In recent years, the importance of non-financial data has become increasingly recognized as one of the key components of a company's overall performance. While traditional financial reporting has long been a critical component of assessing a company's value and potential for growth, non-financial data provide insight into a company's social and environmental impact, as well as its overall governance practices. This information can be used to help stakeholders, including investors, regulators, and customers, make informed decisions and assess a company's long-term viability. As such, the collection and reporting of non-financial data have become a vital aspect of corporate reporting, with many companies recognizing its importance and striving to improve their non-financial reporting practices.

Non-financial data or KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are typically reported in a separate report from a company's financial statements. This separate report is often referred to as a company’s sustainability report, an ESG report (Environmental, Social, and Governance), or a CSR report (Corporate Social Responsibility). This report aims to provide stakeholders with a comprehensive overview of a company's non-financial performance in areas such as environmental impact, social responsibility, and corporate governance. By reporting non-financial KPIs in a separate report, companies can provide more in-depth information on these areas without cluttering their financial statements, allowing stakeholders to better understand a company's overall sustainability and long-term value.

It is worth mentioning that by choosing to create a separate sustainability report from their financial report, companies gain an opportunity to boost their brand value from a marketing perspective. By creating a stand-alone sustainability report, companies can highlight their sustainability efforts and achievements, and communicate their social and environmental impact work to stakeholders in a more comprehensive and transparent manner. This can help build trust and credibility with customers and investors and differentiate the company from competitors. Moreover, sustainability reporting can also create positive publicity and enhance a company's reputation as a socially responsible organization. In today's highly competitive marketplace, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability can be a powerful tool for companies to strengthen their brand and achieve a competitive advantage.

The importance of sustainable reporting lies in its ability to provide stakeholders with a comprehensive view of a company's operations and its impact on the environment, society, and the economy. It enables investors, customers, employees, and other stakeholders to make informed decisions about their interactions with the company, based on its non-financial performance. Sustainable reporting also helps companies to identify areas where they can improve their non-financial performance and take action to address these issues.

Sustainable reporting is important for several reasons…

First, it can help companies to mitigate risks and identify opportunities related to sustainability. By disclosing information on their environmental, social, and economic performance, companies can identify areas where they are exposed to risks such as climate change, natural resource depletion, resource scarcity, and social unrest. This information can then be used to develop alternative strategies to mitigate these risks and identify new business opportunities.

Second, sustainable reporting can improve a company's reputation and strengthen its relationships with stakeholders. By disclosing information on its sustainability performance, a company can build trust and demonstrate its commitment to more than just increasing its annual profits. This can enhance its reputation and help to attract new and retain existing customers, investors, and employees who share its values.

Third, sustainable reporting can help companies to comply with regulations and standards related to sustainability. Many governments and international organizations require companies to report on their sustainability performance, and these reports can help companies to demonstrate compliance with regulations and standards.

It is worth noting for companies that do sustainability reporting in the EU that the new CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) is a freshly adopted legislation that impacts their annual reporting requirements. From 2025 and reporting for 2024, companies with more than 500 employees operating in the EU will be required to report on a wider range of sustainability topics and face additional disclosure requirements. Therefore, it is important for companies to stay informed about the developments of the EU CSRD and be prepared to adapt their sustainability reporting practices accordingly.

Fourth, sustainable reporting can help to drive innovation and promote sustainability throughout the value chain. By disclosing information on its sustainability performance, a company can encourage its suppliers, partners, and customers to adopt sustainable practices. This can help to create a more sustainable value chain, which can lead to long-term benefits for the company and society as a whole.

In conclusion, companies may choose to embark on non-financial reporting for various reasons, whether it be to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, meet regulatory requirements, or boost their brand value. Whatever the reason, non-financial reporting is a complex and challenging journey that requires significant resources, expertise, and ongoing commitment. However, the potential benefits of non-financial reporting are numerous, including improved stakeholder engagement, better risk management, and enhanced long-term value. By measuring and reporting on non-financial KPIs, companies can gain a deeper understanding of their environmental and social impact, identify areas for improvement, and drive positive change in their organizations and communities. Ultimately, the decision to undertake non-financial reporting is a strategic one that requires careful consideration, but the rewards of doing so can be significant and well worth the effort.