When we say ‘Environmental Reporting’, what do you think of? Maybe something along the lines of:

Collecting data on energy consumption, resource usage, emissions, waste generation, and other relevant factors, then compiling and presenting it in the form of reports, to stakeholders, regulators, investors, and the public.

Well, environmental reporting has evolved beyond data collection. Today, it plays a pivotal role in driving informed decision-making and fostering responsible practices within the manufacturing industry.

In this blog post, we’ll go beyond the basic description above to uncover the main challenges linked with environmental reporting, five indisputable facts, and a comprehensive solution.

The Challenge with Environmental Reporting

Aligning your reporting methods with the various reporting bodies and frameworks can be confusing. From CSRD to TFCD, SASB to GRI, the acronyms alone can be overwhelming, never mind the reporting requirements they demand.

Not to mention that these standards aren’t set in stone – they’re constantly evolving. And failing to keep pace can result in penalties and fines.

Operating across jurisdictions means grappling with a daunting multitude of local, regional, and international directives and regulations.

Added to this, gathering data about various environmental aspects such as energy consumption, emissions, waste generation, and resource usage can be time-consuming. And ensuring data accuracy and consistency across different departments and facilities can be a challenge.

But, enough about the challenges, what do we know about environmental reporting?

1. Sustainability Reporting is on Almost Every Company’s Radar

According to KPMG’s Survey of Sustainability Reporting 2020, 80% of companies worldwide report on sustainability. Their pledges range from carbon emissions reduction to responsible management of hazardous waste and natural resources.

Three years later, companies are setting ever more ambitious sustainability targets, heightening the necessity for a robust assessment framework. This is especially true given the number of regulatory bodies and frameworks that businesses must comply with. In this context, environmental reporting software emerges as a solution, enabling businesses to adeptly navigate these diverse requirements.

2. Environmental Reporting is More Than Just Mentioning the SDGs

You’re likely familiar with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – they marked a big step toward sustainability. But there’s still much to do as SDG reporting often falls short in translating intent to action.

Sustainability isn’t checkbox ticking; it’s aligning mission, practices, and impact with planet-wide goals.

When it comes to best practices, meticulous understanding of your environmental impact is key. Yet, achieving this level of awareness demands more than a superficial glance; it requires a comprehensive, integrated approach.

You require a clear, user-friendly solution for insights into environmental risks tied to your daily operations. This isn’t just compliance; it’s arming your business with knowledge for informed decisions and proactive strategies that fuel a greener industry.

3. Environmental Reporting Goes Further Than Just Data Collection

Environmental Reporting goes beyond data collection. It’s a way of responsibly using resources and safeguarding the environment, which offers two crucial benefits:

• Reduced Risk: By being mindful of resource usage and properly managing waste, you shrink your environmental impact, minimizing risks tied to energy consumption and hazardous waste.
• Employee Safety and Well-being: Prioritizing safety standards translates to a safer workplace for your employees. This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about fostering a secure environment where your team can thrive.

In essence, environmental reporting is a direct path to sustainability and responsible business practices, reducing your environmental impact and creating a safer, more resilient workspace.

4. You Can Keep Track of Your Environmental Management, 100% Paperless

When it comes to environmental reporting, practicing what you preach isn’t just a good idea – it’s the key to realizing your sustainability goals. By adopting a 100% paperless, digital solution for tracking your environmental efforts you significantly reduce your company’s carbon footprint whilst improving operational efficiency.

And the benefits don’t end here. Transitioning to digital environmental management offers a range of advantages, such as:

• Proactive Measures: Digital environmental management provides clear visibility into activities that might present environmental concerns. This transparency provides a strategic advantage in preemptively addressing potential issues.
• Data-Driven Decisions: By embedding environmental expectations seamlessly into daily operations you gain data-driven insights to guide your decisions and ensure compliance.
• Regulatory Confidence: Compliance is a cornerstone of responsible business. A digital reporting system becomes your ally, supporting your efforts to meet and exceed environmental regulations.

A well-structured digital solution becomes your hub for data collection and goal setting. Within a unified platform, you gain the power to monitor air emissions, water quality, hazardous waste, and energy consumption.

Find out how our Environmental Management module can help you master reporting in our recent blog post: It’s Time to Master Environmental Compliance with Confidence – Here’s How

5. You Have to Play by the Rules

We’ve already touched upon the complex world of regulations and standards, but one standard stands out as pivotal in the realm of environmental reporting: ISO 14001.

Whilst we’ve touched upon the intricacies of regulations and standards, one stands out as crucial for environmental reporting: ISO 14001. It deserves special attention as it lays the foundation for an effective environmental management system. When selecting a digital reporting solution, the software you choose should align with ISO 14001 as it will enable you to meet regulatory mandates and embrace your environmental responsibilities with confidence.

Finding Clarity Amid Complexity: The Role of Environmental Management Software

Environmental reporting has come a long way, and its evolution continues. The hurdles it presents are indisputable. But there is no need to panic. The solution is clear: environmental management software will help you navigate the complexities of environmental reporting and beyond.

To begin your shift to digital environmental management, watch our on-demand webinar. You’ll discover lean methods of:

• Establishing and tracking environmental sustainability goals
• Assigning actions effectively within your organization
• Reporting compliance performance seamlessly
• Accessing globally standardized compliance data via the TenForce app
• Staying updated on EHS compliance across 350+ jurisdictions worldwide
• Ensuring legal compliance today and in the future