Global Reporting Initiative

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is the most relevant framework for voluntary reporting on sustainable development performance by business worldwide, making it a [Page 276]key element for green business. First conceptualized as a sustainability reporting framework under the auspices of the Boston-based CERES group, GRI became its own organizational entity in 2001 and moved its headquarters to Amsterdam. Partnering with the United Nations Environment Programme, GRI has since established global sustainability guidelines that have synergies with the United Nations Global Compact and the Earth Charter Initiative. In 2008, 1,044 companies worldwide edited a sustainable development report according to the GRI's guidelines, including firms such as Deloitte Touche (accounting and consulting), Tata (car industry), Sony (equipments), Shell (petroleum), and Novo Nordisk (pharmaceuticals). At the beginning of ...