‘Sustainability reporting as an emerging business imperative’

Sustainability and Sustainable Development have emerged as the most important goals of the world today. Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), otherwise known as the Global Goals, are a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. These 17 Goals build on the successes of the Millennium Development Goals, while including new areas such as climate change, economic inequality, innovation, sustainable consumption, peace and justice, among other priorities. They provide clear guidelines and targets for all countries to adopt in accordance with their own priorities and the environmental challenges of the world at large.

The overarching goal of sustainability has led to a growing pressure on nations and various stakeholders in meeting the SDGs. The Business world too is under the moral, social and regulatory pressure to incorporate sustainability in its strategy, plans and activities.

Sustainability Reporting therefore has emerged as good Governance and as a Social Responsibility measure to communicate to the stakeholders the sustainability measures undertaken by the firm. More and More companies have chosen to Sustainability reporting and find a lot of accruing benefits.

The Article aims at the study of the context, benefits and the process of Sustainability Reporting with reference to GRI guidelines.