The Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) released its latest version of the sustainability reporting guidelines, G4, at its global conference in Amsterdam in 2013, emphasizing that the new version will place greater emphasis on substance.
GRI stated that encouraging companies to provide only economic, environmental, and social disclosures and indicators relevant to their business will allow reporting companies and users to focus on truly impactful issues, resulting in more credible reports. The revised G4 reporting guidelines will also help companies produce raw material sustainability-related information that can be incorporated into integrated reports.
G4 claims to be a more "user-friendly" version, making it easier for new sustainability report writers to use. G4 also aligns with various international sustainability reporting frameworks, including the OECD's MNE Guidelines, the UN Global Compact Principles, and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
The main changes in version G4 are as follows:
– Until the latest revelations regarding governance, ethics and integrity, supply chains, anti-corruption, and greenhouse gas emissions.
– A general format for disclosing new management regulations.
– Two new disclosure criteria options for raw materials.
– The new GRI content metrics provide a transparent disclosure pipeline with external certifications.
– Content that has undergone technical review and clear disclosure requirements.
– Detailed explanation of raw material impact options and boundary setting guidelines.
– Flexible sustainability reporting focuses on selecting and combining local and regional reporting frameworks and requirements.
For a detailed explanation of the GRI G4 version, please refer to Appendix Part 1, Reporting Principles and Standard Disclosures (in English).
Sources: Environmental Leader (2013-05-22) (Compiled by PIDC)
Attachment file:GRIG4-Part1-Reporting-Principles-and-Standard-Disclosures.pdf
