
Creating a sustainability or impact report doesn't have to start from scratch. You can use a growing ecosystem of frameworks, templates, and public examples — whether you're publishing your first report or evolving a mature program. This article rounds up the most valuable resources, organized by purpose.
Frameworks and Standards
These foundational resources help you know what to report — and how.
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
- GRI Standards
- Content Index Template
- Covers: environmental, social, economic, and governance topics
- Best for: comprehensive reporting to all stakeholders
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)
- Industry Standards
- Materiality Finder
- Covers: financially material ESG issues by sector
- Best for: investor-focused reporting
Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
- TCFD Recommendations
- Covers: climate governance, risk, strategy, metrics
- Best for: companies with significant climate exposure
B Lab / B Impact Assessment (BIA)
- BIA Tool
- Covers: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers
- Best for: mission-driven companies and social enterprises
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG Compass
- Business Indicators Database
- Covers: 17 global goals for sustainable development
- Best for: aligning impact to global priorities
2. Templates and Reporting Aids
These tools help you structure your report, save time, and stay consistent.
Pre-Built Report Templates
- Canva: Free drag-and-drop PDF templates (search "sustainability report")
- Wordpond: Free digital template
- Piktochart: Infographic-style layouts with editable fields
- Demand Metric (Microsoft Word): Sustainability Report Template
- B Lab Benefit Report Template: For certified B Corps (available via B Lab portal)
Open-source and Developer Tools
- Markdown or LaTeX templates for highly technical teams
- GitHub repositories with open-source content index tools (mainly for tech-savvy users)
3. ESG Report Examples to Learn From
Looking at how others report is one of the fastest ways to understand what good looks like.
Patagonia: 2023 Benefit Corporation Report
Authentic, values-driven benefit reports with candid reflections
Highlights:
Transparency: Comprehensive disclosure of environmental impact and ethical initiatives
Third-Party Assessment: Includes B Lab's evaluation, ensuring credibility.
Stakeholder Engagement: Emphasizes community involvement and sustainable practices.
Minus: PDF format limits accessibility
Unilever Integrated reporting linking ESG to business strategy
Unilever integrates sustainability disclosures within its annual financial report, aligning with its strategic goals.
Highlights:
Integrated Reporting: Combines financial and sustainability data for a holistic view.
Assurance: Subject to external verification, enhancing reliability.
Data Accessibility: Provides detailed performance metrics in supplementary documents.
Minus: PDF format limits accessibility
Microsoft Data-rich report with clear structure and climate targets
Microsoft's report details progress toward environmental commitments, including carbon negativity and water positivity.
Highlights:
Goal-Oriented: Sets clear targets with timelines for sustainability initiatives.
Innovation: Showcases technological solutions for environmental challenges.
Global Impact: Addresses worldwide operations and supply chain considerations.
Where to find more
You can find many of these reports via:
CorporateRegister.com (requires free sign-up)
4. Guides and Sector Resources
For those who want to go deeper or need industry-specific help:
- GRI + SASB Joint Guide: Explains how to use both frameworks together
- AuditBoard's Sustainability Reporting Guide: Covers strategy, KPIs, and reporting cycles
- UN Global Compact Communication on Progress (COP): Required for members, useful as a baseline
- Industry Tools:
- IPECA Guide (Oil & Gas)
- Higg Index (Apparel)
- GRESB (Real Estate)
- Global Compact LEAD and SDG Business Hub (various sectors)
Final Tip
Don't get overwhelmed by the options. Start with:
- One primary framework (e.g. GRI or BIA)
- One public example from your industry
- One template that suits your team's capacity
From there, it builds over time. The best reports evolve — and the resources are here when you're ready.

Guide to Creating Impact, ESG and Sustainability Reports
A Practical Guide to Impact and Sustainability Reporting
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Why Sustainability Reporting Matters
A Way to Earn Trust, Align Strategy, and Drive Real Progress
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Tools for Building Reports
Platforms, software, and workflows that actually work for real teams
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Choosing the Right Report Framework(s)
Structure, Standards, and Getting it Right
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Best Practices and Common Pitfalls
What credible reports get right — and where others fall short
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ESG vs. Sustainability Reporting: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference Between an Impact Report, Sustainability Report, and ESG Report?
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Gathering and Managing Data
How to Collect, Verify, and Organize the Data You’ll Need
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Materiality: Focusing on What Matters Most
Not every topic belongs in your sustainability or impact report. That’s where materiality comes in.
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Structuring the Report — Sections and Flow
What to Include, and in What Order
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Writing the Report — Tone, Style, and Clarity
Striking the Right Balance Between Facts and Voice
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Design and Accessibility
Good Design Makes a Better Report
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Sharing, Publishing, and Promoting Your Report
Get it out — and make it count
Published