A new research report conducted by the iCompli division of BPA Worldwide and IRAS shows that Dow Chemical scored highest among Fortune 100 companies when it comes to applying the Global Reporting Initiative’s GRI) Guidelines for Sustainability Reporting. Bloomberg topped the list of media sector companies.

The research report – Applying GRI Guidelines for Effective Reporting: A Review of Global Media Companies' CR Reports – is an analysis of top US and international companies’ annual reports to identify key corporate responsibility (CR) reporting trends. The study focuses on global media sector companies that issue CR reports, and compares the level of reporting in the media sector against the larger universe of Fortune 100 companies issuing CR reports, as well as companies in South Africa where sustainability reporting is mandated.

The list of Top 10 Media sector companies include: Bloomberg (US), Grupo Antena 3 (Spain), Publicis Group (France), Axel Springer (Germany), Mediaset (Spain), Media Prima (Malaysia), TC Transcontinental (Canada), Reed Elsevier (UK) and Lagardiere (France). The Top 10 Fortune 100 companies in GRI compliance include: Dow Chemical, Johnson Controls, UPS, Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft, IBM, Hess, Dupont and Dell, all headquartered in the US.

Although the number of companies issuing CR reports continues to grow, and along with it the number of companies using the GRI Guidelines, the research also reveals that nearly 26% of companies in the survey who issued CR reports did not include any of the GRI environmental reporting indicators. More than 50% did not report any human rights indicators.

The research report will be formally presented at a sustainability reporting reception, hosted by BPA, to be held on April 23rd from 4:00pm – 6:00pm at the LEED Platinum Hearst Tower in New York City. The event is free of charge and professionals from the media industry as well as those with interest in CSR Reporting and Assurance are invited to attend. Attendees are requested to register online.

An expert panel, including Marjella Alma, GRI US Focal Point; Michael Rea, President of South African- based sustainability consultancy, IRAS (Integrated Reporting and Assurance), Heather Burns, Burns&Hammond, and Karl Pfalzgraf, Vice President, Sustainability for iCompli, a division of BPA Worldwide, will present the findings and participate in a Q&A session with attendees.

About iCompli/BPA Worldwide

ICompli is a division of BPA Worldwide, a not-for-profit auditing organization established in 1931 to audit circulation for publishers, advertisers and their agencies. Today, BPA's audit services have expanded to include external assurance of government and industry standards and independent verification of companies' technology and service claims. iCompli provides GRI reporting services (gap analysis, competitor benchmarking and external assurance) and third-party certification of ASTM and ISO event standards. www.bpaww.com

About GRI Focal Point USA

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is a not-for-profit, network-based organization that promotes the use of sustainability reporting as a way for organizations to become more sustainable and contribute to a sustainable global economy. GRI’s mission is to make sustainability reporting standard practice. The Focal Point USA aims to boost the number of US companies reporting on sustainability, to improve the quality of those reports, and to increase US organizations’ input into developing new guidance for sustainability reporting.

About IRAS

IRAS (Integrated Reporting & Assurance Services) is a South African-based consultancy that provides CR strategy, reporting and assurance services, sustainability data systems development, and independent research. Its Annual Review of Sustainability Reporting in South Africa is widely considered to be the definitive assessment of the state of GRI reporting in the country.

iCompli/BPA Worldwide

iCompli/BPA Worldwide

ICompli is a division of BPA Worldwide, a not-for-profit auditing organization established in 1931 to audit newspaper and magazine circulation for publishers, advertisers and their agencies. Today, BPA’s audit services have expanded to include external assurance of government and industry standards and independent verification of companies’ technology and service claims.

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