North American companies were the most likely to acknowledge climate risk in their financial reporting – the only region where a majority of companies did so.
  • One in five companies reports in line with TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) recommendations: Almost one in five of the 5,200 companies surveyed (18 percent) and over one-third of the world’s 250 largest companies (37 percent) reported in line with the recommendations. North America and Europe lead for reporting in line with TCFD.
  • The majority of companies globally have carbon targets in place: The survey revealed a notable increase since 2017 in the number of companies disclosing carbon reduction targets, with two-thirds of the 5,200 companies surveyed and three-quarters of the world’s 250 largest companies now doing this. There is also a growing trend to link corporate carbon targets to global climate goals.

• Reporting on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
  • The SDGs have a strong and growing profile in sustainability reporting:  A significant majority of companies – over two-thirds (69 per cent) of the 5,200 companies surveyed and almost three-quarters (72 percent) of the world’s 250 largest companies – now connect their business activities to the SDGs in their corporate reporting.
  • SDG reporting is mostly unbalanced and often disconnected from business goals: Corporate reporting on the SDGs focused almost exclusively on companies’ positive contributions towards achieving the goals, lacking transparency of their negative impacts.
  • Companies focus on economic growth and climate SDGs but largely ignore biodiversity: The survey showed wide disparity and no clear pattern in the number of SDGs that companies prioritised as a focus for their businesses, with few companies prioritising the two SDGs that focus on biodiversity: SDG 14 and SDG15.

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.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

• Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
• Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
• Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
• Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.

This article is based on published information by KPMG. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the publication’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://assets.kpmg/content/dam/kpmg/be/pdf/2020/12/The_Time_Has_Come_KPMG_Survey_of_Sustainability_Reporting_2020.pdf

The post The time has come: KPMG Survey of Sustainability Reporting 2020 appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

This research by GRI explores how a sample of 206 GRI reporters (companies reporting on their sustainability performance using the GRI Standards) communicate their support and actions regarding the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study is based on published sustainability reports and information from the reporters’ websites.

The research team rated companies against five criteria: Commitments, Plans, Actions, Progress and Suppliers. For each category, a traffic light system was applied and each company was awarded either a green, amber or a red colour rating for their support of the SDGs. A green rating in any given category equalled to one star, so five stars meant that a company achieved a green rating (the best possible) in all five categories.

• Commitments
• A total of 83 companies (40.3%) were awarded a star for explicitly linking measurable commitments to the SDGs. 74 companies (35.9%) indicating measurable commitments to tackle social and environmental issues that indirectly supported the SDGs were given amber ratings, while 49 businesses (23.8%) were given red ratings for not outlining any specific and measurable commitments to the Global Goals.

• Plans
• 143 companies (69.4%) were awarded a star for their statement of support for the SDGs, and for mentioning which SDGs they prioritised. 27 companies (13.1%) were given an amber rating for showing general support of the SDGs but not clarifying which Goals were most relevant to their business. 36 businesses (17.5%) were awarded a red rating for not expressing any support, through statements, for the SDGs. A star for plans towards the SDGs was awarded to businesses across at least 16 different industries.

• Actions
• A total of 61.2% of the companies researched (126 companies) achieved a star for showing how their positive actions supported the SDGs and addressed social and environmental issues, aligning those actions with a specific SDG. 62 companies (30.1%) were awarded an amber rating for taking actions to tackle social and environmental issues but not aligning them with a particular Goal, while 18 companies, or 8.7%, were given red ratings for not taking any actions in support of the SDGs.

• Progress
• 42 companies (20.4%) were awarded a star for their progress in support of the SDGs, evidencing measurable data of their actions and explicitly aligning them to a particular SDG. 70 businesses (34.0%) achieved an amber rating for progress made towards achieving the Goals, but without an explicit link to any specific SDG. 94 companies (45.6%) were given a red rating for their reporting efforts and progress made. 100% of companies within Aviation, Equipment, Railroad, Retailers and Water Utilities received a star for reporting progress on their contribution to the SDGs.

• Suppliers
• Only one of the companies researched achieved a star for encouraging their suppliers to explicitly support the SDGs. 157 companies (76.2%) were awarded an amber rating for working with their suppliers to tackle environmental and social issues, while 48 companies (23.3% ) were given red ratings for not showing or mentioning how and if their suppliers supported the Global Goals.

Key research findings include:

• Of the 206 companies researched 0.5% achieved five stars, 34.9% were awarded four stars, 14.1% were given three stars, 13.6% were awarded two stars, 7.3% achieved one star and 29.6% were awarded zero stars.
• 83% of companies stated their support for the SDGs.
• The most common Goals supported by businesses were SDGs 8 (Decent Work And Economic Growth), 12 (Responsible Consumption And Production), and 13 (Climate Action).
• 69% of businesses stated which Global Goals were most relevant to their business.
• 40% of the companies researched made measurable commitments towards the SDGs.
• Businesses in Asia Pacific showed the highest level of reporting against the Global Goals.
• Only 13 businesses (6.3%) reported that their current operations may have a negative impact on one or more of the SDGs.
• The largest companies appeared to have more developed reporting against the SDGs.

The study concludes that today, more than ever before, strong international cooperation is necessary to ensure that humanity recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and achieves the SDGs. Both the global community and businesses play a key role in this recovery, and in creating a more equitable and sustainable post-Covid world.

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.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

• Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
• Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
• Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
• Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.

This article is based on published information by GRI. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the publication’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.globalreporting.org/media/ab5lun0h/stg-gri-report-final.pdf

The post State of Progress: Business contributions to the SDGs appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

Sustainability has been a hot topic over the past decade, not least due to the urgent need to strengthen climate resilience. When it comes to sustainability reporting, disclosures, organisations, and metrics, there are a lot of acronyms, from ESG to GRI to COP. They may provide frameworks and guidelines, help set goals, and assess how businesses may be affected by things like climate change or impact the environment and society.

For companies that are just beginning to engage in sustainability reporting, it can be discouraging. Hence, here’s a list of commonly used acronyms and terminologies, what they stand for and mean.

1. ESG: Environmental, Social, Governance
These are criteria or categories for people to evaluate an organisation’s performance, impacts and how far advanced they are with sustainable development. Environmental factors may include greenhouse gas emissions, waste management and energy efficiency, social factors may refer to underpaid labour, workplace health and safety and the protection of human rights, while governance factors might relate to stakeholder engagement, transparency and anti-corruption.

2. SDGs: Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were adopted by the United Nations in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The 17 SDGs are integrated, recognising that action in one area will affect outcomes in others. Some of the 17 goals include gender equality, quality education, climate action, zero hunger, affordable and clean energy.

This article explains the what and why.
Practical implementation is a separate step.

3. GRI: Global Reporting Initiative
GRI is an independent, international non-profit organisation that helps businesses and organisations worldwide account for their impacts by providing them with the tools to communicate those impacts. The GRI Standards are the world’s most widely used sustainability reporting standards, adopted by 73% of the largest 250 global companies and by 68% of a wider sample of 5,800 businesses around the globe.

4. ISSB: International Sustainability Standards Board
On 3 November 2021, the IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards) Foundation Trustees announced the creation of a new standard-setting board, the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). The ISSB’s aim is to deliver a comprehensive global baseline of sustainability-related disclosure standards that provide international investors and other capital market participants with quality, reliable information about companies’ sustainability-related risks and opportunities (climate and other ESG matters), to help them make informed decisions.

Feeling overwhelmed? That’s normal.

Most professionals reading this are not trying to become sustainability experts.
They simply want to:

• avoid mistakes
• meet expectations
• build something they won’t have to redo next year

That’s exactly how SustainCase is designed.

If any of these sound like you, start here:

 I’m new and don’t know where to begin
 I need to report, but only proportionately
 I’m under time pressure
 I want to do this once and do it properly

How to Begin Sustainability Reporting — Safely

A short, practical orientation used by professionals before they commit time or budget.

5. COP: Conference of the Parties
For almost three decades, the UN has been bringing together almost every country on the planet for global climate summits, so as to find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally in an equitable way and fight climate change. This annual meeting is also called the COP. The latest COP summit, referred to as COP27 as it was the 27th UN climate change conference, took place in November 2022, in Egypt.

6. ESRS: European Sustainability Reporting Standards
The European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) are widely regarded as a key step towards holding all large EU companies accountable for their sustainability impacts. Under the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the ESRS will apply to almost 8,000 EU & non EU businesses from 2024.

7. Circular Economy
A circular economy is an alternative to a traditional linear economy that involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products as long as possible, thus reducing pressure on the environment. This helps to drive greater resource productivity, creating a more competitive economy and addressing resource scarcity.

What happens next (if you want this to work):

1. Get oriented
2. Decide scope
3. Build once, not twice
4. Grow capability over time

SustainCase exists to support that journey — proportionately.

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.

7 GRI sustainability disclosures get you started

Any size business can start taking sustainability action

GRI, ISEP, CPD Certified Sustainability courses (2-5 days): Live Online or Classroom  (venue: London School of Economics)

• Exclusive FBRH template to begin reporting from day one
• Identify your most important impacts on the Environment, Economy and People
• Formulate in group exercises your plan for action. Begin taking solid, focused, all-round sustainability action ASAP. 
• Benchmarking methodology to set you on a path of continuous improvement

See upcoming training dates.

This article is based on published information by Insider, IFRS and Aventis Learning Group. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the publication’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following links:

https://www.businessinsider.com/companies-need-to-understand-confusing-acronyms-of-esg-and-sustainability-2022-7

https://www.ifrs.org/groups/international-sustainability-standards-board/

https://aventislearning.com/top-8-most-used-sustainability-acronyms/

The post ESG, SDG, GRI, and more: What do the sustainability acronyms all mean? appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

GRI provides revised guidance to help companies link the Sustainable Development Goals with the GRI Standards  Tweet This!

The latest resource from GRI helps companies increase their focus on how they are contributing to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by using the GRI Standards – the world’s most widely used sustainability reporting standards.

An updated version of Linking the SDGs and the GRI Standards is now available for organizations of all sizes and sectors. As a free resource, it maps the disclosures in the Standards against the targets under each of the 17 SDGs, making it easier to measure, track, and communicate progress on the SDGs. The latest release includes the GRI Universal Standards 2021 as well as GRI 11: Oil and Gas Sector 2021.

This article is based on published information by GRI. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the publication’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.globalreporting.org/about-gri/news-center/an-enabler-for-more-integrated-reporting-on-the-sdgs/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sdglinkagenewsmay2022

The post Enabling more integrated reporting on the SDGs appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

The publication from GRI and Support the Goals (an initiative to reward businesses for supporting the UN Global Goals) – State of Progress: Business Contributions to the SDGs – analyses a sample of over 200 companies around the world that produced a GRI report in 2020. Key findings include:

• 83% of companies said that they support the SDGs, recognising the value of aligning their reports with the Goals;
• 69% of companies articulate which Goals are most relevant to their business, with 61% specifying how their actions support the SDGs;
• 40% of companies set measurable commitments for how they will help achieve the SDGs, while 20% include evidence to assess their positive impacts.

The research highlights trends in SDG reporting, with recommendations on how companies can improve their communications and performance. These include:

• Providing targets on how they support the SDGs, particularly for those that connect most closely to a company’s activities, products or business relationships;
• Deepen reporting on their positive contributions to the SDGs, while also responding to stakeholder demands for transparency on negative impacts;
• Make data on their SDG performance easily accessible by using internationally recognised frameworks (such as the GRI Standards);
• Collaborate on SDG reporting, sharing practices both up and down the value chain, while doing more to engage their suppliers in this important topic.

Peter Paul van de Wijs, GRI Chief External Affairs Officer, said:

“This study confirms the crucial role of sustainability reporting in enabling companies to explore how their actions impact on the 2030 Agenda, while providing the transparency needed for governments and the international community to measure progress on the SDGs. It is encouraging, therefore, that we are seeing most GRI reporting companies commit to alignment with the SDGs.

The urgent next step is to ramp up the role of the private sector in contributing to solutions for fulfilling the Goals, which requires more in-depth and quantifiable disclosure, which links SDG performance with business strategy. Doing so not will only increase progress on the Goals but it can also unlock opportunities for innovation and collaboration.”

Colin Curtis, Founder and Director of Support the Goals, said:

“If we’re to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, every business needs to understand how they can contribute to them. It’s wonderful to see that the majority of businesses in our research are showing their support for the Goals. We now urgently need to see an increase in the number of businesses setting measurable targets that contribute to the SDGs, reporting on their progress and – crucially – helping their suppliers understand how they can get involved.”

This article is based on published information by GRI. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the publication’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.globalreporting.org/about-gri/news-center/most-companies-align-with-sdgs-but-more-to-do-on-assessing-progress/

The post Companies align with the SDGs, but there is more to do on assessing progress appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

What are the strategies and practical solutions that businesses and institutions can implement globally, to make sure that water – the most precious resource on Earth – is managed sustainably?

Global sustainable development leaders address this fundamental question and make the case for joint action to help ensure availability and access for all to water and sanitation services, in a new episode of SDGs: The Rising Tide. This podcast series from GRI explores corporate innovation supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The episode features two experts in water management: Dennis van Peppen, International Water Programmes Team Lead at the Netherlands Enterprise and Development Agency, and Chong Mien Ling, Chief Sustainability Officer with the Singapore National Water Agency. They discuss the importance of a global water agenda and the role of business in implementing it.

Dennis van Peppen frames the challenge facing the global community, and why this important agenda is not receiving sufficient focus at the moment:

“In many places of the world, we are reaching the limits of our water resources. We urgently need a global water agenda, which simply does not exist. Climate has become a matter of survival for humanity and is being recognized as such, but there is less of a sense of urgency when it comes to water and the challenges associated with water management. Only those people who are working on the inside can clearly comprehend the crisis on the horizon.”

Chong Mien Ling sets out how Singapore’s historical and geographic context, in which it relied on water imports from Malaysia, led to a more innovative approach to securing water supplies of their own:

“Singapore is one of the most water stressed countries in the world. We quickly realized that we simply could not continue with business as usual. At the same time, we started to look into innovative technologies out there to help us reduce the amount of energy required in all processes linked to water management. In the end, we learned that small things can make a big difference.”

The first six episodes of The Rising Tide can be accessed now on Spotify, Apple, and Google podcast. GRI would like to thank the Government of Sweden for supporting this project through the Swedish Development Cooperation Agency (Sida).

This article is based on published information by GRI. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the publication’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.globalreporting.org/about-gri/news-center/international-success-stories-on-actioning-the-sdgs/

The post Why water sustainability is key to the success of the SDGs appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

According to a new report environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure has never been more pervasive globally.

The fifth edition of Carrots & Sticks (C&S) offers an analysis of the latest trends in reporting provisions. It covers 614 reporting requirements and resources in over 80 countries, which include the world’s 60 largest economies.

Key findings include:

• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have become a global reference for sustainability reporting policy.
• Europe continues to drive the ESG disclosure agenda, accounting for 245 reporting instruments.
• Most reporting provisions are issued by governmental bodies, rising by 74% since 2016 to almost 400.
• Alignment in the sustainability reporting field is still falling short. Greater collaboration is needed between standard setters, reporters, information users, regulators and policymakers.

Carrots & Sticks is an initiative of GRI and the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB), with contributions by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP).

Peter Paul van de Wijs, GRI Chief External Affairs Officer said:

“As the pandemic focuses the attention of policymakers on how to achieve resilient and climate-friendly economies, the importance of measuring the impacts of companies and encouraging sustainable practices increases. It is positive therefore that both the range and depth of ESG reporting provisions around the world has grown substantially.

Yet questions remain on how to address gaps, particularly in the context of the SDGs, and improve coordination to support more consistent disclosure. To address this twin challenge – spreading the practice of disclosure and driving up the quality – needs strengthened reporting requirements, for which GRI will play an enabling role.”

Cornis van der Lugt, Senior Lecturer Extraordinaire, USB, said:

“Stock exchanges and central banks are becoming more active in pursuing non-financial reporting requirements. This shows how the economic and market implications of diverse ESG topics are becoming more evident. The obvious example is climate-related disclosures. After 2020, the systemic implications of public health and infrastructure weaknesses is likely to receive more attention as well.

The regulatory landscape both reflects and drives perceptions of what are key material themes. Related is the question of target audience. The landscape continues to display confusion about where best to disclose information and who is supposed to be using different types of information.”

Download the Carrots & Sticks report

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 & ISEP recognised Sustainability Course | Venue: London LSE

By registering for the next 2-day FBRH GRI Standards Certified & ISEP 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

References:

This article is based on published information by GRI. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the publication’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.globalreporting.org/information/news-and-press-center/Pages/Upward-trajectory-for-ESG-disclosure-requirements.aspx

The post Upward trajectory for ESG disclosure requirements appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

Bringing together stakeholders from various sectors across the economy, this initiative seeks to set innovation at the forefront of sustainable development in corporations and destinations.

Joint effort

The worldwide COVID-19 outbreak jeopardises all of the progress achieved so far, in terms of sustainability.

Against this backdrop of increased uncertainty, tourism’s proven resiliency and dynamic nature can be used  to support recovery. Given the sector’s ability to create jobs and enhance inclusiveness, UNWTO calls for a transversal, cross-sector approach to boost sustainable development all over the world.  Tweet This!

Format

Target startups: 

Startups from all over the globe and all economic sectors can participate if they meet the following criteria:

• Be innovative in nature providing value-added solutions
• Be sustainability-driven
• Be scalable: to have potential for international growth and potential to be applied in corporations and destinations (countries, regions)
• Be an Early Stage or Series A startup
• Have a tested pilot and business plan
• Have been accelerated before
• Have a full-time team

All ways of innovation are welcome: new methods, processes, and technologies, among others.

Categories: 

This Competition includes 17 categories, each one representing a Sustainable Development Goal.

Each participating startup should select the SDG in which they can generate the greatest impact.

Evaluation criteria: 

Participating startups are to be assessed according to their:

• Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals
• Ease of value capture via collaboration with the startup
• Potential business impact
• Maturity of the product/technology
• Maturity of the team and the organization
• Partnership readiness

Benefits: 

Benefits for winning startups include, among others:

• Pitch at a UNWTO Demo Day
• Curated mentorship programme including one-on-one and in-group sessions focused on Intellectual Property (IP), sustainability, business and leadership
• Access to technological support
• Connection to the UNWTO Innovation Network
• Potential pilot project with private sector collaborators and institutions

Download Slides about the Competition

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 & ISEP recognised Sustainability Course | Venue: London LSE

By registering for the next 2-day FBRH GRI Standards Certified & ISEP 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

References:

This article is based on published information by UNWTO. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the publication’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.unwto.org/unwto-sustainable-development-goals-global-startup-competition

The post WTO Launch Global Competition for Sustainable Development Goals appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the UN Global Compact

Under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2010, the UN Global Compact adopted the GRI Standards as the recommended reporting framework for companies to communicate on progress made.

This was the beginning of a historic alliance. The world’s two largest corporate responsibility initiatives joined forces to build a universal framework for corporate sustainability performance and disclosure, aiming to transform business practices on a global scale. The alliance, articulated during the UN Global Compact Leaders Summit 2010, was a crucial step in ensuring convergence in the area of corporate sustainability and allowed both initiatives to focus on their respective and complementary strengths – the Global Compact’s mainstreaming of universal principles and UN goals in business, and GRI’s comprehensive reporting framework.

The alliance provides companies with a clear roadmap to corporate sustainability, using GRI’s reporting principles and best practice indicators to report effectively on key corporate sustainability actions advocated by the Global Compact. Together, the two initiatives can guide companies of varying degrees of sophistication towards more sustainable performance and increased transparency.

Globally, only the GRI Standards provide a complete set of standards that uniquely addresses all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sustainability reporters worldwide do not need to use any other sustainability framework for their report.

Sustainability: the new paradigm for conducting business

We are at a key moment in the evolution of sustainability and it is fast becoming the new paradigm for conducting business:

• Sustainability reporting at centre of EU’s 1 trillion euro Green Deal
• New Eurobarometer Survey: Environmental protection and climate important for over 90% of European citizens
• Climate change: New EU rules could mean the end of ‘throwaway culture’
• 2 out of 4 major consumer trends relate to sustainability (Mintel)
• Mintel research: Key 2018 consumer trends relate to sustainability
• Corporate sustainability and profitability are interrelated (Oxford University)
• High Sustainability companies significantly outperform their counterparts over the long-term, in both stock market and accounting performance (Harvard Business School)
• Deloitte: Business leaders can win the loyalty of Millennials by driving societal and economic change.
• 84% of Millennial investors interested in sustainable investing (Morgan Stanley)
• There is an accelerating growth of people choosing sustainable brands (Nielsen 30,000 consumers in 60 countries)
• Millennials love CSR (Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK)

It is essential for Businesses to be part of the Sustainable “Green” economy – trust is key

Businesses must adequately prepare for the onslaught of sustainability regulations and identify and address the needs of stakeholders that can hold them back or stop them from reaching their objectives. Stakeholders can be, for example:

• Consumers/ clients
• Investors
• Top talent
• Prospective business partners across value chains
• Communities worldwide
• Local authorities
• NGOs.

Businesses typically compete for Capital, Materials, Business and Top Talent. Imagine how much easier it would be to convince key stakeholders that they can trust you, that you are responsible and in for the long term, if you had a first-class CSR/ESG/SDG/Sustainability report.

To support and accelerate corporate reporting on the SDGs, GRI and the UN Global Compact collaborated to develop the following documents:

• The report Analysis of the Goals and Targets, to help companies understand how they are impacting the SDGs and their targets, by providing a list of indicators to make reporting on the SDGs straightforward and simple to execute. Download Analysis of the Goals and Targets

• Integrating the SDGs into Corporate Reporting: A Practical Guide outlines three steps for companies to embed the SDGs in existing business and reporting processes in alignment with GRI Standards and recognised principles. Download Integrating the SDGs into Corporate Reporting

• In Focus: Addressing Investor Needs in Business Reporting on the SDGs provides additional information about investor-relevant aspects of corporate SDG reporting. Download Addressing Investor Needs in Business Reporting on the SDGs

• The SDG Compass* provides guidance for companies on how they can align their strategies as well as measure and manage their contribution to the realisation of the SDGs.  Download the SDG Compass Guide

*Developed by the UN Global Compact, GRI and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)

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.

1-day Remote Learning Course

FBRH GRI Certified “Integrating the SDGs into your reporting process” | Venue: London LSE

The main aim of the GRI Certified course “Integrating the SDGs into your reporting process” is to teach participants the recommended methodology for choosing the SDGs their business will address, with case studies of the best practices in integrating the SDGs into your reporting process.

A methodology developed by GRI and the UN Global Compact, to:

• enable and encourage a strong private sector role in both measuring and achieving the SDGs

• make it easier for organisations worldwide to use their reporting through the GRI Standards to support and address the SDGs.

Course information (Remote learning option available):

online

download interactive pdf (optimised for desktop)

Course dates and registration

FBRH has trained some of the world’s largest companies: Aramco, AIB, Aston Martin, Blackrock, Deloitte, Engie, ERM CVS, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Heineken International, KPMG, London School of Economics (LSE), Lundin Petroleum, Manchester Metropolitan University, Netherlands Enterprise Agency, Nord Stream 2 AG, Norwegian Property ASA, Phillips Lighting, PwC,Salterbaxter (an MSL Company), Telenor ASA, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), Volkswagen Group UK Limited, Walgreens Boots Alliance, World Business Council For Sustainable Development (WBCSD)… complete list…

References:

This article is based on published information by the UN Global Compact and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the publication’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following links:

https://www.unglobalcompact.org/news/50-06-24-2010

https://www.globalreporting.org/information/SDGs/Pages/Reporting-on-the-SDGs.aspx

The post UN Global Compact recommends the GRI Standards for sustainability reporting appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.

The new document – Linking the SDGs and the GRI Standards – covers the 17 SDGs and maps them against the Standards and disclosures that apply for each. This makes it easier for organisations to use their reporting through the GRI Standards to assess how they impact the SDGs.

Globally, only the GRI Standards provide a complete set of standards that uniquely addresses all 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sustainability reporters worldwide do not need to use any other sustainability framework for their report.

Revised to cover all new and updated GRI Standards, the document replaces a previous version from 2016 (which was part of the SDGs Compass).
It now includes:
GRI 207: Tax 2019,
GRI 403: Occupational Health & Safety 2018, and
GRI 303: Water & Effluents 2018

GRI has developed tools and initiatives that help enable a strong private sector role in measuring and achieving the SDGs. This includes the Business reporting on the SDGs resources, created in collaboration with UN Global Compact. Meanwhile, examples of corporate SDG reporting were launched in February.

Driving Corporate Action Towards Accomplishing the SDGs, a partnership led by GRI and Enel, continues this year. This project has involved online collaboration forums, to explore how to increase the SDGs contribution made by companies. The next stage will include regional events to develop new solutions and continue the dialogue.

Mapping SDGs-GRI-Update March and the GRI Standards 

Key facts about the GRI Standards

• Under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2010, the UN Global Compact adopts the GRI Standards as the recommended reporting framework for companies to communicate on progress made.
• 80% of the world’s 250 largest companies issue CSR/ESG/ Sustainability reports using GRI’s Sustainability Reporting Standards
• Use the GRI Standards ASAP to accelerate positive change
• Laying the foundation for good communication with responsible CSR/ESG/ sustainability reporting
• Are your competitors better prepared?

Also read:

• GRI and the UN Global Compact join forces and enable measuring and reporting on the SDGs
• Use the GRI Standards ASAP to accelerate positive change
• Are your competitors better prepared?
• License to operate – Millennials
• Laying the foundation for good communication with responsible CSR/ sustainability reporting
• How Sustainability/ CSR/ ESG/ SDG reporting gives your company a competitive advantage
• Oxford University: Corporate sustainability and profitability are interrelated
• Sustainability reporting at centre of EU’s 1 trillion euro Green Deal

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 & ISEP recognised Sustainability Course | Venue: London LSE

By registering for the next FBRH GRI Standards Certified & ISEP 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

FBRH has trained some of the world’s largest companies: Aramco, AIB, Aston Martin, Blackrock, Deloitte, Engie, ERM CVS, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Heineken International, KPMG, London School of Economics (LSE), Lundin Petroleum, Manchester Metropolitan University, Netherlands Enterprise Agency, Nord Stream 2 AG, Norwegian Property ASA, Phillips Lighting, PwC,Salterbaxter (an MSL Company), Telenor ASA, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), Volkswagen Group UK Limited, Walgreens Boots Alliance, World Business Council For Sustainable Development (WBCSD)… complete list…

References:

This article is based on published information by GRI. For the sake of readability, we did not use brackets or ellipses. However, we made sure that the extra or missing words did not change the publication’s meaning. If you would like to quote these written sources from the original please revert to the following link:

https://www.globalreporting.org/information/news-and-press-center/Pages/How-to-link-the-GRI-Standards-with-the-SDGs.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=linkinggristandardssdgsnewsmay2020

The post How to link the GRI Standards with the SDGs appeared first on SustainCase - Sustainability Magazine.