Web-based support tool for G4 reporting goes live

G4 Online is a new web-based tool to support organizations preparing sustainability reports using the latest generation of the Global Reporting Initiative’s Sustainability Reporting Guidelines. The GRI Guidelines are the most widely used sustainability reporting framework in the world.

The free to use website presents the content of the G4 Guidelines in an easy-to-navigate format, and is designed to support users directly involved in a G4-based reporting process.

GRI says reporters who have a basic understanding of the G4 reporting process can use G4 Online to access definitions of key terms and concepts, as they prepare their report as well as information referenced in the G4 text, such as references to other globally recognized sustainability reporting frameworks, via links to third party websites.

The fourth generation of the Guidelines, G4, was launched in May 2013 and has been revised and enhanced to reflect important current and future trends in sustainability reporting. This includes an increased emphasis on ‘materiality’ which GRI believes will make reports more relevant, more credible and more user-friendly.

Nelmara Arbex, GRI’s chief advisor on Innovation in Reporting, said: “G4 Online will make the experience of reporting easier. For report authors, it provides a more convenient way to navigate G4 content, with key terms and definitions just a click away. We are very curious to know users’ reactions to this first version of G4 Online.”

In the coming months GRI will gather user feedback and carry out consultations with experts, which will be used to inform further development of G4 Online.

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