Accelerating sustainability through better reporting

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to review and discuss City Developments Limited (CDL)’s 15-year sustainability reporting journey with GRI Standards as core for its blended reporting framework. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on the knowledge and experience of the company’s reporting team from the perspective of CDL’s Chief Sustainability Officer. Findings To future-proof businesses against climate crisis and achieve relevant sustainable development goals, companies need to be committed to goal setting, tracking and reporting Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) performance for sustained growth. A robust and rigorous approach to sustainability reporting that incorporates both value and impact allows organisations to identify material ESG issues and determine risks and opportunities that will help organisations to enhance strategy and practices for long-term resilience and business growth. Practical implications This paper can help businesses to understand that the rising climate change agenda has led to substantial emphasis being placed on climate-related standards and disclosures. Social implications Businesses cannot manage without measuring performance. Reporting is critical for businesses to effectively integrate sustainability into their business strategy and operations to accelerate action towards a low-carbon economy. Originality/value This paper addresses the development of sustainability reporting trends and the benefits and challenges of using GRI as a core reporting framework in an evolving ESG reporting landscape from the perspective of a real estate company.