Retailers Calendar

Month
12
Communication of your
achievements
Reporting on environmental, social issues in the form of sustainability reporting has become integral to annual
reports for many companies in many different sectors. The purpose of reporting on sustainability matters is to
create transparency and to provide information to key stakeholders about the sustainability performance of the
retail operation, which can have important impacts on financial performance of the organisation and are of
interest to customers and business partners, such as financial institutions and suppliers, alike.
Over the past year you have worked to improve sustainability performance within your retail premises, in your
supply chain and in your relations with customers. Communicating the progress you have made completes the
management cycle and is vital to fully realising the enhanced value, in all its forms, that you have created for your
retail operation.
Some benefits of sustainability reporting for your business are purely financial while others are connected to
employee and customer satisfaction. As customers and key stakeholders become aware of your improved
performance, your credibility as a business will increase while at the same time the process of examining your
retail operation in detail will enable you to discover new business opportunities. Further, retail operations are
unique in the business world as they interact with consumers directly and projecting a positive environmentally
friendly image can have important spill over effects that encourage consumers to make sustainable purchasing
choices. For examples of important benefits for your business, see Box 12.1 below
Benefits of Reporting
Some important benefits that can be achieved through sustainability reporting:
• Help identify and address current and potential risks, saving time and money in the short and long term
• As the public becomes more aware of your efforts, customer loyalty and the creditability of your business will be enhanced
• Taking a deeper look into your daily business operations through sustainability reporting might reveal new opportunities
• Motivate employees who are committed to work towards attaining your business goals
• Reduced cost of compliance with new environmental regulations
• A sound understanding of your customers needs and increased customer loyalty to your retail brand
Box 12.1: Benefits of Reporting
How to report?
There is no standard method to compile a sustainability report, however, it is good practice to rely on some key
principles for guidance to ensure completeness and credibility. A report of questionable quality is likely worse
than no report at all as some stakeholders may call your credibility into question. Sound reporting principles you
use as guidance in preparing your report could include transparency and inclusiveness of information as
overarching principles for all aspects of the report.
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