Data collection is a very time-consuming activity and requires collaborative efforts. It should be a customised and unique process for the organisation and therefore remains a fairly flexible element in the sustainability reporting process. Therefore, there is no strict GRI standards but only suggestions and recommendations on how to carry out the data collection process for ESG reporting. The data collection process is however a highly important step as it often determines the content and the quality of the reporting in terms of data accuracy and reliability, hence GreenCo suggests the following steps below to ensure an effective data collection process to be adopted.

Data collection metrics to be considered:

When to collect? Who to collect from?

⇒Time frame and milestones ⇒Target sampling size and group

What data to collect? How to collect?

⇒Set of disclosures to include ⇒Tools to use

TIPS TO CARRY OUT AN EFFECTIVE DATA COLLECTION PROCESS

  • GRI recommends referring to the Reporting Principle throughout the data collection process, from deciding what data to collect to collecting and analysing the data. GRI 101: Foundation 2016 further provides guidelines on how to apply each Reporting Principle.
  • Establish strong collaboration with the stakeholders. It is vital to maintain relationship with your stakeholders by actively engaging and regularly checking on them throughout the data collection process. Provide training to ensure the quality and reliability of the data input.
  • Direct and continuous communication between reporters and the CSR Unit.
  • Plan for delays! Remember that data collection involves a lot of human contribution.
  • Use of digital tools helps improve efficiency of data collection and allow feasibility and traceability of the data.
  • Regular reviews and adaptations. Introduce new indicators or simplify data requests according to the feedbacks and updates on ESG requirements and regulations.
  • Check out GRI’s supports and tools available!
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