Sustainability reporting: formation, content, relevance

Abstract

The article examines the concept of sustainability reporting and its evolution from the emergence of environmental threats in the 1960s to modern reporting approaches that encompass not only environmental but also social and economic aspects. Scientific research, particularly in the Web of Science and Scopus databases, demonstrates a significant increase in the number of publications on this topic from 2018 to 2023, indicating a growing interest in such reporting among both scholars and practitioners. A geographical analysis shows that this topic is actively researched in countries such as the USA, the UK, China, Australia, Italy, and India, confirming its relevance at a global level. Studies show that sustainability reporting helps businesses integrate sustainability principles into their strategies and operations, contributing to improved management efficiency and reduced negative environmental impact. Particular attention is given to the analysis of the prerequisites for the formation of sustainability reporting, starting with the works of Rachel Carson and Kenneth E. Boulding, which laid the foundation for the development of socio-ecological awareness. The article also examines modern methods for collecting, analyzing, and disclosing data on the environmental, social, and governance aspects of business activities. These methods enable companies to continuously improve and find new ways to reduce their environmental impact and increase profitability. In summary, sustainability reporting is not only an important element of corporate management but also a necessary condition for achieving the overall goals of sustainable development for society.

Keywords

• sustainability reporting
• non-financial reporting
• sustainable development
• gri
• esg