You’re Done with Your Sustainability Reporting for the Year. Now What?
Congratulations! You’ve wrapped up your sustainability reporting for CDP, THESIS, or Walmart’s Project Gigaton. The surveys are submitted, and the data is in. Take a deep breath; you did it. But don’t file everything away and forget about it until next year. If you do that, you’re missing out on a big opportunity.
Completing this year’s surveys is the perfect time to reflect on the process, learn from this years’ experience, and set yourself up for an even stronger reporting cycle in 2025.
Don’t Wait – Review and Reflect
Sustainability reporting is becoming increasingly complex, and it’s here to stay. As Walmart and other buyers continue to expand and adjust their requirements, the stakes in understanding what you are reporting on grows each year.
So, instead of shelving your reports, take a moment to assess how this year went.
Did you feel confident in the data you provided?
Were there any surprises or challenges in the requests?
How did your data collection process hold up—were there inefficiencies or gaps?
Think about the successes you can celebrate and the challenges you want to overcome. Identifying these elements now will help you develop a roadmap for improvement in 2025.
Leverage Your Data for More Than Compliance
The value of your sustainability reporting doesn’t end with submission. This data can drive operational improvements, support sustainability goals, and even strengthen relationships with buyers. Here are some ways you can use it to your advantage:
Improve Operational Efficiency: Analyze your data for areas of waste, inefficiency, or resource optimization.
Support Other Initiatives: Can your sustainability efforts and findings be tied to other organizational efforts or goals? The data from your sustainability efforts may help support other business areas.
Tell Your Story: Don’t be afraid to highlight your progress and commitment to sustainability; use it to strengthen your reputation and trust with customers.
Set Goals and Prioritize
Sustainability reporting provides a snapshot of where you are at right now, but it’s also the foundation to build on. Use your reflections to set achievable goals for the coming year and focus on the areas that matter most to your business.
Remember, if you prioritize everything, you prioritize nothing. Select a few key areas and create specific, actionable objectives. Then, share these goals with your team and suppliers to build alignment and accountability.
Create a Plan and Start Now
A plan is essential for turning goals into results. Break down what needs to happen, who will be involved, and what resources you will need. Think about:
What data will you need, and how will you collect it more efficiently?
What training or tools are needed that could simplify the process?
Are there any stakeholders who can support your sustainability initiatives?
Start small but start now. Progress takes time, and waiting until the next reporting cycle will only add pressure.
Measure to Improve Is Here to Help
We know sustainability reporting can feel overwhelming. That’s why Measure to Improve has been helping produce suppliers like you navigate sustainability reporting challenges for years. Whether you’re looking to improve your data collection process, develop a roadmap for next year, or maximize the value of your reporting, our team is here to guide you.
Don’t Wait for Next Year — Start Today
The sooner you begin preparing, the easier the 2025 reporting process will be - and the more opportunities you’ll uncover to strengthen your operations, boost your sustainability efforts, and build stronger relationships with buyers and consumers.
Contact Measure to Improve today to learn how we can help you turn your sustainability reporting into more than just checking the box – but rather a valuable tool to improve your business.
