Business Knowledge

ESG Reporting & Compliance: Applied Frameworks

ESG Reporting: Which Framework Fits You?

Want to show your commitment to sustainability? Choose the right reporting standard.

1. GRI Standards (Global Reporting Initiative)

  • Purpose: Broad, comprehensive impact reporting. Good for communicating to ALL stakeholders (employees, communities, customers, investors).
  • Focus: Your company’s impacts on the environment, society, and economy.
  • Action: [ ] Identify your “material topics” and report in detail on them.

2. SASB Standards (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board)

  • Purpose: Investor-focused. Good for communicating financially material ESG risks and opportunities to investors.
  • Focus: Industry-specific issues that are likely to affect your financial performance.
  • Action: [ ] Find your industry’s specific SASB standards and report on those metrics.

3. TCFD Recommendations (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures)

  • Purpose: Climate-focused. Good for communicating how climate change risks and opportunities impact your business strategy and financials.
  • Focus: Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, Metrics & Targets related to climate.
  • Action: [ ] Assess and disclose your climate-related financial risks.

Choosing Your Path:

  • Comprehensive Impact: Start with GRI.
  • Investor Focus: Use SASB.
  • Climate Specific: Use TCFD (often combined with GRI/SASB).

Golden Rule: Don’t “greenwash.” Report honestly, accurately, and consistently.