In a rapidly evolving global economy, businesses are under increasing pressure to operate responsibly and transparently. Stakeholders want to know how companies impact the planet and society, not just financial performance. This is where sustainability reporting becomes crucial to disclose environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives.
How can businesses leverage sustainability reporting correctly? This article will guide you through everything about sustainability reports and how a well-crafted report can enhance your company’s impact.
What is a sustainability report?
A sustainability report is a formal document that details a company’s performance and goals regarding ESG factors. It serves as a key communication tool between the organization and its stakeholders, offering transparency into non-financial performance areas such as carbon emissions, energy use, labor practices, waste management, and community engagement.
By articulating how resources are used and what impacts are generated, sustainability reports help businesses:
- Track and benchmark progress toward sustainability goals.
- Identify operational inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
- Build credibility with investors, regulators, and the public.
Legal Framework in Indonesia
Sustainability reporting has become mandatory for businesses in Indonesia, governed by the Financial Services Authority of Indonesia (OJK) Regulation No. 51/2017. This regulation requires all financial service institutions, issuers, and publicly listed companies to submit an annual sustainability report by April 30 of the following year.
Supporting the OJK Regulation is the OJK Circular Letter No. 16/2021, which guides companies on how to execute sustainability reporting correctly.
Why sustainability reporting is important
Sustainability reports serve as a strategic asset that enhances a business’s reputation and fosters stakeholder loyalty. This is why the correct sustainability report can positively impact your company:
Building Trust and Transparency
Investors, customers, employees, and regulators are increasingly drawn to companies that are open about their environmental and social impacts. A comprehensive sustainability report:
- Enhances credibility through data-backed disclosures.
- Facilitates informed decision-making for stakeholders.
- Helps build brand loyalty by showcasing ethical and sustainable practices.
Driving Business Improvement
The process of sustainability reporting often reveals inefficiencies and risk exposures. By tracking sustainability metrics, businesses can:
- Optimize resource utilization and minimize operational expenses.
- Anticipate regulatory changes and avoid penalties.
- Identify opportunities for innovation and market differentiation.
Aligning with Global Trends
As global attention to climate change, social equity, and ethical governance intensifies, sustainability reporting is becoming essential for market access. Companies that lead in sustainability reporting position favorably in ESG ratings and capital markets.
Sustainability reports vs ESG reports: What are the key differences?
While the terms “sustainability reports” and “ESG reports” are often used interchangeably, they are not identical. Understanding their differences is crucial for creating accurate reports that meet the diverse expectations of various stakeholders.
Scope and Focus
Sustainability reports provide a broader view of a company’s environmental, social, and economic impacts. It often highlights long-term goals, community initiatives, and ethical values.
In contrast, an ESG report focuses on specific metrics tied to environmental, social, and governance factors that may affect financial performance. It’s more analytical and risk-oriented.
Target Audiences
Sustainability reports are designed for a broad audience, including customers, employees, regulators, and the public. ESG reports, however, are primarily tailored for investors and analysts who utilize ESG data to assess risk and performance.
Reporting Style and Metrics
The style of a sustainability report is often narrative, featuring case studies, storytelling, and engagement efforts. At the same time, ESG reports emphasize key performance indicators (KPIs), benchmarks, and risk disclosures, with a reduced focus on narrative.
Read more: 7 ESG strategies for long-term business growth and impact
Key requirements for sustainability reporting
Producing a high-quality sustainability report requires several core components to support the reporting process. Here are the key components
Materiality Assessment
The first step is to conduct a materiality assessment, which identifies the environmental, social, and governance topics most relevant to the company and its stakeholders. This ensures the report focuses on what truly matters rather than covering every possible issue.
Use of Standard Frameworks
Companies must follow recognized reporting frameworks such as GRI, SASB, TCFD, or ESRS. These frameworks provide structure, ensure data comparability, and help meet international best practices.
Governance and Accountability
The report should explain how company leaders, including managers and the board, are involved in guiding and overseeing sustainability efforts. This demonstrates that the company takes responsibility and incorporates sustainability into its key decisions.
Performance Metrics and KPIs
Quantitative performance indicators are essential, including carbon emissions, energy usage, water consumption, workforce diversity, and adherence to ethical practices. Metrics should be tracked consistently over time to demonstrate progress and credibility.
External Assurance and Verification
To enhance trust, many companies seek third-party assurance for their reports. This process verifies data accuracy and validates claims, particularly for investors and regulatory bodies.
Common challenges of sustainability reporting
Creating a strong sustainability reporting often comes with key challenges, particularly in data preparation. Many companies struggle to gather complete and accurate information across departments. Without centralized systems, reports can be inconsistent and lack essential details.
Another issue is unclear communication. Some reports use complex language that’s hard to understand. Additionally, the entire reporting process is time-consuming, as it requires coordination among multiple departments. These hurdles often delay the publication of reports and make it harder for businesses to maintain transparency.
Read more: How carbon footprint reduction contributes to sustainable investment.
How InCorp can help
Navigating ESG integration can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. InCorp Indonesia (an Ascentium Company) offers comprehensive ESG advisory services designed to elevate your sustainability performance. Our experts deliver tailored, high-impact support to help your business meet reporting standards and strategic goals.
Get in touch today and build sustainable success for your business.
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What you'll get
A prompt response to your inquiry
Knowledge for doing business from local experts
Ongoing support for your business
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Daris Salam
COO Indonesia at InCorp Indonesia
With more than 10 years of expertise in accounting and finance, Daris Salam dedicates his knowledge to consistently improving the performance of InCorp Indonesia and maintaining clients and partnerships.
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