Accounting for sustainability - Clarity in corporate reporting, part 2

Since the global economic crisis, there has been a great deal of focus on the shifting role of business. In these uncertain times, it is generally agreed that it is no longer sufficient or acceptable for companies just to make money. Nowadays, companies have to behave well in their pursuit of profit and growth. They have to balance the interests of their business with the interests of society and the environment.

As more and more companies begin to engage with corporate responsibility, or ‘corporate sustainability’, as it’s known, the need for clear, compelling sustainability reporting and communications is more urgent than ever before. Good sustainability reporting paves the way for transparency, which generates confidence and trust in the company in question. Indeed, an increasing number of stakeholders now demand and expect that companies ‘account for sustainability’ as part of their regular reporting activities.

What’s more, as we mentioned in our previous corporate reporting article, the International Integrated Reporting Committee (IIRC) is currently pushing for a global framework on combined corporate and sustainability reporting with a view to helping companies produce more joined-up and cohesive reports. And a recent study from Leeds University, carried out jointly with Euromed Management School in Marseille, France, has specifically stressed the need for higher standards in corporate sustainability reporting.

At Stratton Craig, we’re committed to helping businesses engage with corporate sustainability. With over 24 years’ experience in written communications, corporate reporting has always been one of our core service offerings. And in the last decade we’ve expanded our expertise to offer sustainability reports and websites alongside more traditional reports and communications.

Our specialist sustainability writers have provided expert editorial and strategic guidance on sustainability issues for a number of clients, including:

• HSBC
• Nomura Holdings
• Vodafone Ireland
• United Nations Environment Programme Global e-Sustainability Initiative (GeSI)
• Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment
• Gemalto

As corporate sustainability gathers momentum, Stratton Craig is well placed to help you develop your sustainability reports and communications. If you’d like to find out how we could help you, please contact us on:
t: 020 7593 4014
e: copy@strattoncraig.co.uk