WBCSD Takes a Closer Look at the Corporate Reporting Landscape in the United States and Canada
PHOENIX, February 5, 2018: Today, at GreenBiz18 in Phoenix, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) released a new report, compiling data from the Reporting Exchange that offers a closer look into the reporting landscape of the United States and Canada.
The Reporting Exchange is the first attempt to understand global influences on corporate disclosure across the full corporate environmental, social, governance (ESG) spectrum.
The high-level analysis released today shows that the corporate reporting landscape in North America has become increasingly complex – which ultimately impacts a company’s ability to produce decision-useful information internally and for external stakeholders.
Using data collected from the Reporting Exchange and interviews conducted with WBCSD’s member companies, Global Network Partners and Knowledge Partner, Yale University, the report seeks to address the challenges, opportunities and next steps for corporate reporting and disclosure.
Key findings for the United States and Canada include:
- There are 290 reporting provisions
- There are 156 reporting requirements
- 91% of WBCSD member companies in the US and Canada produce a standalone sustainability report
- 24% of WBCSD companies in the US and Canada show no alignment between the issues highlighted as “material” in their sustainability report and the risks in the financial filing
By analyzing the region’s reporting landscape, policy, sustainability and business practices, it’s possible to begin understanding the variability between jurisdictions and focus on alignment of corporate ESG on a global scale.
This is the first report in a series of case studies across different countries that looks at significant developments in ESG reporting.
WBCSD thanks the members and partners who were involved in creating this report.
For more information, please contact:
Felicity Glennie-Holmes
WBCSD Communications
glennie-holmes@wbcsd.org
+41 22 839 3110
About the Reporting Exchange
In 2017, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), in partnership with the Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB) and Ecodesk, launched the Reporting Exchange. This free, online platform has been designed to help business navigate the often-confusing world of corporate reporting.
About the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
WBCSD is a global, CEO-led organization of over 200 leading businesses working together to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world. We help make our member companies more successful and sustainable by focusing on the maximum positive impact for shareholders, the environment and societies.
Our member companies come from all business sectors and all major economies, representing a combined revenue of more than $8.5 trillion and 19 million employees. Our global network of almost 70 national business councils gives our members unparalleled reach across the globe. WBCSD is uniquely positioned to work with member companies along and across value chains to deliver impactful business solutions to the most challenging sustainability issues.
Together, we are the leading voice of business for sustainability: united by our vision of a world where more than 9 billion people are all living well and within the boundaries of our planet, by 2050.
