Sustainability Performance Reporting

• Published in: Sustainability Vol. 16; no. 19; p. 8538
• Main Authors: Rusu, Teodora Maria, Odagiu, Antonia, Pop, Horia, Paulette, Laura
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI AG 01.10.2024
• Subjects: Accountability; Business enterprises; Climate change; Corporate sustainability; Economic aspects; Economic impact; Emission standards; Energy consumption; Environmental aspects; Environmental impact; Environmental performance; Financial reporting; Legislation; Literature reviews; Methods; Multiculturalism & pluralism; Social aspects; Social responsibility; Sustainability reporting; Sustainable development; Waste management; Romania
• ISSN: 2071-1050; 2071-1050
• DOI: 10.3390/su16198538

Sustainability reporting is an essential tool for companies and organizations to assess and communicate their sustainability performance. Its importance derives from the need for transparency and accountability to stakeholders, including investors, customers, employees and local communities. The principles underlying an effective sustainability report include integrity, accuracy, comparability and clarity. The main purpose of the sustainability report is to provide a clear view of the economic, social and environmental impact of the organization’s activities, contributing to continuous performance improvement and alignment with international standards. The objective of our study is to analyze sustainability reporting and ESG (environment, social, governance) reporting, key steps and methods for measuring and reporting sustainability, and the sustainability policy criteria and reporting frameworks used internationally (GRI, IIRC, SASB, TCFD, ISO 26000, ISO 14016) in order to identify areas for further development to improve the relevance and effectiveness of sustainability reporting. The results obtained from our study enable a better understanding of how an organization reports its social, economic, and environmental impact, the differences in compliance with the international standards used, the main steps, and sustainability criteria followed. Our research highlights the necessary actions and steps through which sustainability reporting can become a more effective and relevant tool, contributing to real sustainable development and more responsible resource management. The usefulness of this report is reflected in many aspects: it facilitates informed decision making, enhances trust and reputation, helps identify risks and opportunities, and supports sustainable business strategies. The sustainability report is not only a means of reporting but also a catalyst for positive change, promoting responsible business practices and contributing to global sustainable development.