Beyond Carbon: How to Report on Social & Community Impacts Effectively

Sustainability reporting has traditionally focused on environmental metrics such as carbon emissions, energy usage, and waste management. But as stakeholders demand a more holistic view of corporate responsibility, organisations must also measure and report on their social and community impact. So, how can businesses integrate social reporting alongside environmental metrics?

Why Social & Community Reporting Matters

Investors, regulators, and consumers increasingly scrutinise companies for their contributions to society. The rise of sustainability frameworks and regulations like the EU CSRD and UK SECR means organisations can no longer afford to overlook social impact reporting.

Key benefits include:

• Strengthened brand reputation – Demonstrating positive social contributions fosters trust.
• Regulatory compliance – Sustainability reporting standards now require social impact disclosures.
• Attracting investors – Many funds now prioritise companies with strong social credentials.

Key Metrics for Social & Community Reporting

While carbon footprint and energy efficiency have clear measurement frameworks, social impact is more nuanced.

Key metrics include:

• Employee well-being & diversity – Gender pay gap, diversity ratios, employee satisfaction.
• Community engagement – Charitable donations, volunteer hours, partnerships with local organisations.
• Supply chain ethics – Living wage policies, supplier audits, and ethical sourcing.

Aligning Social Metrics with Sustainability Reporting

To integrate social impact effectively, companies should:

• Use Sustainability frameworks like GRI, SASB, or ISSB.
• Set clear KPIs and track social impact as rigorously as environmental metrics.
• Leverage technology and AI to streamline data collection and reporting.

Stay ahead of the curve by adopting a holistic approach to sustainability.

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