What are GRI Topic-specific Standards?

GRI Topic-specific Standards are specifically designed to provide guidance on particular sustainability issues that organizations may face, helping them report on their economic, environmental, and social impacts more effectively. These standards are tailored to address the diverse range of sustainability challenges and opportunities that different sectors encounter, ensuring that the information reported is relevant and useful for stakeholders. By focusing on specific sustainability topics, these standards help organizations develop a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of their responsibilities and performance in areas that matter most to their operations and stakeholders.

In contrast, other types of standards mentioned do not reflect the focus on sustainability issues. Guidance on financial reporting typically relates to compliance with accounting norms rather than sustainable practices. Marketing purposes are unrelated to standardized reporting methods, which aim for transparency and accountability rather than promotional activities. Lastly, while corporate governance is important, it does not encapsulate the broader spectrum of sustainability challenges addressed by GRI Topic-specific Standards, which cover various environmental, social, and economic dimensions.