I had a class recently that really stuck with me. We were talking about sustainability reporting, not exactly the flashiest topic on the surface, but by the end of the session, I found myself deep in thought. Why? Because I realized this is the work that helps us move from saying we care about sustainability to actually proving it.
I used to think sustainability reports were just those corporate documents full of pretty pictures, vague promises, and pages of numbers no one reads. But the truth? Reporting is one of the most powerful tools for change we have, when it’s done right.
Whether you're a global company or just starting out, measuring your sustainability performance is how you find out: Are we walking the talk?
So, what are we really measuring?
We’re not just tracking money anymore. Sustainability reporting goes beyond financial metrics to cover Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) indicators, like:
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🌍 Carbon footprint
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💧 Water and energy usage
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🧍🏽♀️ Employee diversity
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🛡 Health and safety
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📦 Supply chain ethics
These Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) help organizations stay accountable and improve over time.
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Frameworks That Matter
During class, we explored some of the most common sustainability frameworks used worldwide:
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GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) – Focuses on broad impacts on the economy, environment, and society.
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SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) – Industry-specific, investor-focused.
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TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) – Climate risk and opportunity reporting.
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CSRD/ESRS – A new EU regulation that’s about to change the game for corporate disclosures.
Each one has its strengths, and choosing the right one depends on your goals and who you’re reporting to.
From Data to Impact
It’s not just about collecting numbers. It’s about materiality, what matters most to your stakeholders, and transparency. And yes, that means verifying the data too. Independent audits of ESG reports are becoming more common to ensure credibility (and avoid greenwashing 🚫).
New Trends to Watch
Here are a few exciting (and a little intimidating) shifts I’m following:
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Double materiality: Not just how the world affects your business, but how your business affects the world.
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Scope 3 emissions: Indirect emissions from your entire value chain (not just your office lights).
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AI and digital ESG platforms: Tools like EcoVadis or SAP are making it easier to manage reporting in real time.
That class reminded me: measuring sustainability isn’t a one-time task—it’s an ongoing mindset. It forces us to slow down, reflect, and be honest. And that’s where real change begins.
– Morena
👉 Want to read something lighter after this? Check out my latest personal post on why I’m buying fewer clothes and trying to live more consciously → Why I’m Buying Fewer Clothes Now