The emerging role of annual environmental performance results

Many multi-national businesses are being challenged with new communication requirements that will satisfy the increasing number of stakeholder requests for information depicting a company's environmental performance. The accountability for continuous improvements in environmental performance must compliment the interests of targeted audiences which can vary by country, geographic regions and stakeholder groups. In addition to addressing the emerging interests of traditional stakeholders (i.e., shareholders, lenders, regulatory and policy makers), businesses are now faced with compiling additional information in response to a growing number of emerging stakeholder groups representing: employees, trade associations, professional institutions, surrounding communities, consumers and citizen action groups. These stakeholders are requesting information in various formats that gauge progress in relation to established goals, commitments and programs. In this context the author discusses the emerging role of annual performance results.