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GRI G4 and Other Sustainability Reporting Guidelines Briefing

August 13, 2013 Add Comment Edit

For all those for whom CR reporting or sustainability communications are important, the Ethical Corporation has compiled an excellent complimentary analysis. The 5 page report addresses the pro's and con's of the GRI G4 Guidelines. It also offers a thorough overview of other sustainability reporting guidelines (IIRC, SASB etc) which can help you choose the most material and relevant CR disclosure model, in line with your business.

This newly published analysis contains a detailed critique of recent Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4 guidelines. In addition to a review of GRI G4 advantages and disadvantages you will also get an understanding how GRI stacks up against other institutions.

This analysis reviews other reporting models including the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) and a newly launched American alternative the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB).

Valuable Learning Opportunity:

What CR reporting model to choose to reflect materiality of your business - Get a thorough overview of how key institutions setting CR disclosure strategies can assist you in your CR disclosure journey. Discover the main differences plus advantages and disadvantages of reporting against the IIRC, the GRI and SASB guidelines
How to drive your business forward by making the most of the GRI G4 Guidelines. Everything you need to know about application of the guidelines with a detailed breakdown on materiality, application levels, new areas of disclosure, indexes to use, assurance and harmonizing with the other standards.

Gain Insight:

How the G4 can assist companies to improve their CR reporting and sustainability communication practices to ensure the key stakeholders are fully engaged with your CR work?
How the guidelines can address industry specific needs to make sure you report against issues material to your business?

ISO Revisions Seek Overarching Guidance on 14001 Environmental Management Systems and Other ISO Standards

June 11, 2013 Add Comment Edit

Revisions are being undertaken in ISO 14001 in order to create an overarching format in conformity with Annex SL (previously ISO Guide 83) which defines the framework for a generic management system. This new guidance is holistic and is intended to end conflicts, duplication, confusion and misunderstanding from different MSS management systems. Since being issued in 1996 and then revised in 2004, the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems standard has been adopted by more than 250,000 organizations around the world.

Annex SL, is described as a “high level structure and identical text for management system standards and common core management system terms and definitions.” Annex SL offers overarching guidance on ISO management system standards (MSS). It is intended to help explain how different standards fit together with minimum redundancy. Annex SL offers a common format, structure and core requirements for ISO 14001, ISO 9001, ISO 27001 and ISO 50001.

ISO's goal in revising its standards is to conform to Annex SL so that standards share a common format. However this is no easy feat as consensus is required from all 130 participating countries. All new ISO MSS will adhere to this framework and all current MSS will migrate at their next revision. In future all ISO MSS should be consistent and compatible.

The ISO Technical Committee (TC) 207 has started the process of revising ISO 14001, with a target of issuing a Final Version in 2015.

© 2013, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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Whitepaper - Best Practices in Sustainable Procurement of Paperboard

May 30, 2013 Add Comment Edit

Sustainable Australia Report 2013

May 29, 2013 Add Comment Edit

According to a new report, crowded cities and bigger regional centers will drive sustainability in Australia. On 9 May 2013 The National Sustainability Council presented a landmark report titled Sustainable Australia 2013. According to the report an ageing population, rising health costs, growing cities and changes in traditional work and family roles are key issues.

The report provides a picture of Australia and tells the story of how the nation has changed over the last three decades. There has been significant progress (life span, health, education, economy, and employment), however inequality has increased and the health of Australia's natural environment has continued to decline in some key areas.

The report provides an evidence base for decision-making and planning about the future. It highlights a number of trends in Australia and the world that are set to have a significant impact on the next generation of Australians.

The National Sustainability Council intends to use the report, the first of its kind in Australia, as a starting point for a national conversation about our future.

To download the Sustainable Australia Report 2013 click here.

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Report - Sustainability Consultants Face Complex Market Dynamics

May 03, 2013 Add Comment Edit

For the past decade, management consultants and firms such as engineering service firms, environmental services firms and boutiques have created sustainability practices in an attempt to address a growing need for sustainability services, which include climate change, carbon management and cleantech.

However, sustainability consultants have experienced a bumpy ride, struggling to identify the market and to attract large contracts, which are few and far between.

This report helps sustainability consultants understand those challenges and sheds light on how consultants can succeed in a complex market.

Click here to register for access to this report.

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Complimentary eBook - Energy Efficient Lighting Explained

May 03, 2013 Add Comment Edit

Learn why lighting is one of the most cost-effective energy efficiency investments. Get the details about the industry's technological and political revolution.

Learn why lighting is one of the most cost-effective energy efficiency investments. Get the details about the industry's technological and political revolution.

Real Energy Writers' "Energy Efficient Lighting Explained: A guide for business people who aren't lighting techies:

- Educates you about your lighting technology options
- Informs you about the political landscape and controversies surrounding lighting
- Describes to take advantage of current lighting market conditions to cut costs and reduce your footprint.

"Energy Efficient Lighting Explained gave me a better understanding of the current market conditions for the lighting industry and why efficient lighting is so important to cutting costs and saving energy."
- Walt Taylor, Director at Burton Energy Group

"EE Lighting Explained provides an easy-to-read, extremely helpful explanation of efficient lighting options, and a very clear explanation of why now is the time to invest in them. This guide will be helpful to both businesses interested in EE lighting and those trying to explain EE lighting to their clients." - Kristin Rock, Energy Manager, PETCO

Report Key Benefits:

You'll learn about the benefits, costs and savings of investing in high-efficiency lighting, and gain insightful answers to key questions, such as:

- Which lighting and lighting control technologies are the most reliable, cost-effective and suited to my business?
- What is the current political landscape surrounding lighting and why are lighting standards so controversial?- What government incentives are available for lighting retrofit projects?
- What lighting retrofit strategies could my business easily implement?

To access the free e-book click here.

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Guide to Government Incentives for Green Commercial Trucks

May 03, 2013 Add Comment Edit

There are numerous benefits for utilizing fuel efficient commercial trucks. In addition to being better for the environment, fuel-efficient trucks boosts your company image and positively impacts your bottom line.

While these vehicles are more expensive than their less-efficient counterparts, the U.S. government has set up incentive programs to provide loans, offset costs and offer tax credits and exceptions to help companies outfit their transportation operations with green fleets.

At the federal, regional and state level, there are five types of incentives for those that purchase new commercial vehicles or upgrade in fuel-saving trucking equipment:

Grants Rebates and vouchers
Low cost loans
Tax credits
Tax exceptions

However, it’s important to consider who qualifies for these programs. Many incentive programs commonly stipulate vehicle type, fuel type, state/region of operation, vehicle weight limit, fleet size and overall company revenue. In addition, the application for each type of incentive is nuanced, and each program has its own requirements.

To help, Software Advice, a software review company, has put together a comprehensive guide that breaks down the federal, regional and state incentive programs and provides contact information for each program. In addition, the guide provides a quick, four-step process to help guide your application process.

Check out the 2013 Guide to Government Incentives for Fuel-Efficient Commercial Trucks for more detailed information on these programs.

Source: Global Warming is Real

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Report - Corporate Sustainability Reporting Budgets And Priorities

April 26, 2013 Add Comment Edit

Sustainability reporting is an important pillar of corporate sustainability programmes and firms seek to communicate progress and meet stakeholders’ demands for sustainability disclosure. This report helps executives in sustainability, marketing and communications roles and firms selling into these functions, to understand where responsibility and budgets lie for corporate sustainability reporting activities.

Verdantix spoke to 250 sustainability leaders in 13 countries across 21 industries. This report delves into responsibility, budgets and priorities with regard to corporate sustainability reporting and segments data by industry and region.

Click here to register for access to this report.

Guides - Sustainable Events

April 18, 2013 Add Comment Edit

The Sustainable Event Guide (SEG) was developed to help you find the resources and services to make your events as sustainable as possible. It is a document filled with guidance, resources, and simple advice about organizing an event that benefits the community, promotes ethical purchasing, and reduces waste. For some, this guide may simply act as an information resource about environmentally and socially responsible retailers and/or as a guide in reducing the waste produced at an event. For those who have never organized a big event, this guide may act as a framework for the "how to" of organizing. Regardless of past experience in event organizing, we suggest browsing through the entire guide - it may inspire new ideas or stir up old ones.

We believe everyone can make a difference through the way they host academic, social, and fundraising events. Although this guide includes many Concordia University specific resources, there is plenty of information that event planners from other universities and organizations may find very useful as well.

PDF of the Sustainable Event Guide.
PDF Resource List for a Sustainable Event.

For information or inquiries, contact the SEG coordinator at suscon.seg@gmail.com.

Electric Vehicle Buyer´s Guide

July 24, 2012 Add Comment Edit

The Electric Vehicle Buyer's Guide can help you to avoid costly mistakes when buying your first green car. Many consumers are unfamiliar with the specifics of green cars, so deciding which one to purchase can be challenging. This guide will help you understand more about electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, and when it comes time to selecting one, you’ll know what to look for, know the right questions to ask, and how to determine the right car for you. By reading this guide, you’ll learn the characteristics of green cars and be better informed when considering different cars and models. With this knowledge, you’ll purchase a car that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

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The Business Case for REDD (Guide)

May 30, 2012 Add Comment Edit

This complementary guide makes the Business Case for REDD (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation). It reviews what REDD is and why you need to factor it into your sustainability strategy. The guide addresses how businesses and stakeholders can benefit from REDD's effect to the carbon market. It also reviews how to get involved in REDD investment and the regulations involved.

The guide is provide by The CarbonNeutral Company, voted the Best Offset Retailer in the Voluntary Carbon Market (‘Environmental Finance, Voluntary Carbon Market Survey,’ 2011 and 2012). For immediate advice on how supporting forestry projects will benefit your organization, please email us or call +44 (0)20 7833 6000 / 1-646-367-5800.

Click here to download this complementary guide.

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8 Congressional Reports on Energy and the Environment

May 23, 2012 Add Comment Edit

Here are eight recent reports by the Congressional Research Service related to the environment and energy. Congress does not release them to the public. These reports were released by the Federation of American Scientists' Government Secrecy Project.

"Carbon Capture and Sequestration: Research, Development, and Demonstration at the U.S. Department of Energy," Congressional Research Service, April 23, 2012, by Peter Folger, R42496.
"U.S. Solar Photovoltaic Manufacturing: Industry Trends, Global Competition, Federal Support," Congressional Research Service, April 27, 2012, by Michaela D. Platzer, R42509.
"Hydraulic Fracturing and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA): Selected Issues," Congressional Research Service, April 25, 2012, by Brandon J. Murrill, R42502.
"U.S. Energy: Overview and Key Statistics," Congressional Research Service, April 11, 2012, by Carl E. Behrens and Carol Glover, R40187.
"Lean Finely Textured Beef: The “Pink Slime” Controversy," Congressional Research Service, April 6, 2012, by Joel L. Greene, R42473.
"Federal Agency Actions Following the Supreme Court's Climate Change Decision in Massachusetts v. EPA: A Chronology," Congressional Research Service, May 1, 2012, by Robert Meltz, R41103.
"China's Rare Earth Industry and Export Regime: Economic and Trade Implications for the United States," Congressional Research Service, April 30, 2012, by Wayne M. Morrison and Rachel Tang, R42510.
"Issues and Challenges for Federal Geospatial Information," Congressional Research Service, April 27, 2012, by Peter Folger, R41826.

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Objection Handling: A Professional’s Guide to Overcoming Objections to Sustainability Adoption and Implementation

May 16, 2012 Add Comment Edit

Insiders understand the value of sustainability, but many who are unfamiliar have resistance. When addressing these people it is important to know how to respond to the various reasons offered for resisting a sustainability program.

This discussion paper is titled "Objection Handling: A Professional’s Guide to Overcoming Objections to Sustainability Adoption and Implementation."

To download this complimentary discussion paper click here.

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Sustainability Success Kit from Enviance

May 15, 2012 Add Comment Edit

GRI Underutilized by Canadian SMEs

April 27, 2012 Add Comment Edit

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has indicated that although the the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is a valuable tool, it is being underutilized by Canadian SMEs compared to large companies. The Government of Canada includes the Global Reporting Initiative in its CSR Strategy for the Extractive Sector and recommends that organization large and small do the same.
Georgina Wainwright-Kemdirim, an executive with Industry Canada’s Policy Coordination and Regulatory Affairs Branch, says that while the GRI’s Reporting Framework was designed to be applicable to companies and organizations of any size, in any sector, the uptake of sustainability reporting by small and medium enterprises remains fairly low compared to large companies.

“GRI is aiming to address SME involvement in sustainability reporting in the new G4 set of guidelines currently under development and which is slated to be launched in 2013, but there is still much for SMEs to use in the current GRI guidelines.” She also notes that Industry Canada’s SME Sustainability/CSR Roadmap provides practical guidance, tools and case studies to help SMEs transition to sustainability practices in their operations.

Wainwright-Kemdirim says that roughly 35% of Canadian companies currently use the GRI Guidelines in the preparation of their reports and that 80% of TSX-listed companies report on sustainability.

GRI and the Canadian Government

April 26, 2012 Add Comment Edit

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada supports the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The Government of Canada includes the GRI in its CSR Strategy for the Extractive Sector and recommends it for Canadian businesses large and small.

GRI is the world’s standard for measuring and reporting a company’s sustainability performance. In the period between 2009 and 2010 GRI-type sustainability reporting increased 22 percent globally. In the same time frame there was a 30 percent increase in GRI reporting in the US. Most noticeably there was a 50 percent increase in Canada. Although many Canadian companies are getting involved others are reticent.

Those who opt to forgo sustainability reporting should at least know why. As explained by Georgina Wainwright-Kemdirim, an executive with Industry Canada’s Policy Coordination and Regulatory Affairs Branch said, “if a company decides not to report, then they could consider explaining why,” she says. “Let it be known that the company has considered reporting but for them it does not make business sense for some reason — for example, they may think it will impede competitiveness or give away proprietary information. Some of the big challenges for companies include understanding what is important for a company to report on— something GRI is working to define more clearly. Companies can also figure out what is important to report on through stakeholder engagement. Companies will soon discover that not all stakeholders are adversaries, and may, in fact, turn out to be important allies and sources of valuable intelligence.”

The benefits of measuring and reporting on social and environmental performance are both internal and external. Internally GRI supports greater efficiency and innovation, externally GRI can help enhance competitiveness.

Here are the benefits of sustainability reporting as reviewed on the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada site:

Internal benefits of sustainability reporting:

Increased understanding of risks and opportunities
Emphasizing the link between financial and non-financial performance
Influencing long term management strategy, policy, and business planning
Identifying opportunities for innovative products, services and processes through streamlining, reducing costs and improving efficiency
Benchmarking and assessing sustainability performance with respect to laws, norms, codes, standards, and voluntary initiatives
Avoiding negative environmental, social and governance publicity
Comparing performance internally, and between organizations and sectors

External benefits of sustainability reporting:

Mitigating — or reversing — negative environmental, social and governance impacts
Improving reputation and brand loyalty
Improved access to global markets and supply chain opportunities
Enabling external stakeholders to understand company’s true value, and tangible and intangible assets
Demonstrating how the organization influences, and is influenced by, expectations about sustainable development
Improved access to capital and other financing
Enhanced social license to operate in the community.

GRI Reporting Tool is Good for Business

April 26, 2012 Add Comment Edit

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) provides methods and metrics to help businesses with important new requirements. Reporting is becoming a basic requirement in some markets and therefore it has become essential for businesses of all sizes. Most large companies already have supply chain standards that make stringent demands on their suppliers.

Launched in 1997, GRI is a non-profit organization that is the world’s standard for measuring and reporting a company’s sustainability performance. The GRI approach is focused on long-term profitability, social justice and environmental responsibility.

Through use of the GRI Framework, companies can report their social, economic and environmental progress. However, these reports not only highlight an organization's accomplishments, they also reveal weaknesses.

The GRI Reporting Framework provides both financial and non financial information on a company’s operational, social and environmental activities. The Framework is an indication of how well the company can deal with the related risks and is a growing indicator of operational and management excellence.

“Business decisions are no longer solely based on financial decisions,” said Mike Wallace, director of GRI’s U.S. office. “Sustainability guidelines are being written into national regulations, implemented by state-owned companies, integrated into stock exchange listing rules and are increasingly woven into the procurement policies of large multi-nationals like Apple and Microsoft. This kind of supply chain management is going to be the biggest game-changing factor for sustainability,” he said.

GRI provides useful tools that help organizations cope with increasingly complex, rapidly evolving compliance demands. GRI helps organizations establish benchmarks, build transparency, and develop stakeholder trust.

© 2012, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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The GRI Sustainability Reporting Framework

April 26, 2012 Add Comment Edit

Global Reporting Initiative's (GRI) Sustainability Reporting Framework is a set of practical tools that companies can use to measure and report their economic, environmental, social performance. The Framework serves internal tracking purposes and transparency. The Framework includes Reporting Guidelines, Sector Guidelines and other resources.

Reporting Guidelines

The Reporting Guidelines feature sustainability disclosures that organizations can adopt flexibly and incrementally. There are also sector-tailored guidance on reporting standards set by GRI.

Sector Guidelines

Sector specific supplements are also available on issue related to biodiversity management and ecosystems, community consultation, Indigenous people’s rights, handling disputes related to land, the resettlement of local communities and more.

GRI reports are used for internal benchmarking purposes and public disclosure. GRI recommends that companies set up a reporting cycle — a program of data collection on environmental and social impacts of the organization, internal and external communication, and responses. A reporting cycle allows firms to monitor their performance on an ongoing basis. This information is and then made public.

For more information click here.

© 2012, Richard Matthews. All rights reserved.

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