Every two years, we review how members are tracking against the SBC member commitments. Of 80 companies reviewed, 42 had sustainability reports and/or public accounts to review against our criteria.
Download the report (PDF)
Alison Herft, Manager – Member Engagement writes about what good sustainability reporting looks like.
What we found
- Reporting on sustainability is more integrated into overall business reporting.
- Businesses are reporting on more sustainability topics, including megatrends, ethics, human rights and labour issues.
- Gaps still remain about strategy, future objectives and outcomes.
- Further work is needed to engage stakeholders in a meaningful way that can help an organisation identify its most material issues.
- More partnerships and collaborations are being set up, and the value of these is being communicated to investors and consumers.
- There are not many good examples of reporting from smaller businesses, or from professional services firms.
- Reporting on emissions measurement and reduction measures is more visible and extensive, and is often combined with an emissions reduction plan.
- There is little disclosure of risk from climate change, or how risks are integrated into strategy and management.
Best practice
Suggestions to improve sustainability reporting
- Connect sustainability issues in New Zealand with the business’ overall purpose.
- Connect megatrends such as climate change, shifts in consumer expectations and technological change with how they affect their business.
- Include the impact on all aspects of the value chain, from suppliers to consumer use and disposal.
- Consider how the sustainability story can be told for a range of audiences, including infographics, interactive online reports and videos.
- Engage stakeholders in both developing sustainability strategy and reporting on it.
- Include approaches to increase diversity and inclusion, transparency and good governance.
- Consider how business strategy is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
SBC can provide support to help members address the areas where they want to improve.
