ESG Reporting: what every business leader needs to know

ESG reporting is quickly becoming non-negotiable for businesses. According to a KPMG survey, more than 90% of the world’s largest companies are now publishing sustainability reports. With new regulations, stakeholder demands, and the growing importance of transparency, business leaders need to understand what’s required and how to get it right.

More importantly, those who embrace reporting early can position themselves as leaders in their industries while avoiding headaches down the line.

Why sustainability reporting matters

At its core, sustainability or ESG reporting is about accountability. It’s the process of measuring and disclosing your organisation’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. When it's done well, it delivers much more than compliance—it builds trust, enhances reputation, and opens doors to investment and growth opportunities.

But there’s another side to it. Regulations are tightening, and larger businesses are passing ESG expectations down their supply chains. This is something that we're seeing happening more and more at Wylde as we talk to our clients and other businesses in our networks.

Even if your business isn’t currently required to report, that day is likely coming. Preparing now means you’ll be ahead of the curve.

The Trends Shaping Sustainability Reporting in 2025

Several trends are influencing how businesses approach sustainability reporting, reflecting the urgent need for transparency and accountability in a world grappling with climate change, biodiversity loss, and rising stakeholder expectations:

• Greater scrutiny on claims: Greenwashing is under the spotlight, and stakeholders are expecting proof, not promises. Robust, evidence-backed reporting is essential.
• Digital tools and real-time reporting: Technology is transforming how businesses collect and present data, making reports more dynamic and actionable.
• The rise of Double Materiality: Reporting isn’t just about how the world affects your business; it’s also about how your business impacts the world. This holistic approach is gaining traction in frameworks like CSRD.
• Focus on social and biodiversity impacts: ESG reporting is not just about emissions. Businesses are expected to account for their impacts on communities and ecosystems, aligning with global efforts to tackle biodiversity loss.

Overcoming the challenges of reporting

We get it—sustainability reporting can feel overwhelming. What data should you collect? Which frameworks should you use? How do you ensure your reports are accurate and meaningful?

That's where Wylde comes in. We provide a range of services, from our Enveglas ESG Diagnostic Tool to support with GHG Emissions Calculations and Net Zero Strategy. Additionally, we offer full consultancy support to help you embed sustainable business practices across your organisation.

?Your next step

Sustainability reporting isn’t just a regulatory box to tick. Robust reporting offers an opportunity to strengthen your business by identifying cost-saving opportunities, mitigating risks, and building resilience, all while contributing to a more sustainable world. Yet many businesses lack the right tools and insights to make this possible.

To help, we’ve created an eBook, Navigating Sustainability Reporting and Taxation. It’s packed with practical advice on tackling reporting challenges, understanding the latest trends, and getting started on your journey.

Download the eBook here and take the first step towards robust, impactful reporting.

Let’s make sustainability reporting work for you—not just to meet compliance but to unlock the opportunities that come with being a trusted, responsible business. Connect with me here or visit Wylde Connections to find out how we can help you navigate this vital area.