Sustainability reporting is no longer optional. As more businesses face pressure from customers, investors, and regulators, transparency has become a central part of doing business responsibly. But how many companies are actually open and honest in their sustainability reporting?
1. 96% of the world’s 250 largest companies (G250) report on sustainability
Reporting is now mainstream for the biggest companies
The fact that nearly every company in the G250 publishes a sustainability report tells us something clear: sustainability is a must-have, not a nice-to-have. These companies lead their industries. Their actions set the standard. When they publish reports, it sends a message that transparency is expected at the top.
But don’t be misled. Just because a report exists doesn’t mean it’s useful, detailed, or honest. Many companies still focus on positive spin instead of real substance. They share what’s easy to measure or what makes them look good, leaving out the messy bits that reveal their real environmental and social impact.
Why this matters for everyone else
If you’re not a G250 company, you might think you can delay your reporting efforts. But stakeholders are watching. Customers want to know what your brand stands for. Investors are looking for risk disclosures. Regulators are closing in with mandatory frameworks. Transparency isn’t just for giants anymore—it’s the new default.
What your business can do today
- Start small but start now. Even a simple sustainability page on your website makes a difference.
- Choose a reporting framework early (GRI is a good start).
- Be honest about challenges. Transparency builds trust, not perfection.
- Use storytelling alongside numbers. Bring your actions to life with real-world examples.
2. 71% of the G250 companies obtain external assurance for their sustainability data
Why third-party checks build trust
When a company gets its sustainability data assured by an outside expert, it shows that it’s serious about credibility. External assurance helps confirm that the numbers are accurate and the processes used to collect them are solid.
It’s similar to auditing financial statements. If investors wouldn’t trust unverified financial data, why should they trust unverified sustainability claims?
This move toward assurance reflects a shift from PR-driven reporting to decision-grade disclosures.
Where most companies fall short
Plenty of companies produce fancy reports, but many stop short of assurance because it adds cost and complexity. They see it as a future step, not a now step. That’s a mistake.
Without assurance, your data might be seen as guesswork. And as ESG investing grows, your data will face greater scrutiny.
What your business can do today
- Start by assuring key metrics like emissions or energy use. You don’t need to do everything at once.
- Use internal audits or peer reviews as a first step.
- Build processes with assurance in mind. Make it easy to verify later.
- Work with known assurance providers who understand your industry.
3. 79% of N100 companies publish sustainability reports
Even mid-sized players are stepping up
The N100 includes the top 100 companies in 52 countries. These are not mega-corporations, but they still carry weight in their local markets. The fact that nearly 80% of them publish sustainability reports shows how far the expectation for transparency has spread.
If your business is aiming to compete in a national or international space, reporting is quickly becoming the price of entry.
Why transparency works
When customers or partners visit your website, they want to see what your company stands for. A good report answers their questions before they even ask.
It’s not just about compliance anymore. It’s about showing leadership. It’s about proving that you are accountable to your stakeholders, not just your shareholders.
What your business can do today
- Review sustainability reports from your country’s top 100 companies.
- Compare your current practices to theirs and identify gaps.
- Publish your first report as a PDF or web page—even if it’s short.
- Focus on what matters to your audience, not just what’s easy to measure.
4. 65% of N100 companies align with the GRI Standards in their reports
GRI: The gold standard for sustainability reporting
The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is the most widely used sustainability reporting framework. It provides a structure for companies to report consistently, which makes it easier for stakeholders to compare performance.
When 65% of N100 companies use GRI, it sends a message: consistency matters. If every company uses its own definitions and formats, the data becomes useless. GRI solves that by setting common rules.
Why some companies resist GRI
Some say it’s too complex. Others worry about revealing too much. But those are short-term concerns. Over time, GRI gives you a roadmap. It makes reporting easier, not harder.
And stakeholders recognize it. When they see a GRI-aligned report, they know what to expect. They know you’re not hiding the hard stuff.
What your business can do today
- Download the GRI Standards and explore the material topics for your industry.
- Pick one or two standards to implement in your next report.
- Build your internal data tracking around GRI metrics.
- Be transparent about partial alignment if you’re just starting.
5. 73% of S&P 500 companies publish ESG or sustainability reports
The U.S. is catching up fast
In the past, U.S. companies lagged behind Europe in sustainability. But now, nearly three-quarters of the S&P 500 are publishing reports. That’s a big shift—and it reflects growing investor demand.
Many of these companies have realized that ESG disclosures affect their credit ratings, investment flows, and brand value. That’s why they’ve moved reporting to the center of their communication strategy.
What smaller companies can learn
If you’re in a supply chain for an S&P 500 company, they’re likely to expect ESG data from you. That makes your transparency part of their transparency.
It’s also a signal to regulators. As big companies comply with voluntary standards, mandates become easier to enforce across the market.
What your business can do today
- Identify S&P 500 companies in your industry and read their ESG sections.
- Use their reports as templates for structure and content ideas.
- Reach out to your largest clients or partners to understand their ESG expectations.
- Train your team on the basics of ESG so you’re ready when questions come.
6. 52% of companies globally align their reports with the UN SDGs
SDGs bring purpose to your reporting
The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) give companies a way to connect their business actions to global outcomes. Whether it’s climate action, gender equality, or clean water, each goal ties your efforts to a bigger story.
More than half of reporting companies now link their sustainability strategies to specific SDGs. It’s not just about saying you’re sustainable—it’s about showing how your work creates real change.
Why this matters
When your report shows clear links to SDGs, you’re giving investors, partners, and customers something to align with. It’s a signal that your goals go beyond profit. And it makes your report easier to understand for global audiences.
But companies often make a common mistake—they name-drop SDGs without backing them up. Saying you support Goal 13 (Climate Action) is not enough. You need to show real numbers, targets, and timelines.
What your business can do today
- Pick 2–3 SDGs that truly connect to your operations.
- Map your key actions to those goals, including specific metrics.
- Avoid using all 17 goals just to appear thorough—be strategic.
- Use the SDG icons sparingly and with purpose to boost clarity.
7. Only 33% of companies disclose Scope 3 emissions consistently
The hardest emissions to track are also the most important
Scope 3 emissions include everything in your value chain—from the raw materials you buy to how customers use and dispose of your product. They often make up the biggest part of a company’s carbon footprint, but they’re also the hardest to measure.
That’s why only a third of companies report them regularly. The rest either don’t know how or fear what the numbers might reveal.
Why you can’t ignore Scope 3
Regulators and investors are zeroing in on value chain emissions. If you ignore Scope 3, your carbon reporting is incomplete. Worse, it can seem like you’re hiding something.
Being transparent about gaps in your data is better than silence. It shows you’re aware and working on improvement.
What your business can do today
- Start by mapping your value chain emissions. Even rough estimates help.
- Focus on categories with the biggest impact, like transportation or purchased goods.
- Ask suppliers for emissions data. Collaboration is key.
- Be clear about your methodology and where you lack data.
8. 61% of companies use GHG Protocol to structure emissions reporting
Why structure is key for carbon reporting
The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol gives companies a clear way to measure and report emissions. With 61% of companies using it, it’s the most trusted framework for carbon disclosures.
The GHG Protocol breaks emissions into Scopes 1, 2, and 3, each with guidance on how to measure, categorize, and report. Using it adds structure and credibility to your data.
Why it’s a smart move
If you want to talk about emissions publicly, you need a framework that backs up your claims. The GHG Protocol gives you that. It makes your numbers easier to compare and audit.
More importantly, it helps you find where to reduce. If you don’t measure properly, you can’t manage properly.
What your business can do today
- Download the GHG Protocol’s Corporate Standard guide—it’s free.
- Start with Scopes 1 and 2 if you’re new to emissions reporting.
- Set up a system to track fuel, energy, and refrigerants internally.
- Use online calculators or software to simplify calculations.
9. 58% of companies use materiality assessments in report preparation
Focus on what really matters
Materiality assessments help companies identify which environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues are most relevant to them and their stakeholders.
When 58% of companies use materiality assessments, they’re saying: “Let’s not report everything—just the things that really move the needle.”
This helps companies avoid shallow reports and focus on depth instead of breadth.
Why this is critical
Without a materiality process, your report risks becoming a laundry list. That doesn’t help you or your readers.
Instead, by identifying your top 5–7 issues—such as energy use, employee well-being, or product safety—you can dive deeper into those and show real progress.
What your business can do today
- Talk to your stakeholders. Ask what ESG issues they care about.
- Rank those topics by impact and relevance to your business.
- Create a materiality matrix to visualize priorities.
- Update it annually to reflect changing expectations
10. 43% of companies report on climate-related risks in line with TCFD
Climate risk is business risk
The Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) is gaining ground because it helps companies talk about climate change as a business issue, not just an environmental one.
With 43% of companies aligning their risk disclosures with TCFD, it’s becoming a new standard.
The framework asks companies to talk about governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics—all in relation to climate.
Why it’s a smart investment
Climate impacts are now seen as financial risks. If you ignore them, you risk being blindsided—by regulations, supply chain disruptions, or customer backlash.
TCFD forces you to look ahead and prepare. It’s about being proactive, not reactive.
What your business can do today
- Read the four pillars of TCFD and assess where your company stands.
- Include at least one scenario analysis in your risk planning.
- Assign board or executive-level ownership of climate risks.
- Report what you know, and flag what you’re still learning.
11. 86% of institutional investors say they consider ESG disclosures when making decisions
ESG data is no longer optional for raising capital
The overwhelming majority of institutional investors now factor in ESG performance before they invest. When 86% of them say they rely on sustainability disclosures, companies can no longer afford to treat these reports as side projects.
ESG has become a filter—one that decides whether your business qualifies for funding or not. If your report is vague, incomplete, or absent altogether, you may be excluded from portfolios altogether.
What this means for your business
Investors want to see both your current ESG performance and your long-term vision. They look for measurable progress, not just good intentions. They also want to understand the risks you’re facing, how you’re managing them, and whether your company has a forward-looking approach.
This shift is affecting small and mid-sized businesses too—especially if you’re planning to grow, raise capital, or get acquired.
What your business can do today
- Start publishing an ESG snapshot—1–2 pages summarizing key indicators.
- Make your data clear, with historical trends where possible.
- Be ready to show improvement plans, even if current numbers are weak.
- Keep investor questions in mind when writing your report. Answer the “so what?”
12. Only 28% of companies include biodiversity metrics in their reporting
Nature is the next big focus in sustainability
Biodiversity may seem less immediate than carbon emissions, but it’s becoming a top concern. With only 28% of companies currently including biodiversity in their reports, it’s still an emerging area—one where early movers can lead.
Loss of biodiversity is tied to supply chain risk, raw material scarcity, and long-term business resilience. And with growing regulation (such as the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), reporting on biodiversity won’t remain optional for long.
Why most companies ignore it
Biodiversity can feel hard to measure. There’s no single global standard. And the impact can be indirect—like the effects of farming practices or deforestation linked to suppliers. But ignoring it is no longer a smart strategy.
Companies that start now can shape their narrative, instead of scrambling later under pressure.
What your business can do today
- Assess how your operations affect land, water, or ecosystems.
- Review your supply chain for links to biodiversity risks.
- Start by disclosing actions—like conservation efforts or sourcing policies.
- Collaborate with NGOs or experts to measure impact over time.
13. 49% of companies disclose their sustainability performance targets
Targets turn your words into commitments
Almost half of reporting companies now set and share specific sustainability targets. These might include reducing emissions by a certain percentage, achieving zero waste, or hitting diversity milestones.
Targets are powerful because they turn vague goals into clear promises. They also make it easier to track progress year over year.
Without targets, your report can feel like a list of past actions instead of a roadmap to the future.
The problem with vague goals
Some companies publish goals like “reduce energy use” without saying by how much or by when. Others set targets but don’t revisit them. That hurts credibility.
Good targets are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
What your business can do today
- Choose 3–5 priority areas where you want to improve.
- Set public targets that align with your capabilities and ambitions.
- Track progress quarterly and report on it annually.
- Be transparent when targets change or aren’t met—and explain why
14. 38% of companies report ESG data in their annual financial reports
The rise of integrated reporting
ESG isn’t just for separate reports anymore. 38% of companies now include ESG data directly in their financial filings. This signals that sustainability performance is material to financial success.
By integrating ESG and financial reporting, companies make it clear that these issues are not separate—they’re connected. Investors appreciate this because it saves time and shows alignment between strategy and performance.
Why this matters
When you report ESG data in your annual report, it reaches a broader audience. Analysts, investors, and board members see it alongside your financials, which gives ESG data more weight.
It also reduces greenwashing risk. You’re less likely to exaggerate when the data is shared in a regulated document.
What your business can do today
- Add a section on ESG risks and opportunities in your annual report.
- Include performance data alongside financial KPIs.
- Get legal and finance teams involved to ensure accuracy.
- Align ESG and financial reporting timelines to simplify the process.
15. 66% of companies in Europe provide assurance on ESG data
Europe leads the way on credibility
Two-thirds of European companies now seek external assurance for their ESG data. That means they get auditors or third-party experts to verify the accuracy of their sustainability information.
Assurance helps build trust with investors, regulators, and the public. It also forces companies to clean up their data collection systems and ensure their processes can stand up to scrutiny.
Why the rest of the world is catching up
As global regulations like the CSRD or ISSB emerge, assurance will become more common outside Europe too. Companies that start early will be ahead of the curve—and have stronger systems in place when mandates hit.
Assurance isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing that your numbers are based on solid evidence, not estimates or wishful thinking.
What your business can do today
- Identify your most critical ESG metrics and review how you collect them.
- Start with limited assurance before going for full audits.
- Work with reputable assurance providers who understand sustainability.
- Document your methodology so it’s easier to verify later.
16. Only 24% of companies globally integrate ESG strategy with corporate strategy
Sustainability can’t live in a silo
It’s one thing to publish a sustainability report. It’s another to weave ESG goals into your business strategy. Yet only 24% of companies actually do this.
That means most companies still treat sustainability as a side project, not a core driver of value creation. But this is changing fast.
Customers, employees, and investors now expect ESG to shape your business model—not just your marketing.
Why integration matters
When ESG is part of your strategy, you’re more likely to hit your goals. You can align budgets, roles, and metrics across departments. And you can make decisions that support both profit and purpose.
It also helps with talent retention and brand reputation—because people want to work for companies that walk the talk.
What your business can do today
- Map your ESG goals to your business objectives.
- Involve the strategy and finance teams in ESG planning.
- Include ESG targets in performance reviews and bonus structures.
- Create a sustainability committee that reports to the C-suite.
17. 44% of global CEOs believe ESG reporting lacks standardization
The challenge of too many frameworks
Nearly half of CEOs say one of the biggest problems in ESG reporting is the lack of consistent standards. With so many frameworks—GRI, SASB, TCFD, CDP, and now ISSB—it’s hard to know which one to follow.
This creates confusion for companies and investors alike. It also leads to “framework fatigue,” where companies end up trying to report everything, everywhere—and still fail to meet stakeholder expectations.
Why this matters
When standards aren’t aligned, your data can look inconsistent. Investors may struggle to compare your report with others. And your internal team may feel overwhelmed trying to meet multiple requirements.
Clarity is key. Pick a primary framework, and build from there.
What your business can do today
- Choose a main reporting standard that fits your industry and audience.
- Use a framework comparison tool to understand overlaps.
- Be clear in your report about what standards you follow and why.
- Monitor updates from ISSB, which aims to unify reporting globally.
18. 93% of large U.S. companies provide some ESG data online
Public visibility is non-negotiable
Almost all large U.S. companies now publish ESG information on their websites—even if they don’t produce full reports. This makes sustainability data more accessible to consumers, investors, and job seekers.
A website ESG section also allows for real-time updates, unlike annual reports. It’s a flexible way to keep your stakeholders in the loop and highlight ongoing progress.
Why this matters
If your ESG story isn’t easy to find, many people will assume you don’t have one. Public-facing data builds transparency and trust, even if it’s basic.
It also improves your SEO. Search engines now prioritize useful ESG content, which can help potential partners or investors discover your business.
What your business can do today
- Create a simple sustainability page on your site.
- Include key metrics, goals, and updates in plain language.
- Use visuals like charts and timelines for engagement.
- Keep it updated quarterly so it doesn’t feel outdated
19. Just 30% of companies disclose board-level ESG governance practices
Leadership accountability is still lacking
Only 30% of companies currently report how their boards oversee ESG strategy. That means most companies aren’t being transparent about who’s actually responsible for sustainability at the top.
This is a missed opportunity. When boards take ownership of ESG, it shows that the company sees these issues as strategic, not secondary.
It also signals to investors that sustainability is embedded in risk management and growth planning.
Why it matters now
Regulators are starting to require this level of governance detail. And investors are increasingly asking for it. If your board doesn’t engage with ESG, your strategy may appear weak or performative.
What your business can do today
- Assign ESG oversight to a specific board committee or director.
- Include ESG metrics in board reporting packs.
- Add ESG training for board members.
- Publicly describe the board’s role in reviewing and guiding ESG strategy.
20. 75% of investors distrust ESG disclosures that are not assured
Trust comes from verification
A big chunk of investors—three out of four—don’t trust ESG reports that aren’t backed by independent assurance. This lack of trust is understandable. Without assurance, it’s hard to know if the data is reliable or just PR.
As ESG becomes more central to investment decisions, trust in the numbers matters more than ever.
Why this changes the game
Even if your report looks good, if it lacks assurance, it may be dismissed. Investors are more cautious now. They want hard evidence—not just pretty infographics.
This is especially true for climate metrics, diversity stats, and governance scores.
What your business can do today
- Begin the assurance process even on a limited scale.
- Prioritize assurance on metrics that matter most to investors.
- Share your assurance statement publicly in your ESG report.
- Clearly explain your assurance methodology and provider.
21. 47% of companies say data quality is a major reporting challenge
Good data drives good decisions
Almost half of companies say their biggest reporting hurdle is poor data quality. This can include missing data, inconsistent tracking, or manual errors in spreadsheets.
Bad data leads to bad insights. And it makes your report less useful—and less credible.
Fixing data quality isn’t glamorous, but it’s essential.
Why this holds companies back
Even with the best intentions, your sustainability program will fall short if the data isn’t clean. Your team won’t know what’s working, and your stakeholders won’t trust your claims.
Investors, auditors, and regulators now expect detailed, auditable ESG data. You need systems that deliver.
What your business can do today
- Conduct a data audit across all ESG indicators.
- Standardize data entry across departments.
- Use ESG reporting software to centralize and validate data.
- Train employees on how to capture ESG data accurately.
22. 60% of companies report on water usage and management
Water is a rising priority
With climate change worsening droughts and floods, water is quickly becoming a high-priority issue. 60% of companies already report on their water consumption, risks, or management strategies.
Water use impacts industries from agriculture to manufacturing to tech. It also links to supply chain stability, product quality, and community relations.
Why it’s time to pay attention
As regulations tighten and risks increase, businesses need to manage water like any other critical resource. Transparency helps build resilience and stakeholder confidence.
Even if water isn’t a major part of your operations today, it could become one soon.
What your business can do today
- Track how much water you use and where it comes from.
- Identify water-intensive processes or suppliers.
- Set water reduction goals, especially in high-risk regions.
- Share water data alongside energy and emissions metrics.
23. 36% of companies disclose progress toward net-zero targets
Net-zero is the future—but many aren’t there yet
More companies are making net-zero pledges, but only 36% are actively disclosing how close they are to reaching them. That means nearly two-thirds of businesses either haven’t set targets or aren’t sharing progress updates.
Net-zero isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s becoming the benchmark for climate leadership. But pledges without transparency are quickly losing credibility.
Why this is a risk
When a company sets a net-zero target and then goes quiet, stakeholders start asking questions. Are you on track? What’s the timeline? Are offsets part of the plan?
Progress updates matter more than polished commitments. Stakeholders don’t expect perfection, but they do expect clarity.
What your business can do today
- Set a net-zero goal that includes a clear date (e.g., 2040).
- Break the goal into short-term targets for emissions reduction.
- Publish annual updates with concrete steps taken.
- Be honest about reliance on carbon offsets and where reductions are real
24. 51% of companies report workforce diversity metrics
Diversity is a visibility issue
More than half of companies now disclose metrics on workforce diversity, including gender, ethnicity, and pay gaps. That’s a big shift—and a sign that DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) is moving from talk to action.
But that also means nearly half still don’t. And when you don’t disclose, people assume the worst.
Why this matters for reputation and retention
Customers and employees want to know who’s behind the brand. They care about inclusion, not just in slogans but in statistics.
Diversity data isn’t just an HR issue—it impacts innovation, decision-making, and risk. It also tells investors whether your company reflects the world it serves.
What your business can do today
- Start with gender and ethnicity data by job level and geography.
- Publish diversity numbers on your careers page or ESG report.
- Track promotion and pay equity data over time.
- Use the findings to inform training, hiring, and leadership development.
25. Only 19% of companies report on supply chain sustainability risks
The hidden part of your ESG footprint
Your supply chain often has the biggest environmental and social impact—but only 19% of companies report on its risks.
This means that most businesses are ignoring where raw materials come from, how suppliers treat workers, and how products are made. That’s a big blind spot.
Why it’s a growing concern
Governments and investors are starting to demand more transparency around supply chains, especially in sectors like fashion, electronics, food, and automotive.
If your suppliers are polluting or violating labor rights, your brand will be held accountable.
What your business can do today
- Map your top suppliers and understand their ESG practices.
- Include ESG questions in your procurement process.
- Work with suppliers to set improvement goals.
- Report on supplier audits, risks, and corrective actions annually.
26. 68% of companies have standalone sustainability committees
Dedicated governance drives progress
Over two-thirds of companies now have a separate committee focused on sustainability. These groups are tasked with overseeing ESG strategy, tracking performance, and ensuring accountability across departments.
This setup shows that ESG is a serious function, not just a passion project.
Why this helps
A dedicated committee brings structure and speed to your ESG efforts. It creates space for planning, review, and action—rather than leaving everything to one overstretched manager.
It also signals to stakeholders that the company is serious about driving change, not just producing reports.
What your business can do today
- Create a cross-functional sustainability team that meets monthly.
- Include voices from operations, finance, HR, and legal.
- Give the committee authority to recommend budget and policy changes.
- Share updates from the committee in board meetings and reports.
27. 42% of companies publish reports aligned with SASB standards
Industry-specific reporting is on the rise
SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) provides tailored guidelines based on your industry. It helps companies report the ESG issues most likely to impact financial performance.
42% of companies now use SASB to shape their reports, especially in the U.S.
SASB isn’t about reporting everything—it’s about reporting what matters most.
Why this is helpful
By narrowing the focus, SASB makes reports clearer and more actionable. Investors like it because they get apples-to-apples comparisons within an industry.
It’s also easier to implement than broader frameworks like GRI or TCFD.
What your business can do today
- Download the SASB standards for your industry.
- Focus on 3–5 core metrics to report consistently.
- Align your financial and ESG teams around SASB topics.
- Include a SASB index in your next report or on your website.
28. 55% of companies update sustainability data annually
Fresh data is better data
Over half of companies update their sustainability data at least once a year. This is now considered best practice. Waiting longer makes your insights stale and reduces trust.
Annual updates help show momentum, uncover trends, and keep your stakeholders engaged.
Why this is important
Outdated data signals a lack of commitment. And if investors or customers can’t see recent progress, they may assume none exists.
Regular updates also support decision-making internally and help track ROI on ESG investments.
What your business can do today
- Set an annual reporting schedule and stick to it.
- Create internal deadlines for data collection and review.
- Use dashboards to track live data throughout the year.
- Communicate progress at key milestones—not just year-end.
29. 31% of companies issue integrated reports combining financial and ESG data
The power of telling one story
Nearly one-third of companies are now publishing integrated reports—documents that combine financial results with ESG performance. This reflects a growing belief that sustainability and profitability are linked.
Integrated reporting gives a clearer view of how ESG risks and opportunities shape business outcomes.
Why it’s more than a format
When you integrate reports, you show that sustainability isn’t an afterthought. It’s part of your strategy, risk, and value creation.
It also streamlines communication. Investors get one report, not two. And your message is stronger when financials and ESG are aligned.
What your business can do today
- Explore integrated reports from leaders in your industry.
- Combine ESG and financial KPIs in your executive summary.
- Include forward-looking ESG risks in your financial section.
- Make sure both finance and ESG teams collaborate on report design.
30. Only 27% of companies disclose ESG performance incentives tied to executive pay
What gets rewarded gets done
Linking executive compensation to ESG performance sends a powerful message. But only 27% of companies currently do this. That means most companies don’t tie leadership accountability to sustainability goals.
This gap is holding ESG progress back.
Why this needs to change
When ESG metrics are tied to bonuses or promotions, they move from side priorities to business priorities. Leaders are more likely to deliver when their compensation depends on it.
It also builds credibility with stakeholders who want to see real change, not just talk.
What your business can do today
- Add ESG goals to executive performance reviews.
- Link a percentage of variable pay to metrics like emissions or DEI.
- Make these incentives public in your ESG report.
- Regularly review and adjust metrics to reflect evolving priorities.
Conclusion
Sustainability reporting is evolving fast. As these 30 statistics show, transparency isn’t just about publishing a report anymore—it’s about aligning your business with a new way of thinking.
Whether you’re just starting or already reporting, these insights can help you move from basic compliance to real leadership. Use them as a roadmap to make your company more transparent, trusted, and future-ready.
