Guide to Creating Impact, ESG and Sustainability Reports
A Practical Guide to Impact and Sustainability Reporting
If your organization is working toward positive change — environmental, social, or both — your report should reflect that work clearly and honestly. This guide is for teams who want to share their progress transparently, thoughtfully, and usefully with those who read it.
Inside, you'll find straightforward guidance on everything from choosing a reporting framework to organizing your data, engaging stakeholders, and writing in a way that feels grounded and real. Whether you're just getting started or refining an existing report, this resource is here to help you communicate your impact — without the fluff.
Why Sustainability Reporting Matters
- Purpose of sustainability and impact reports
- Benefits (trust, strategy alignment, talent, marketing, etc.)
- Business case and stakeholder value
- Common motivations across sectors (corporates, nonprofits, B Corps)
Why Sustainability Reporting Matters
Tools for Building Reports
Choosing the Right Report Framework(s)
Best Practices and Common Pitfalls
ESG vs. Sustainability Reporting: What's the Difference?
Resources and Templates
Gathering and Managing Data
Materiality: Focusing on What Matters Most
Structuring the Report — Sections and Flow
Writing the Report — Tone, Style, and Clarity
Design and Accessibility
Sharing, Publishing, and Promoting Your Report