What must an organization do when it reports in reference to GRI standards?

An organization must apply the reporting principles outlined in GRI 1 when preparing its sustainability report. These principles—such as stakeholder inclusiveness, sustainability context, materiality, and completeness—ensure that the organization considers the needs and expectations of stakeholders while providing a comprehensive view of its sustainability performance. By adhering to these principles, the organization can foster transparency and enhance the quality and reliability of its disclosures.

Additionally, reporting GRI 3-3 is essential as it encourages organizations to report on their significant impacts, as well as measures and outcomes related to those impacts. This approach not only ensures that organizations address the most critical issues but also aligns reporting with GRI’s emphasis on providing useful information to stakeholders.

In contrast, fully compliant disclosures are not a requirement, as organizations might have valid reasons for omissions. Excluding explanations for these omissions or discarding material perceived as irrelevant would undermine the completeness and transparency of the report. Adopting a balanced reporting approach that includes relevant context and justifies any gaps in information is crucial for fulfilling GRI’s objectives.