Are sustainability reports fit for your purpose? Have your say at the GRI Readers’ Choice Awards

Source: Global Reporting Initiative, 15 October 2009

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and its partners invite both readers and preparers of sustainability reports to participate in their second global survey.

Both readers and preparers of sustainability reports are invited to register online from yesterday to find out how to participate.
The number of organizations reporting on their sustainability performance has reached a record high. Each year, thousands of such reports are now issued. And the number of people using these reports to gain data on companies is also growing rapidly.

Ernst Ligteringen, GRI Chief Executive, said: “The Readers Choice Awards play an essential role in the ongoing evolution of sustainability reporting. In 2008 the readers made it clear that transparency can help to build trust, but the readers aren’t fools. They read these reports with a purpose and they want the truth, and particularly the whole truth – not just selective reporting where companies’ performance is good. The readers also told us that they want to see a link between sustainability issues and a company’s overall strategy. These were important insights that reminded reporters of the importance of full and credible disclosure. This time we look forward to hearing from the reporters too. What are the objectives reporters set in issuing a report? In the eyes of the readers, are these objectives being met? Finding answers to these questions will inform the continuing evolution of sustainability reporting.”

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