Sustainability That Shows: Your Guide to Effortless SDG Reporting

Let’s Plug Back In

In our previous blogs, we explored what SDGs are and how to align your business goals with sustainability. If you haven’t read those yet, we recommend starting there—they’ll help you get the most out of today’s post.

Now, you’ve taken the first step and are thinking about sustainability. But from recent workshops and research, we’ve learned that many companies spend more money reporting on their sustainable practices than actually investing in them (Harvard Business Review). Let’s break down how you can track and report your sustainability efforts efficiently—making the most of your resources.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Sustainability Reports

Sustainability reporting isn’t so different from your financial or performance reports. The main difference? It follows guidelines set by global bodies like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and, for climate-related data, the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

Step 1: Collect Your Data

Just like you can’t make a financial report without tracking income and expenses, you can’t report on sustainability without real data.

Example:
Suppose you decide to switch your office electricity to a green source, like solar. Gather all your electricity bills for the year.

How to calculate your carbon from electricity:

• Find your total electricity use (in kWh) from your bills.
• Multiply by the emissions factor for your energy type (for solar, it’s close to zero; for coal, it’s much higher).
• Use the GHG Protocol’s free carbon calculator for accuracy.

Now, imagine moving to renewable energy like SOLAR and the CO2 generation being as low as zero. 

Company Example:
Patagonia’s Environmental & Social Initiatives show clear, concise reporting on their energy use and carbon footprint.

For a practical corporate example, see IKEA’s sustainability report, which details their energy use and carbon reductions.

Step 2: Involve Everyone

Sustainability is a team sport!

• Someone might cycle to work.
• Someone else is reducing e-waste.
• Another is using cloud storage powered by renewable energy.

Encourage everyone to track their sustainable actions—big and small. This creates a richer, more accurate report and inspires your whole team.

Company Example:
Ben & Jerry’s Social & Environmental Assessment highlights how employee-driven initiatives are tracked and celebrated.

Step 3: Set Clear Metrics and Targets

• Decide what you’ll measure (energy use, waste, water, emissions, etc.).
• Set targets: “Reduce office energy use by 20% by 2026.”
• Use simple spreadsheets or free tools to track progress monthly or quarterly.

Company Example:
Innocent Drinks’ Sustainability Report is short, visual, and focuses on a few key metrics.

Step 4: Use Tools to Make Reporting Easier

You don’t need fancy software! Here are some user-friendly, often free or low-cost tools:

Source: UNEP’s Guide to Corporate Sustainability Reporting Tools

Step 5: Build your Report

Now that you have your data, it’s time to tell your story.

• Follow GRI guidelines or use templates from the tools above.
• Include: What you’ve changed, your progress, and future goals.

Example:
If you switched to solar electricity, show the difference in carbon emissions before and after:
“In 2023, we used 10,000 kWh of electricity from coal (emitting 7,000 kg CO₂). In 2024, after switching to solar, our emissions dropped to nearly zero for that site. By 2026, we aim to have all locations on renewable energy.”

Other points to consider:

• Be honest—share both wins and areas for improvement.
• Use visuals (charts, before/after comparisons).
• Keep it clear and concise.

Company Example:
Allbirds’ Flight Plan is a great example of a short, visual, and honest sustainability report.

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” – Mark Twain

Don’t worry if it still feels like a lot—we’re here to support you at every stage. The most important thing is to begin, even with small steps. If you need guidance, The Alternative Craic would love to help you build your sustainability plan and reporting process.

Final Thoughts

Invest your energy in real, positive changes—reporting will naturally follow. The more you do, the easier it becomes to share your progress and inspire others.

Sustainability Sparked Your Curiosity?

Ready to track your impact or need help getting started?
We’re here to help. Fill out our contact form and let’s make your SDG journey simple and rewarding!