Sustainability Reporting: Short Implementation Guide and Its Benefits

Implementation Guide: Considerations, Aim and Phases

What is an implementation guide? This is the first question that each individual asks to start in adopting a method or methodologies, models etc. The implementation guide is an introduction to the implementation process that contains certain phases or steps that are taken in order to achieve it, offering the necessary help that will guarantee its success. Starting from the general purpose of the chapter, namely sustainability reporting, there have been tried to achieve two objectives: (1) presenting a short implementation guide of the sustainability reporting in accordance with the GRI requirements and (2) the benefits of using the implementation guide within entities.

The proposed guide will describe the general modalities necessary for the adoption of sustainability within an economic entity, offering also the necessary guidance for its achievement by: (1) facilitating, supporting and promoting corporate and social value; (2) improving awareness of certain risks and opportunities; (3) identifying, evaluating and managing material risks for the economic entity and stakeholders in order to create long-term value; (4) improving the quality and depth of the information disclosed according to the expectations of the sustainability information users.

This guide is addressed to all categories of entities or specialists interested in implementing sustainability practices and sustainability reporting in accordance with the GRI requirements, offering assistance and encouragement in achieving this endeavor. Worldwide, many organizations have gone beyond the CSR borders, adapting to the knowledge about sustainability and developing management models that integrate sustainability. The interested parts want to understand the approaches of the organizations in managing their risks and their economic, social and environmental opportunities. This is due to the climate change, resource scarcity, changing of the social expectations and environmental legislative requirements which mean increasing the impact of sustainability risks that determine the organizations to incorporate all of its considerations and long-term challenges.