This article is sponsored by BrandExtract.
ESG reports are the new standard for companies that want to manage their risk and communicate their values to their stakeholders. But how can ESG websites take these reports to the next level? Below are some frequently asked questions about ESG websites and how they help companies lead the way in ESG reporting.
What is the difference between an ESG report and an ESG website?
The first (and most obvious) difference between ESG reports and websites is the typical format: traditional reports are usually discrete documents published in print or as a PDF rather than an interactive site. A printed report or PDF report is a static document, while a website allows for more perennial content.
You can maintain an ESG site by adding, removing or correcting information. You have room to expand the site and continue to use it over the years. Besides, it is more environmentally friendly: You won’t have to kill any trees to distribute your report.
ESG reports, in their simplest form, share your company’s goals and past performance on ESG issues, including issues such as diversity and inclusion, awareness and environmental awareness. An ESG website tends to have a bit more narrative content to support the data you’re reporting.
While there are still no legal requirements in the US about what data ESG reports must include, there are expectations set by various standards boards (such as SASB, GRI and TCFD). When you create an ESG report, you can provide just the facts, or you can expand and talk about your vision for the future. And this is where the real value of a website lies.
Why are ESG websites beneficial?
As mentioned above, websites are evergreen and you can always keep them updated. Sometimes the metrics you’ve reported need to be updated or changed. It’s easy to do with the website, but not so easy to do with something you’ve printed and distributed in a static document.
It’s also much easier to keep an ESG website up to date and grow it over time, rather than starting from scratch every year. It’s not a one-off type of project: each year can build on the previous year’s work and make improvements over time.
ESG websites offer much stronger search engine optimization than PDFs; these sites are also more compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and compliant with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines simply because they can offer more accessible functions for user experience. Thus, websites not only offer more accessibility, but are also compatible with smart devices such as Siri and Alexa.
Data collected by BrandExtract indicates that companies that publish an ESG website get approximately nine times more traffic to their site than to their PDF report. When your data is more accessible and easier to find and digest, it will attract more eyes to your business.
A website is a living report where your ESG efforts coexist with your brand story. It can make a compelling case for your brand, if ESG is a priority for you and your audience.
What does an ESG website include?
How comprehensive your ESG website is depends on how sustainability meshes with your brand and your company’s value proposition. For example, a company that helps its customers manage waste more efficiently and sustainably will have a lot of relevant data to report.
When ESG reporting is an important part of your brand and value proposition, it is very important that your report appears on your corporate website. This way, it builds into your brand message. That’s when it’s crucial to build a narrative around your data.
For other companies that are more reactive to market demands or employee expectations, these organizations may choose to just provide the data and hopefully show improvements over the years. But even in these cases, a full ESG report can be important if your supply chain requires it.
ESG reports fall on a wide spectrum. It’s analogous to investor relations and annual reports: they’re big productions for many organizations, with amazing photos and illustrations that fill many pages. At the other end of the spectrum, some companies only report the minimum data that is expected of them.
Build your next ESG website
BrandExtract and its reporting division ESG Reporting Partners help companies connect ESG goals with their brand strategy. Using our state-of-the-art Artisan reporting platform, create reporting sites that communicate your vision for the future.
Contact a strategist today to learn how you can achieve your organization’s ESG reporting goals.
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