The Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB), GRI’s independent standard-setting body, is pleased to announce that a public comment period to gather feedback on the exposure draft of the revised Universal Standards (GRI 101, 102, 103) is now open for feedback. The public comment period will take place until 9 September 2020.

The revised Universal Standards seek to improve the quality and consistency of reporting and to improve how organizations use the Standards to disclose their impacts on the economy, environment, and people.

Please take the time to review the exposure draft, and to provide comments on the proposed changes which include:

• A more focused approach to identifying material topics, based on the organization’s most significant impacts,
• Updated content covering responsible business conduct and due diligence, including respect for human rights,
• Revising how organizations use the GRI Standards for their sustainability reporting, with clearly set out requirements and a new structure.

Judy Kuszewski, Chair of GRI’s Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB), said: “The GSSB initiated this review because we want to ensure the GRI Standards are as relevant and comprehensive as possible, while reflecting the latest developments in responsible business and respect for human rights. Importantly, the Universal Standards apply to all organizations that report their impacts based on the GRI Standards. As such they have a crucial role in our efforts to not only increase uptake in sustainability reporting but also to improve quality and comparability. With multi-stakeholder collaboration at the heart of our standard setting, we encourage groups and individuals around the world to take part in this public comment period – and help us continue to deliver standards that drive action in support of sustainable development.”

To learn more:

• Review the exposure draft, supporting resources and listen to a recorded presentation of the exposure draft from our project page
• Provide your feedback through this online survey