Today, integrating quality ESG disclosure into annual reporting should be seen as an essential part of an organisation’s annual communications to stakeholders. Disclosure should reflect a cohesive and efficient approach to corporate reporting and present a clear corporate focus on the interdependencies between financial and ESG performance, risk, and opportunities.

According to the IFRS Foundation, an organisation formed to integrate financial accounting standards with sustainability accounting standards to support better information and promote better decision-making, an integrated report is: “a concise communication about an organisation’s strategy, governance, performance and prospects. Presenting each topic in the context of the organisation’s external environment, the report summarises how the organisation creates value in the short, medium and long term.”

Ensuring your annual reporting is reflective of your organisation’s true sustainability efforts, whilst motivating providers of financial capital to understand your ability to create value to all stakeholders is a significant challenge. Balancing value creation across employees, customers, suppliers, partners, local communities, legislators, regulators and shareholders requires a suite of metrics, standards and risk frameworks that is reflective of a truly integrated and sustainable organisation. This demands concise disclosure on a range of the most material topics, often covering: an overview of the organisation and its strategy, Board oversight of ESG topics, diversity, carbon and biodiversity, governance practices, risk management, values, goals and targets. Successfully integrating reporting is likely to be well received by capital markets, not only because it is a very clear indicator of a business that is prepared for a sustainable future, but that it aligns with upcoming UK and existing EU investor regulations that will support the classification and labelling of your business as a sustainable investment.

At Simply Sustainable, we have over 13 years’ experience in helping organisations navigate the complex and fast-paced reporting landscape. We understand the intricate expectations of each stakeholder, and how to report and communicate in a manner that encourages support, is future-oriented and strategic.

To find out how our team of experts can help you on your carbon and climate journey, contact Ed Packshaw or request a call-back.