New Website to Make Sustainability Reporting More Accessible

(3BL Media / theCSRfeed) December 14, 2011 - Companies will now find it easier than ever to find information about sustainability reporting and start their reporting journey, thanks to a new website being launched today (Wednesday 14 December 2011) by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

The website, at www.globalreporting.org, is a hub for sustainability and reporting information, answering questions about why and how to report and providing guidance to companies and other organizations worldwide.

The new website also provides improved features for experienced reporters and Organizational Stakeholders – core supporters of GRI. The new resource library holds all of GRI’s publications in one easy-to-access place, with many publications available in several languages.

Marjolein Baghuis, Director – Communications and Network Relations at the Global Reporting Initiative, said: “This new website marks a big step forward in sustainability reporting. With more organizations than ever before reporting their sustainability performance, the new website will help both experienced and new reporters to navigate their way on their reporting journey.”

The website features a reporting starter kit, for organizations new to sustainability reporting. A center for sustainability reporting news, the site gives an overview of the role of sustainability reporting in addressing the world’s biggest challenges.

With enhanced links to social media, the new website enables people around the world to engage with GRI directly. This will be developed as the website goes through future planned updates. It is also more visually stimulating, thanks to new images submitted to GRI’s image competition earlier in the year. The winning entry, ‘Breathing new life from old’ by Nicholas Mitchell, now features on the site’s homepage.

“Many congratulations to Nicholas for an excellent and inspirational image, representing GRI’s mission to make reporting standard practice. The competition was tough, with more than 100 entries, some of which will be featured on this new site and in GRI’s publications. Thanks to all who took part!” added Baghuis.

Microsoft and DNV Business Assurance are Gold Level sponsors of the website and Ministry of Media and 2AT are Silver Level sponsors.

Dan Bross, Senior Director Citizenship at Microsoft said: "We at Microsoft are just as committed to sustainable practices within our own business as we are to supporting the sustainability efforts of the broader business community. GRI's new website is an accessible repository of useful information and an invaluable hub of helpful resources for companies, reporters, investors and NGOs and consumers who are interested in learning about corporate sustainability practices."

“This new website will be a resource for all companies seeking to improve their sustainability practices through reporting. It will make a good platform for supporting the continual improvement of reporting practices. At DNV Business Assurance, we are committed to our own sustainability efforts, as well as supporting other companies on their way towards sustainable business performance. The new GRI website will be an asset in this aspect”, said Thomas Vogth-Eriksen, CEO of DNV Business Assurance. 

For further information contact:

Lucy Goodchild
Press & Communications Manager
Global Reporting Initiative
Tel: +31 (0)20 531 0067
Out of office hours: +31 (0)6 303 99 531
Email: goodchild@globalreporting.org

1. About the Global Reporting Initiative

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) produces a comprehensive Sustainability Reporting Framework that is widely used around the world, to enable greater organizational transparency. The Framework, including the Reporting Guidelines, sets out the Principles and Indicators organizations can use to report their economic, environmental, and social performance. GRI is committed to continuously improving and increasing the use of the Guidelines, which are freely available to the public.

Website: www.globalreporting.org

2. About 2AT

Founded in 2001 as a software development company, 2AT has since then added consultancy, system management and hosting services to our software development to become a full service system integrator specializing in Microsoft technology. Our clients are mainly in higher education where we realize internet-based sharing of and collaboration on educational and research information within and between institutions. 2AT is a privately held company with 20 employees and is located in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

For more information about 2AT, call +31 30 8008000, email contact@2at.nl or visit www.2at.nl.

3. About DNV Business Assurance

DNV Business Assurance is a world leading certification body. We work with our customers to assure the performance of their products, processes and organisations through certification, assessment and training. Our services help customers build stakeholder trust and create a platform for sustainable business performance.

We provide a global footprint with 1600 employees working to ensure our customers’ continued success locally and in an ever-changing global environment. As part of DNV, an independent foundation established in 1864, we belong to a network of 8600 employees working from 300 offices around the world. 

Website: http://www.dnvba.com/Global

4. About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. At Microsoft, our Citizenship efforts focus on our work to serve communities and work responsibly. You can find out more about these efforts in our 2011 Citizenship Report www.microsoft.com/citizenshipreport.

5. About Ministry of Media

Starting from our client’s business, marketing and communication needs Ministry of MEDIA realizes the creative translation towards identity design, communication and interactive solutions. Ministry of MEDIA is a new breed of digital agency. We help you understand, develop and grow your business and audience through interactive communication. We believe that innovation is key and that it's about keeping things simple, straightforward, accessible and conversion driven.

We develop a wide array of communications solutions such as brand identities, web platforms, communication campaigns, online/mobile interactive tools and games and interactive installations. In these, we aim for maximum interaction between brands, products and services and their target audiences, developing long term relationships with the end consumer as a main focus. Ministry of MEDIA has been servicing the market for over 7 years, working for big and small A-brands, providing a practical, no-nonsense and accessible alternative for the big agencies.

Website: www.ministryofmedia.nl