Sustainability report template: Effective & easy to create

Find the perfect sustainability report template

Do you want to create a convincing sustainability report without overburdening your resources? This article presents six practical sustainability report templates – from simple samples to comprehensive software solutions. Find the right template for your company, whether SME, corporation or start-up. Discover tools such as the WiN = GRI Sustainability Report, the DNK declaration and other solutions that will help you to present your sustainability performance transparently and meet ESG requirements.

1 WiN = GRI Sustainability Report (by Stakeholder Reporting)

Preparing a sustainability report that complies with the GRI Standards can be a complex and time-consuming task. The “WiN = GRI Sustainability Report” template from Stakeholder Reporting offers a comprehensive solution that guides companies through this process and simplifies it significantly. It deserves its place on this list as it is specifically tailored to the needs of companies that want to produce a professional and GRI-compliant sustainability report without overburdening internal resources. Learn more about WiN = GRI Sustainability Report (by Stakeholder Reporting)

The software offers a step-by-step guide, from the materiality analysis to the final publication of the sustainability report. The preconfigured tools, such as the materiality matrix, which makes it easier to identify the most important sustainability issues, are particularly helpful. Automated systems for data collection and validation minimize manual effort and reduce the risk of errors. An integrated stakeholder engagement framework supports the involvement of relevant interest groups. The availability in German and English makes the template particularly attractive for internationally operating companies.

Functionality in detail:

• Fully GRI Standards compliant template structure: The template covers all requirements of the GRI Standards, so companies can be sure to produce a compliant report.
• Preconfigured materiality matrix tools: Enables structured and efficient materiality analysis.
• Automated data collection and validation: Simplifies the data collection process and ensures data quality.
• Integrated stakeholder engagement framework: Supports communication and collaboration with stakeholders.
• Availability in German and English: Enables the creation of reports in both languages.

Advantages:

• Comprehensive coverage of all GRI reporting requirements: Minimizes the risk of errors and rework.
• User-friendly interface, also suitable for sustainability beginners: Makes it easier to get started with sustainability reporting.
• Regular updates on compliance with changing GRI standards: Ensures the long-term conformity of the reports.
• Excellent customer support and implementation assistance: Helps with setting up and using the software.

Disadvantages:

• Higher price compared to some alternatives: Can be a hurdle for very small companies.
• Training required to make optimum use of all functions: Requires initial time for familiarization.
• May be too complex for very small organizations: The extensive features may be overkill for organizations with limited resources.

Implementation & tips:

Allow sufficient time for training your employees to make the best use of the software. Stakeholder Reporting’s implementation support can help you to make the process efficient. Start early with data collection and materiality analysis to ensure a smooth process.

Who is this solution suitable for?

The “WiN = GRI Sustainability Report” template is ideal for medium-sized and larger companies from sectors such as hospitality & tourism, e-commerce, banking & insurance and automotive & industry that want to document their sustainability performance in a professional and GRI-compliant manner. It is aimed in particular at managing directors, ESG officers, CSR managers, marketing and communications departments as well as sustainability officers who can use this software to fulfill ESG & CSR obligations and at the same time make sustainability visible without the risk of greenwashing.

Price & technical requirements:

Price information is available on request from Stakeholder Reporting(https://www.stakeholder-reporting.com/win-gri-nachhaltigkeitsbericht). The technical requirements are not listed in detail, but it can be assumed that Internet access and a standard web browser are sufficient, as this is a web-based application.

2nd DNK Declaration Template (by German Council for Sustainable Development)

The Sustainability Code Declaration Template, provided by the German Council for Sustainable Development, is a valuable tool for the preparation of your sustainability report (sustainability report template). It has been specifically designed to facilitate compliance with the German Sustainability Code (GSC) and is therefore particularly relevant for companies in the German market. This official template supports organizations in documenting their sustainability performance according to the 20 DNK criteria and the selected GRI performance indicators. It thus provides a solid basis for your sustainability communication and helps you to meet the increasing requirements in the area of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance).

Who is this sustainability report template suitable for?

The Sustainability Code template is particularly suitable for companies in the hotel & tourism, e-commerce, banking & insurance (especially with ESG reporting obligations), automotive & industry and SME sectors that want to present their sustainability activities in a transparent and credible manner. Decision-maker roles such as management, ESG officers, marketing and communications departments, HR teams and sustainability officers benefit from the clear structure and predefined criteria. It helps them to master the challenges of ESG & CSR reporting, make sustainability visible and avoid greenwashing.

Functionalities and advantages:

• Official template for DNK conformity: The template covers all 20 DNK criteria and provides explanatory notes on implementation.
• Integration of GRI indicators: Relevant GRI indicators are already integrated, which simplifies reporting and makes it internationally comparable.
• Simplified data entry: The structured template makes it easier to record and document non-financial performance indicators.
• Compatibility with the EU CSRD: The template is aligned with the requirements of the EU Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and thus optimally prepares you for future regulatory changes.
• Free of charge and officially recognized: Use of the template is free of charge and is officially recommended by the German Council for Sustainable Development.
• Regular updates: The template is updated regularly to ensure conformity with changing legal requirements.
• Specific for the German market: The template is specially tailored to the German legal framework.
• Relatively simple implementation: The use of the template is uncomplicated compared to more complex software solutions.

Disadvantages:

• Less visually appealing: Compared to commercial solutions, the template offers fewer design options and is visually simpler.
• Limited customization options: The predefined structure leaves only limited scope for individual customization.
• Focus on compliance: The focus is on fulfilling legal requirements rather than on the communicative effectiveness of the report.

Implementation & tips:

Download the DNK declaration template from the website of the German Council for Sustainable Development(https://www.deutscher-nachhaltigkeitskodex.de/en-GB/). Work through the individual criteria systematically and use the assistance provided. For more effective communication, it is advisable to integrate the results of the template into an attractively designed sustainability report.

Conclusion:

The Sustainability Code Declaration Template is a solid and free sustainability report template for companies that have to document their sustainability performance in accordance with the Sustainability Code. It provides a good basis for meeting the legal requirements, especially for companies taking their first steps in sustainability reporting. For companies with higher demands on design and communication aspects, commercial alternatives can be considered. Nevertheless, the Sustainability Code template is an indispensable tool for anyone who wants to operate sustainably on the German market and communicate this transparently.

3. sustainability report template (from ReportGarden)

For companies looking to create a visually appealing yet comprehensive sustainability report, ReportGarden offers a versatile Nachhaltigkeitsbericht Vorlage. This software solution makes it possible to adapt reporting to various standards such as GRI, SASB and TCFD while ensuring effective sustainability communication. ReportGarden is a particularly interesting option for SMEs and medium-sized companies that want to implement sustainability in a credible manner. Learn more about Sustainability Report Template (by ReportGarden)

ReportGarden’s Nachhaltigkeitsbericht Vorlage is characterized by the following features:

• Versatile design templates: Professional layouts make it easier to create an appealing report.
• Customizable diagrams and data visualization: Complex data can be presented clearly and comprehensibly.
• Compatibility with common sustainability frameworks: GRI, SASB and TCFD are supported, making it easier to adapt to different reporting requirements and fulfill ESG & CSR obligations without tying up internal resources.
• Digital-first approach: Interactive elements enable a modern and engaging presentation of sustainability services and help to emotionally engage customers with real impact projects.
• Automated data import: The import of data from various sources simplifies the reporting process and contributes to the automation of reporting & communication with minimal effort.

Advantages:

• Outstanding visual design and communication effectiveness: ReportGarden enables the creation of reports that are both informative and aesthetically pleasing, helping to make sustainability visible without the risk of greenwashing.
• Flexible adaptation to various reporting standards: Compatibility with GRI, SASB and TCFD enables companies to adapt their reporting to the respective requirements.
• User-friendly interface: The software requires minimal training and is therefore also suitable for teams without in-depth IT knowledge. This is particularly relevant for marketing and communications departments, HR & people teams looking for sustainable employee retention, as well as operations & sustainability officers.
• Good price-performance ratio: ReportGarden offers a cost-effective solution, especially for small and medium-sized companies. (Concrete price information should ideally be included here, if available).

Disadvantages:

• Less specialized in German regulatory requirements: For companies specifically looking for a solution for the German market, other tools may be more suitable.
• Additional verification may be required for strict compliance purposes: Although the software supports common standards, additional verification may be necessary for full compliance with certain regulations. This is particularly important for banks & insurance companies (with ESG reporting obligations) and the automotive & industrial sectors (for CSR and sustainability communication).
• Limited options for advanced data analysis: More specialized tools may be required for complex data analysis.

Implementation and tips:

• Start by clearly defining your reporting objectives and the relevant standards.
• Use the available design templates and adapt them to your corporate identity.
• Make sure that all necessary data is imported and visualized correctly.
• Test the interactive elements and optimize them for the best possible user experience.

Conclusion:

ReportGarden’s Nachhaltigkeitsbericht Vorlage is an attractive option for companies that value visually appealing and effective sustainability communication. The flexibility and user-friendliness of the software make it particularly interesting for SMEs and mid-sized companies. However, the limited options for advanced data analysis and the less strong focus on German regulatory requirements should be taken into account. The link to the ReportGarden website is: https://reportgarden.com/sustainability-reporting/. Especially for decision-maker roles such as management & C-level (CEO, CMO, CSO) and ESG officers & CSR managers who want to credibly integrate environmental and climate protection into the brand, ReportGarden offers a good opportunity to achieve this with comparatively little effort.

4th CSR Manager Template (by sustainable AG)

sustainable AG offers the CSR Manager Template for German companies that want to make their sustainability reporting (sustainability report template) efficient and legally compliant. This tool is specially tailored to the requirements of German and EU regulations and supports companies in mastering the complexity of sustainability reporting. It offers integrated workflows and instructions to facilitate the preparation of reports in accordance with standards such as DNK, GRI and the upcoming CSRD requirements.

The CSR Manager template is particularly suitable for companies from sectors such as hotels & tourism, e-commerce, banking & insurance, automotive & industry and SMEs that want to present their sustainability activities professionally. Decision-maker roles such as managing directors, ESG managers, marketing and communications departments, HR teams and sustainability officers benefit from the tool’s functions. The template offers valuable support, especially for companies facing challenges such as fulfilling ESG & CSR obligations, avoiding greenwashing or credibly integrating sustainability into the brand.

Range of functions:

• Integrated tools for materiality analysis
• Predefined indicator sets for various sectors
• Multi-user functions for team collaboration
• Audit trail and documentation functions
• Automatic generation of standard disclosures

Advantages:

• Specially optimized for the German market
• Strong focus on compliance and updating regulatory requirements
• Excellent data security and verification functions
• Comprehensive advice and support from sustainable AG

Disadvantages:

• Relatively high implementation costs
• Steep learning curve for new users
• Stronger focus on compliance than on visual storytelling

Implementation & tips:

The implementation of the CSR Manager template requires a certain training period. Training and workshops by sustainable AG can make it easier to get started. It is advisable to precisely define the company’s individual requirements in advance and select the appropriate indicator sets. The multi-user function enables efficient teamwork.

Pricing & technical requirements:

The exact prices for the CSR Manager template are available on request from sustainable AG. The technical requirements depend on the size of the company and the scope of use. In general, a stable Internet connection and a modern browser are sufficient.

Comparison with similar tools:

Compared to other sustainability reporting software solutions, the CSR Manager Template is characterized by its strong focus on the German market and compliance with the relevant regulations. While other tools may place a stronger focus on visual storytelling, sustainable AG prioritizes accurate and comprehensive data collection and presentation.

Conclusion:

The CSR Manager Template from sustainable AG is a powerful solution for German companies that want to professionalize their sustainability reporting (sustainability report template) and ensure that they comply with legal requirements. Despite the higher implementation costs and the learning curve, the tool offers clear added value thanks to its comprehensive functions, high data security and excellent support. Further information can be found on the website: https://www.sustainable.de/en/solutions/csr-manager/

5 SmartCSR Reporting Solution (by akzente)

akzente’s SmartCSR Reporting Solution is a flexible template system that has been specially developed for sustainability reporting(sustainability report template) in the DACH region. It combines compliance with reporting standards (GRI, DNK, CSRD) with effective communication strategies and helps companies not only to meet the requirements but also to tell their sustainability story convincingly. This tool is ideal for companies that want to design their sustainability report template professionally and value credibility and transparency.

The modular structure allows for individual reporting approaches, from the selection of relevant KPIs to the design of the final report. Integrated tools for stakeholder dialog and materiality analysis help to identify the most relevant sustainability topics and align reporting in a targeted manner. Industry-standard KPI libraries and benchmarking functions also enable a comparison with other companies and help to identify best practices. The focus on a digital workflow enables efficient work and generates print-ready output at the same time. Multilingual support with terminology management simplifies international communication. This is a decisive advantage, especially for companies in the tourism and e-commerce sectors that operate internationally.

For C-level decision-makers, ESG managers and marketing departments, the SmartCSR Reporting Solution offers the opportunity to present sustainability commitment in a transparent and credible manner and thus create emotional customer loyalty. SMEs and mid-sized companies benefit from the flexible licensing, which is adapted to different company sizes. The automation of reporting and communication saves internal resources and minimizes effort.

Learn more about SmartCSR Reporting Solution (by akzente)

Advantages:

• Balanced relationship between compliance and communication effectiveness
• Regular updates that take into account the changing landscape of sustainability reporting
• Strong focus on materiality and relevance
• Flexible license models for different company sizes

Disadvantages:

• Requires good knowledge of sustainability for full utilization
• More expensive than simple templates
• Some advanced features may not be necessary for smaller organizations

Price information is available on request from akzente. Technical requirements are not listed in detail, but are likely to require a common IT infrastructure. Compared to simple sustainability report templates, the SmartCSR Reporting Solution offers a significantly greater range of functions and supports companies in communicating their sustainability performance professionally and transparently.

Tips for implementation:

• Start with a clear definition of your sustainability goals and strategy.
• Involve your stakeholders at an early stage to identify the most relevant sustainability issues.
• Take advantage of the training courses offered by akzente to get the most out of the software.

The SmartCSR Reporting Solution deserves its place on this list as it offers a comprehensive and flexible sustainability reporting solution that meets the needs of both large companies and SMEs. It makes it possible to create sustainability report templatesthat effectively combine compliance and communication and thus create real added value for the company.

6 EcoVadis Sustainability Report Template – Sustainability report template for supply chains

The EcoVadis Sustainability Report Template provides companies with a structured framework for documenting and communicating their sustainability performance based on the widely used EcoVadis assessment methodology. Primarily designed to make it easier for suppliers to present their EcoVadis ratings, it also serves as a comprehensive sustainability report template (sustainability report template) covering environment, labor, ethics and sustainable procurement. This template is particularly relevant for companies that operate in international supply chains and need to present their sustainability efforts transparently to business partners.

Features:

• Alignment with the EcoVadis assessment method and criteria
• Standardized disclosure formats for key sustainability topics
• Sector-specific performance indicators and benchmarks
• Integration options with EcoVadis assessment results
• Supplier-focused reporting framework

Advantages:

• Widely used format in international supply chains
• Simplifies reporting for companies that already use EcoVadis
• Good balance between environmental, social and governance issues
• Facilitates business-to-business sustainability communication

Disadvantages:

• Less suitable for comprehensive public sustainability reporting
• May not meet all regulatory reporting requirements
• More focused on process documentation than on impact reporting
• Limited customization options

Use cases & target groups:

The EcoVadis template is particularly suitable for suppliers in sectors such as the automotive industry, e-commerce (especially for sustainable online stores) and the hotel and tourism industry that need to demonstrate their sustainability performance to business partners. The template can also be helpful for SMEs and medium-sized companies that want to communicate their sustainability credibly in a B2B context. Decision-maker roles such as ESG officers, CSR managers and operations & sustainability officers benefit from the structured presentation of sustainability data.

Implementation & tips:

Implementing the template is relatively easy, especially for companies already using the EcoVadis platform. Integration with existing EcoVadis assessment results saves time and resources. It is recommended to customize the template to the specific requirements of the company, where possible. Additional information and key figures can be integrated to increase the informative value of the report.

Pricing & technical requirements:

The use of the EcoVadis sustainability report template is usually linked to an EcoVadis subscription. Information on prices and technical requirements is available on the EcoVadis website.

Comparison with similar tools:

Compared to other sustainability report templates, such as the GRI Standard or the German Sustainability Code (DNK) declaration, the EcoVadis template is more focused on the requirements of supply chains and communication with business partners. For more comprehensive public reporting, the GRI Standards or the DNK are more suitable.

Why the EcoVadis template is included in this list:

The EcoVadis sustainability report template deserves its place on this list as it offers a practical and efficient solution for sustainability reporting in supply chains. It enables companies to present their sustainability performance transparently and strengthen the trust of business partners. Especially for companies that already work with EcoVadis, the template is a valuable addition.

Website: https://ecovadis.com/suppliers/sustainability-reporting/

6-Template sustainability report comparison

Template	Core features ?	User experience ?????	Target group ?	Unique advantages ?	Price/value ?
WiN = GRI Sustainability Report	Fully GRI-compliant, materiality matrix, stakeholder integration	User-friendly, comprehensive support	Medium to large companies	Complete GRI solution, regular updates	High price, training required
DNK declaration template	Official, 20 DNK criteria, EU CSRD-compliant	Easy to implement, regular updates	Small to medium-sized DACH companies	Free of charge, specific to Germany	Free of charge
Sustainability Report Template (ReportGarden)	Flexible, visually appealing, multi-standard compatible	Intuitive operation, little training required	SMEs and marketing-focused companies	Excellent design, interactive elements	Good price-performance ratio.
CSR Manager Template	DNK, GRI, CSRD workflows, multi-user, audit trail	Strongly compliance-oriented, comprehensive advice	German SMEs & large companies	High data security, market-specific	High price, training required
SmartCSR Reporting Solution (akzente)	Modular, stakeholder dialogs, benchmarking, multilingual	Good balance Compliance ? Communication	DACH company with sustainability expertise	Flexible, regular updates	Medium to high-priced
EcoVadis Sustainability Report Template	EcoVadis orientation, industry indicators, supplier focus	Ideal for EcoVadis users	Suppliers, B2B companies	Internationally recognized, B2B focus	Variable, mostly free of charge

Success with the right sustainability report template

Choosing the right Nachhaltigkeitsbericht Vorlage is a crucial step in presenting your sustainability activities transparently and convincingly. As shown in this article, there are various tools and templates available, ranging from simple DNK declaration templates to comprehensive reporting solutions such as SmartCSR. When making your decision, consider factors such as the size of your company, the relevant reporting standards (e.g. GRI), the required depth of reporting and your internal resources. This will ensure that your Nachhaltigkeitsbericht Vorlage optimally meets your individual requirements. Remember: a well-structured and informative sustainability report is not only an obligation, but also an opportunity to communicate your commitment to a sustainable future and strengthen the trust of your stakeholders.

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