Why do companies issue sustainability reports? GRI invites companies to have their say.

Nov. 19, 2009 - PRLog -- The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) today invited all companies who issue sustainability reports (also known as “CSR or “Corporate Social Responsibility” reports) to have their say on why they do it.

The number of companies issuing sustainability reports has reached a record high.  Such reports allow organizations to disclose their performance on a range of economic, environmental, and social issues.  Yet, what are their objectives in publishing a report?  Who are they targeting as an audience?  What metrics do they use in measuring the effectiveness of reporting?  

The unique survey is being carried out in conjunction with the second GRI Readers’ Choice Awards.  The first Readers Choice Awards enabled readers to express what it was they were looking for in reports.  This time we will hear from both sides.

A report based on the results from both the Readers’ and Reporters’ Surveys will provide insights into whether reports really meet the needs of their target audiences, and most importantly, whether those reports actually change people’s views and behavior.

Helen Spoor, Consultant at Readers’ Choice Awards Communications Partner organization Futerra said: "Trust is at an all time low. By showing both sides of the story, we are being completely transparent. Results could show a real disconnect between reporters and readers, providing the opportunity to dramatically change sustainability reporting in the future."

The awards and survey results will be announced at the 2010 Amsterdam Global Conference on Sustainability and Transparency, to be held between 26 – 28 May 2010.

GRI welcomes any organization that has issued a sustainability report in 2008 or 2009 – whether or not it is based on the GRI G3 Guidelines, the world’s most widely-used sustainability reporting framework - to take part.  
“It is very important that organizations and individuals who prepare sustainability reports participate in the Readers' Choice Awards survey, as it will enable the GRI to get a comprehensive picture of whether the aims and objectives of reports, as interpreted by readers, match what reporters are hoping to achieve from reports. The more respondents, the greater the opportunity for the RCA to gauge accurately how reports are being perceived,” said Neil Stevenson, Executive Director - Brand at Readers Choice Awards Content Partner Organization ACCA – the global body for professional accountants.


Media Contact

Scott McAusland
e: scott.mcausland@globalreporting.org
t: +31 20 531 0034

Notes to Editors

1.   Sustainability reporters can take part in the survey in any one of the following nine languages:

Arabic
Chinese
English
French
Hindi
Japanese
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish

To take part in the survey visit: http://awards.globalreporting.org

2.   To find out more about the Amsterdam Global Conference on Sustainability and Transparency visit www.amsterdamgriconference.org


3.   About The Global Reporting Initiative
The Global Reporting Initiative has pioneered the development of the world’s most widely used sustainability reporting framework and is committed to its continuous improvement and application worldwide. This framework sets out the principles and indicators that organizations can use to measure and report their economic, environmental, and social performance.
www.globalreporting.org

4.   About ACCA
ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is a global body for professional accountants that aim to offer business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management.

5.   About Futerra
Futerra is a sustainability communications agency, founded in 2001, working exclusively on communications strategy development and implementation for sustainability and corporate responsibility.

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The Global Reporting Initiative has pioneered the development of the world’s most widely used sustainability reporting framework and is committed to its continuous improvement and application worldwide.