Glossary
Sustainability Reporting

Sustainability Reporting

Published

August 24, 2026

Last updated

August 24, 2026

Definition

Sustainability reporting is the practice of measuring, disclosing, and being accountable to internal and external stakeholders for organizational performance towards the goal of sustainable development. It provides a holistic view of a company's impact by covering its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance alongside traditional financial metrics.

This form of disclosure goes beyond standard financial reporting to include non-financial data, helping investors, customers, and regulators assess a company's long-term value creation, risk management, and overall resilience. The process involves collecting and analyzing data on topics such as carbon emissions, water usage, employee diversity and inclusion, supply chain labor standards, and board oversight. This information is typically presented in a dedicated sustainability report or integrated into annual reports, guided by frameworks like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards.

For finance and operations teams, sustainability metrics are increasingly integrated into strategic planning and performance management. Companies use this data to identify risks, uncover operational efficiencies, and guide capital allocation toward more sustainable initiatives. As regulations expand, robust sustainability reporting is becoming essential for compliance and maintaining access to capital.

Related terms

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does sustainability reporting relate to FP&A?

FP&A teams are increasingly involved in sustainability reporting by quantifying the financial impact of ESG initiatives and integrating ESG metrics into the financial model. This connects non-financial performance to key financial outcomes and long-range forecasts.

What is the difference between sustainability reporting and ESG reporting?

The terms are often used interchangeably to describe reporting on environmental, social, and governance topics. In practice, they refer to the same disclosure process and serve the same stakeholders.

Is sustainability reporting mandatory?

Mandatory requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction, industry, and company size, but regulations are rapidly expanding globally. Many companies also report voluntarily due to investor, customer, and market pressure.

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