### The Importance of Sustainability Reporting for Future Companies

#### Introduction

In the current context where environmental and social issues are increasingly at the forefront of global concerns, organizations across every sector must confront their practices with sustainability goals. This new paradigm pushes companies not only to measure but also to transparently communicate their social, economic, and environmental impact. Thus, sustainability reporting emerges as a crucial aspect for businesses, becoming not only a duty but also a strategic opportunity.

### What is a Sustainability Report?

A sustainability report can be defined as a detailed document that provides a comprehensive and authentic overview of a company’s commitment to environmental, social, and governance issues. It represents not only an account of the activities undertaken but also a form of dialogue with all stakeholders—those who influence or are influenced by the company, such as customers, employees, suppliers, and local communities.

Thanks to increasing digitalization and the use of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence, companies can now manage their impacts and performances more systematically. Transparency in sustainability reports has become an essential element in building and maintaining public and investor trust.

### Types of Sustainability Reporting

There are various forms of sustainability reporting, each with its own specifics, designed to enhance visibility and report the environmental and social impact of activities. The main types include:

– **Sustainability Report**: A document that provides both financial and non-financial information about the company’s impact, focusing on sustainability policies and practices.

– **Sustainability Disclosure**: Similar to a sustainability report, but more focused on the communication processes related to sustainability results.

– **Non-Financial Declaration**: A reporting tool that ensures standards for disclosing non-financial information.

– **ESG Report**: Provides an overview of company practices regarding environmental, social, and governance areas.

Each of these documents aims to respond to specific communication and reporting needs, striving to ensure the best possible understanding of the company’s behavior and performance regarding sustainability.

### The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The United Nations’ SDGs represent an important reference point for companies when drafting their sustainability reports. These global goals offer a framework to tackle the most relevant challenges regarding sustainability, providing clear guidelines on critical areas such as climate change, social justice, and gender equality. Companies can use the SDGs to align their strategies and initiatives, thus clarifying their contribution to achieving shared goals.

### Regulatory Obligations and Growth of Reporting

In Europe, the need to report on sustainability performance has become mandatory for an increasing number of companies, thanks to regulations like the Non-Financial Reporting Directive. This regulation has imposed requirements for transparency and accountability, making the drafting of sustainability reports not just an option but an obligation for certain categories of companies. From 2023, the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive has further expanded the companies required to comply, including unlisted companies that exceed a certain threshold of employees or turnover.

### Benefits of Sustainability Reporting

Adopting a sustainability report presents a series of benefits, both internal and external to companies. Among the internal benefits:

– **Better understanding of risks**: Companies become more aware of the various sustainability-related challenges, facilitating more informed decision-making processes.

– **Integration of performance**: The sustainability report allows companies to connect their operations and strategies with their sustainability outcomes, enhancing overall coherence and accountability.