GRI Establishes Multi-Stakeholder Group to Develop New Pollution Disclosures | Image Source: Images.pexels.com
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands, 16 December 2024 – As a major step forward in addressing the global pollution crisis, the Global Reporting Initiative convened a multi-stakeholder working group to create new pollution information statements. The initiative, adopted by the World Council on Sustainability Standards, is a crucial step in improving corporate responsibility and reporting on sustainability.
According to GRI, the new Working Group on Pollution is composed of 17 experts from different sectors of the world. These experts will work together to review current pollution reporting under ERM standards and develop additional reporting requirements as required. The objective is to ensure that organizations can report transparently on their pollution impacts, management strategies and mitigation activities. The draft standards should be ready for public comment in early 2026, reflecting the considerable work of the group over the next two years.
Composition of the Working Group
The working group includes members with extensive experience in such areas as air and soil emissions, plastic pollution, chemical pollutants and incident management. It reflects a balanced representation of key stakeholder groups to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach to pollution issues.
As regards the exchange rate mechanism, the group consists of five representatives from the business sector, covering different industries to deal with specific pollution problems for each sector. This involvement of companies provides practical and relevant information in industry on managing pollution risks and implementing sustainable strategies.
In addition, four participants represented civil society organizations, focusing on environmental promotion, sustainable development and social interests. Their role is essential for new declarations to meet global and local pollution needs. The group also includes a representative from the labour sector, who provides the perspective of workers affected by pollution-related activities. This representation focuses on the human impact of pollution and ensures that workers’ rights and safety remain an integral part of the debate.
According to the GSSB, this diverse composition is essential to promote a balanced and globally applicable package. The inclusion of multiple perspectives ensures that standards are consistent with scientific data, social expectations and business sustainability.
Scope and objectives of the project
The pollution project was formally approved by GSSB in March 2024, with formal approval from the working group in October 2024. The project will be implemented in accordance with the OSSG Process Protocol, which ensures a transparent, inclusive and systematic approach to standards development. As indicated by the EWG, the mandate provides clear guidance on how the project will be delivered, including stakeholder involvement and rigorous review processes.
The main objective of the project is to identify gaps in pollution information and to develop, where appropriate, new thematic standards. This includes reporting on critical issues such as air and soil emissions, hazardous materials, plastic pollution and industrial incidents. The new disclosures aim to improve the quality and depth of pollution data presented by organizations, allowing stakeholders to better assess environmental performance.
In line with the ERM’s commitment to sustainability, the working group will also explore new pollution challenges, such as microplastic pollution and chemical waste management. By addressing these issues, the standards will enable companies to take more effective pollution control measures and contribute to broader sustainability objectives.
Impact on sustainability Reporting
The introduction of new pollution declarations is expected to have a significant impact on global sustainability reports. According to GRI, companies in all industries will benefit from clearer guidance on how to measure, manage and disseminate their pollution-related impacts. This will increase transparency and accountability, allowing investors, regulators and other stakeholders to make more informed decisions.
According to GSSB, the updated standards will be consistent with international sustainability frameworks, ensuring consistency of reporting practices around the world. Companies will be better equipped to identify pollution focal points, mitigate environmental risks and demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development. For investors and regulators, better disclosures will provide essential information on an enterprise’s environmental performance and risk management strategies.
The project also emphasizes the leading role of ERM in promoting global sustainability reporting. By prioritizing pollution as a key focus area, the IRM aims to promote significant action in one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Organizations that adopt the new standards will not only respond to changing reporting requirements, but will also enhance their reputation with stakeholders.
Timeline and next steps
The development of new thematic pollution standards is a multi-stage process, with important milestones set over the next two years. According to the GRI, the working group will work closely with stakeholders to draft the proposed statements, which are to be the subject of public comments in the first quarter of 2026. This consultation phase will enable organizations, experts and the public to provide information on the draft standards, ensuring that they are practical, relevant and effective.
In the meantime, the working group will conduct extensive research, work with stakeholders and assess best practices in pollution reporting. Final standards, once adopted, will be an important step forward in sustainability reporting, providing a strong framework for organizations to effectively address pollution-related issues.
As ERM indicates, the project will strictly comply with the GSB Process Protocol, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the development process. This approach ensures that standards reflect the needs of all stakeholders while maintaining the highest levels of quality and credibility.
The efforts of the Working Group on Pollution from Environmentally Sound Management are coming at a critical time, as the global community clings to the growing effects of pollution. As industries are increasingly being asked to minimize their environmental footprint, new disclosures will play a key role in leading greater corporate responsibility and environmental management.
“The development of these new standards is a crucial step in global pollution control. By bringing together the experience of all sectors, we seek to create understandable and achievable revelations. »
GRI stated in its project update.
Stakeholders, including business, policy makers and environmentalists, are encouraged to continue working with the project as it progresses. The next public consultation in 2026 will provide an opportunity to develop the final standards and ensure that they lead to tangible improvements in pollution management and reporting.
By adopting a proactive approach to pollution reporting, the EMC continues to lead the development of sustainability standards. The creation of new revelations will help organizations around the world address the pollution crisis, build stakeholder confidence and contribute to a cleaner and healthier planet.
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