GRIStandards

GRI Standards are a global framework for sustainability reporting developed by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). They provide organizations with a structured approach to report on their economic, environmental, and social impacts and to communicate performance to stakeholders. The standards are voluntary but widely adopted by companies, governments, and other organizations to increase transparency and comparability of sustainability information.

Structure and scope: The GRI Standards are organized into three main components: Universal Standards (GRI 101 Foundation, GRI 102 General Disclosures, GRI 103 Management Approach), Topic Standards (covering economic, environmental, and social topics such as economic performance, energy use, emissions, labor practices, and human rights), and Sector Standards (sector-specific disclosures where applicable). They are compatible with the "in accordance" reporting options, including Core and Comprehensive, and can be used standalone or alongside other frameworks.

Principles and materiality: Reporting priorities are determined through a materiality assessment that identifies topics most relevant to the organization and its stakeholders. The framework emphasizes stakeholder inclusiveness, sustainability context, materiality, and completeness.

Governance and adoption: The GRI was established to improve sustainability transparency and is headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, with global reach. The standards are maintained through a multi-stakeholder process and are updated periodically to enhance alignment with other reporting initiatives (e.g., SASB, TCFD, ISSB) and emerging sustainability topics.

Usage and impact: Widely used by listed and private companies, public-sector bodies, and NGOs to disclose environmental performance, social impact, governance practices, and risk management. While adoption varies by region and sector, GRI remains one of the most commonly used frameworks for sustainability reporting.