What is a Sustainability Report?

A Sustainability Report communicates an organization's environmental, social, and governance performance using measurable data.

Why is a Sustainability Report important?

It supports transparency, strategic planning, and performance reporting.

What is the purpose of sustainability reporting?

It helps organizations communicate their sustainability strategy and results to stakeholders.

Which companies are required to disclose sustainability information under the CSRD?

Large companies and listed SMEs are required to disclose sustainability-related information.

What does a Sustainability Report evaluate?

It evaluates an organization's strategy, performance, and ability to address stakeholder expectations.

Which reporting standards can be used for Sustainability Reports?

Assessments can be based on GRI Standards and ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards).

Why should an organization publish a Sustainability Report?

To strengthen internal capabilities, improve governance, and demonstrate transparency and reliability.

What are the main reasons for implementing sustainability reporting?

It helps improve reputation, manage risks, identify improvements, create long-term value, and strengthen market positioning.

What is a sustainability assurance assessment?

It is an independent evaluation of the accuracy, reliability, and consistency of sustainability information.

What are the objectives of a sustainability assurance assessment?

To verify reported information, assess achieved results, and evaluate the organization's response to stakeholder expectations.

What is an Assurance Statement?

It is a statement that assesses the consistency of the report with the organization's commitments and reporting framework.

What are the benefits of a sustainability assurance assessment?

It supports objective evaluation, continuous improvement, and transparent stakeholder communication.

Sustainability Report

SUSTAINABILITY REPORT VERIFICATION AND ASSURANCE SERVICES

Sustainability Report: Transparency, Compliance and Sustainable Business Success

The Sustainability Report is not only a tool for communicating transparently with external stakeholders, but also a valuable internal resource. It enables organizations to assess their ability to develop and implement strategies that effectively address stakeholder expectations. Furthermore, within the European Union, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD - EU Directive 2022/2464) requires large companies and listed SMEs to regularly disclose information regarding their environmental and social impacts.

As a result, the Sustainability Report is increasingly evolving from a simple communication tool into a key instrument for strategic planning and performance reporting. A Sustainability Report uses measurable data to illustrate an organization's strategy and performance. Therefore, verifying this document means assessing the organization's ability to identify the issues that are most relevant to its sustainable development and determining whether the actions undertaken effectively meet stakeholder expectations while supporting long-term stability and growth.

Bureau Veritas' Contribution to Sustainability Reporting

As an independent third party, Bureau Veritas supports organizations that voluntarily report on their sustainability performance by assessing the completeness of their disclosures and confirming that the published information is accurate, objective, and reliable. The assessment and verification of Sustainability Reports and the related reporting processes can be based on various internationally recognized standards, including:

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI Standards)
ESRS – European Sustainability Reporting Standards

Bureau Veritas operates in accordance with the ISAE 3000 standard, which establishes the fundamental principles for the assurance of non-financial reporting.

Why Publish a Sustainability Report?

Strengthen internal competencies and develop shared working methodologies;
Identify opportunities for improvement within the reporting process, enhance sustainability governance, and prepare proactively for future regulatory developments;
Demonstrate the reliability and transparency of both the reported information and the reporting process itself.

Sustainability Report: Why do you Choose Bureau Veritas?

Bureau Veritas provides independent third-party assessment services for sustainability statements. This involves collecting and evaluating evidence regarding the completeness and accuracy of reported qualitative and quantitative information, as well as reviewing the processes implemented to support sustainability reporting.

This activity may conclude with an Assurance Statement that evaluates the consistency of the report's content with the organization's commitments and with the principles of the relevant reporting frameworks adopted by the organization.

Our verification methodology enables organizations to follow a progressive path of growth and maturity. This approach helps improve not only the quality of reporting year after year, but also the organization's ability to effectively manage and implement its sustainability strategies.

FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

REPORT What are the main reasons for implementing sustainability reporting within an organization?
- Strengthen the organization's reputation and credibility;
- Identify and manage risks and opportunities more effectively;
- Recognize weaknesses and areas for improvement;
- Enhance performance and create long-term value;
- Improve brand perception and strengthen market positioning.
What are the objectives of a sustainability assurance assessment?
- Confirm the alignment between declared strategies and objectives and the actual results achieved;
- Verify the accuracy, reliability, and credibility of the social, environmental, and economic information presented in the report;
- Assess the organization's ability to identify, manage, and effectively respond to stakeholder expectations.
What are the benefits of a sustainability assurance assessment?
An independent third-party verification enables organizations to:
- Avoid self-referential assessments;
- Systematically evaluate the achievement of objectives and commitments;
- Promote continuous improvement through measurable and objective criteria;
- Create added value for all stakeholders by fostering transparent management, shared values, and an effective communication strategy.