Author: Gwen White

Covid 19, Sustainability, Sustainable Development

Sustainability During and After Covid-19

Gwen White

So many things have happened since my last blog post. It seems like years ago. Each day I try to put current events into perspective by thinking about how a focus on sustainability can help.

On a personal level, I talk to friends, family and colleagues to learn how everyone is coping with their new economic, environmental and social situations. I do what I can from a distance by listening and encouraging.

On a professional level, I listen to experts in sustainability and think about the future. In a recent webinar, Sustainability After Covid 19: Voices from GGGI, OECD, UNEP and World Bank hosted by Green Growth Knowledge Partnership, leaders in sustainability expressed the importance of sustainable development as we go forward. One of the speakers summarized it well! He said that sustainable development is more important than ever for the world to recover. We should not squander this opportunity to get it right with regard to rebuilding the economy, environment and society.

 

We need to address the problems and devastation caused by Covid-19. This includes the environmental and social conditions leading to its spread. In addition, we need to work together using our knowledge of sustainable practices to plan for the future.

I urge you to watch the recorded version of this webinar to help inspire you to contribute to a sustainable approach going forward.

Be healthy and safe! Happy Earth Day!

 

Integrated Reporting

SB New Metrics 19 Conference

Gwen White

At the SB New Metrics 19 Conference on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, I will be part of this panel.

Truly Integrated Sustainability and Financial Reporting: Evolution and Technology Solutions

This panel will discuss and demonstrate how integrated reporting can be done in a way that includes BOTH financial and non-financial data. The panel involves discussion of a format that can be used internally for strategy-setting and decision-making and externally to communicate out to investors and analysts. The report protocol and data is assurable. It is designed to meet SEC materiality disclosure standards to be used in 10K filings.

Using a single software platform, this session will show how a public company can begin producing an integrated report. It bridges the gap between ESG data (think CSO) and financial data (think CFO) in a simple and relevant manner. The demo will be used to briefly present how data is collected, structured, audited and communicated to all stakeholders. The discussion will highlight both investors’ and auditors’ points of view.

Please join Bob Laux, Patrick Elie, Andrew Hall, Maxime Cossette and myself for this interesting event.

 

 

Sustainability

The Emergence of Integrated Reporting

Gwen White

 

 

If you want to learn more about Integrated Reporting and how it can help your company, I think you will like this post.

On October 15, 2019, the Integrated Reporting <IR> U.S. Community hosted a webinar featuring John Wilcox, Chairman of Morrow Sodali, and Bob Laux, U.S. Lead for the International Integrated Reporting Council.

They presented an overview of The Emergence of Integrated Reporting, a paper by the Integrated Reporting Working Group at the Conference Board.

Why is Integrated Reporting important?

Using the Integrated Reporting <IR> Framework is important for all companies because it represents the next step for companies interested in enhancing their corporate reporting. Financial statements provide only a piece of the information necessary to understand the value of a company.

Over the past three decades, tangible assets have become a smaller portion of a company’s total value. In a recent study of the components of the S&P 500 Market Value, Ocean Tomo reported that in 2015 only 16% of the companies’ market value represented tangible assets.

 

 

Companies need to report on a variety of factors that affect their value but are not captured in financial statements. The <IR> framework provides a comprehensive approach to explaining from management’s perspective how value is created in the short, medium, and long term. In addition, this framework provides an opportunity for internal management to focus on issues that are material to creating value for the company.

Integrated reporting supports integrated thinking. This allows for the integration of the company’s components that are critical to its long term success. For example, in a technological services company information about its management of intellectual property and human resources is essential for creating long term value. The <IR> framework is designed for reporting on these critical issues as they interact with the company’s strategy, risks and opportunities as well as its governance structure.

As part of the webinar presentation, Bob Laux discussed The Integrated Reporting Process to illustrate how an organization creates value over time. The following graphic shows the six capitals (financial, manufactured, intellectual, human, social and relationship, and natural) of the <IR> framework and their contribution to an organization’s current and potential value.

 

I recommend that you read this interesting report and watch the recorded webinar here.

Integrated Reporting <IR> U.S. Community is a great resource for those interested in the integrated reporting movement in the U.S. This community provides live presentations on a variety integrated reporting topics that range from actual company reports to issues about assurance on integrated reports.

Integrated Reporting, Sustainability

Integrated Reporting U.S. Community

Gwen White

Integrated Reporting <IR> U.S. Community is a great resource for those interested in the integrated reporting movement in the U.S. This community provides live presentations on a variety integrated reporting topics that range from actual company reports to issues about assurance on integrated reports.

On August 27, 2019, a live webinar featured Intel’s 10-K Presentation of Its Multiple Capitals. Katie Stipic and Erika Kelley from the Intel External Reporting team did an excellent job explaining Intel’s integrated reporting journey. You can watch that recorded webinar here.

On September 19, 2019, at 2:00PM ET, you can view the next <IR> U.S. Community live webinar that features a conversation with Yafit Cohn, Vice President, Chief Sustainability Officer and Group General Counsel at The Travelers Companies, Inc.

It looks like it will be interesting! You still have time to register! I plan to be there.

GRI G4 Exam
Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), GRI Certified Training, GRI Standards Exam, Sustainability

GRI Standards Exam – Things to consider

Gwen White
GRI G4 Exam
GRI Standards Exam

Last week I received an email inquiring about my experience with the GRI Standards Exam. This reminded me that several years have passed since I wrote about my experience with the GRI G4 Exam.

Definitely time for an update!

Things to consider about the GRI Standards Exam

Although completing the GRI Certified Standards Course is not a prerequisite, GRI recommends that exam candidates take the course. I agree because I have experience taking the GRI Standards Exam and am a trainer with the ISOSGroup that delivers GRI’s Certified Training. I know how the course can help you to understand the standards and to apply them. If you have taken the course, GRI gives a 20% discount off the exam fee.

After completing the course, you should study for the exam by reading the standards carefully and taking notes. Understanding how to apply the standards is important. I studied, and it paid off.

Once you register for the exam, you will be given access to sample questions. This helps to understand the format and type of questions to expect.

GRI’s Online Learning Platform administers the exam. This allows the convenience of taking the exam from any location with Internet access. You need a webcam and microphone because you will be recorded while taking the exam. If you have not used a similar test platform, you definitely will want to understand the setup details before hand. This involves making sure that your equipment is compatible with the platform and you are comfortable with the instructions.

You have 60 minutes to answer 40 questions. During the exam you have access to a non-searchable pdf of the consolidated set of standards. Don’t waste much time scrolling through the pdf document looking for answers. As with any timed exam, you need to pace yourself.

Once you pass the exam, your name will be listed with the other successful exam candidates’ names on the GRI website.

Good luck!!