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Sustainability Performance Reporting

Author

Listed:
  • Teodora Maria Rusu

    (Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Mănăștur Street 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania)

  • Antonia Odagiu

    (Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Mănăștur Street 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania)

  • Horia Pop

    (Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Mănăștur Street 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania)

  • Laura Paulette

    (Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Mănăștur Street 3-5, 400372 Cluj-Napoca, Romania)

Abstract

Sustainability reporting is an essential tool for companies and organizations to assess and communicate their sustainability performance. Its importance derives from the need for transparency and accountability to stakeholders, including investors, customers, employees and local communities. The principles underlying an effective sustainability report include integrity, accuracy, comparability and clarity. The main purpose of the sustainability report is to provide a clear view of the economic, social and environmental impact of the organization’s activities, contributing to continuous performance improvement and alignment with international standards. The objective of our study is to analyze sustainability reporting and ESG (environment, social, governance) reporting, key steps and methods for measuring and reporting sustainability, and the sustainability policy criteria and reporting frameworks used internationally (GRI, IIRC, SASB, TCFD, ISO 26000, ISO 14016) in order to identify areas for further development to improve the relevance and effectiveness of sustainability reporting. The results obtained from our study enable a better understanding of how an organization reports its social, economic, and environmental impact, the differences in compliance with the international standards used, the main steps, and sustainability criteria followed. Our research highlights the necessary actions and steps through which sustainability reporting can become a more effective and relevant tool, contributing to real sustainable development and more responsible resource management. The usefulness of this report is reflected in many aspects: it facilitates informed decision making, enhances trust and reputation, helps identify risks and opportunities, and supports sustainable business strategies. The sustainability report is not only a means of reporting but also a catalyst for positive change, promoting responsible business practices and contributing to global sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Teodora Maria Rusu & Antonia Odagiu & Horia Pop & Laura Paulette, 2024. "Sustainability Performance Reporting," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-12, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:19:p:8538-:d:1490033
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Timotej Jagrič & Damijan Mumel & Aljaž Skaza, 2025. "Evaluation of Environmental, Social, and Governance Risks? A Critical Literature Review with Practical Implications," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-19, September.
    2. Triantafyllos Papafloratos & Evdoxia Tsafou & Charikleia Tolia, 2025. "Evaluating CSR Reporting Credibility: Evidence from Athex ESG Index Companies," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(2), pages 174-188.

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