The National Association for Environmental  Management (NAEM) announced that it will play an active role in shaping the future of how companies disclose their performance as an Organizational Stakeholder in the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).

GRI is a network of more than 600 organizations dedicated to advancing transparency in economic, environmental and social reporting.  Its reporting framework is developed through a multi-stakeholder process, and is the most widely used format for corporate sustainability reports.  

Carol Singer Neuvelt, Executive Director of NAEM, said participating as an Organizational Stakeholder will give NAEM members a seat at the table as GRI develops the G4 Guidelines, its next generation of sustainability reporting criteria.

“This relationship provides the right platform for NAEM to stay up-to-date with developments at GRI, and provide timely opportunities for our members to contribute to the dialogue about best practices in global sustainability reporting,” she said.

Mike Wallace, Director of GRI's Focal Point USA, agreed that the new collaboration will add value to the GRI process. 

"Stakeholders support GRI and help us drive sustainability reporting worldwide. By joining today, NAEM is supporting its members, helping them to be more sustainable and transparent,” he said. “We look forward to working together and to learning from the great expertise of their membership."

NAEM will formally kick off its participation by sending delegates to the upcoming COMMIT!Forum, where GRI will open its first comment period on the G4 Guidelines.  

Organized by Corporate Responsibility Magazine and NYSE Euronext, the COMMIT!Forum will showcase  leadership case studies in corporate responsibility and include opportunities for attendees to weigh in on the criteria CR Magazine uses to create its “100 Best Corporate Citizens List.”

"The conversations at the COMMIT! Forum will provide insights into how leadership companies are developing their overall Corporate Responsibility initiatives, and the role of environment, health and safety in CSR," Ms. Neuvelt said. “NAEM is looking forward to sharing this information with our members as they plan their programs for the coming year.”

About NAEM

The National Association for Environmental Management empowers corporate leaders to advance environmental stewardship, create safe and healthy workplaces, and promote global sustainability. As the largest professional community for EHS and sustainability decision-makers, we provide peer-led educational conferences and an active network for sharing solutions to today's corporate EHS and sustainability management challenges. Visit NAEM online at www.naem.org.