Identify Relevant Frameworks: Determine which ESG reporting frameworks or standards apply to your organization. Common examples include the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Different jurisdictions may have specific requirements.

Engage Legal and Compliance Teams: Ensure that your internal compliance team is informed about obligations set by regulatory bodies like the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) in the EU, the FCA in the UK (aligned with TCFD), and the SEC for US companies.

Form or Expand an ESG Committee: This team typically includes members from finance, compliance, HR, and other relevant departments who will oversee the ESG reporting process.

Assign Responsibilities: Delegate tasks related to data collection, management, and validation across departments such as operations, HR, and sustainability teams.

Select ESG Metrics: Identify key performance indicators (KPIs) for environmental (e.g., carbon emissions, energy and water use), social (e.g., employee diversity, labour practices), and governance (e.g., board composition, executive compensation) aspects.

Leverage Technology: Use specialized ESG data management platforms to streamline data collection, aggregation, and validation.

Gather Data Across Departments: Collect data from all relevant areas of the organization, including environmental data from operations, social data from HR, and governance data from legal or compliance teams.

Internal Review: Conduct cross-departmental reviews to ensure the accuracy and completeness of ESG data.

External Assurance (Optional): Consider engaging third-party auditors or consultants to verify ESG data before submission to regulators. This step adds credibility and transparency.

Follow Reporting Frameworks: Prepare the ESG report using the chosen framework (SASB, GRI, TCFD, etc.), ensuring alignment with specific metrics and disclosures.

Integrate Data and Narrative: The report should combine both quantitative and qualitative information, including details on ESG initiatives, future goals, and supporting data.

Ensure Correct Filing Format: Confirm the required filing format (e.g., iXBRL, XBRL, PDF) as specified by the reporting framework or jurisdiction.

Board Oversight: The board of directors, particularly audit or governance committees, should review the final ESG report to ensure it aligns with corporate strategy and regulatory obligations.

Secure Approval: Obtain the board’s approval before filing the report with regulators.

Submit Through Proper Channels: Depending on the jurisdiction, file the report electronically, such as via EDGAR for US companies.

Adhere to Deadlines: Ensure timely submission, especially for first-time filers, who may need additional time and resources.

Publish on Your Website: Make the ESG report available on your website to enhance transparency for stakeholders, including customers, employees, and investors.

Engage Stakeholders: After filing, engage with investors, analysts, and other stakeholders to discuss the report’s findings and implications.

Track Progress: Continuously monitor your performance against ESG goals throughout the year.

Learn from Peers: Consider referencing the ESG practices of peer companies to adopt industry best practices.

Refine Strategies: Use insights from the ESG report to improve sustainability strategies, data collection processes, and governance structures for future reporting.