Ranking of Austrian Online CSR Reports
Results 2020: Borealis - Combined Annual Report 2019
Rank | Score | Average | Best | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1. STRATEGIC APPROACH | 21 | 28.1 | 15.8 | 45.1 |
a. Were the material aspects identified according to the criteria of the GRI standard? | 19 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 9.3 |
b. Does the company take responsibility for its impact along the entire value chain? | 20 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 9.0 |
c. Does the corporate strategy include a management approach to all material topics? | 25 | 4.9 | 5.8 | 9.6 |
d. Are both harm reduction strategies and maximization of benefits pursued? | 26 | 4.8 | 5.6 | 8.7 |
e. Have appropriate structures and processes for sustainability management been set up and sufficiently presented in the report? | 12 | 6.5 | 4.8 | 9.0 |
2. OPEN INFORMATION | 17 | 15.2 | 7.9 | 27.3 |
a. Does the report make clear and complete statements? (Key figures on all material topics, interpretation of development, definition/evaluation of goals) | 15 | 5.1 | 4.8 | 9.3 |
b. Is the report balanced? (positive / negative developments, solved / unresolved problems, etc.) | 22 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 8.7 |
c. Are internal and external stakeholders appropriately involved and are the relevant structures and processes disclosed? | 11 | 5.7 | 4.9 | 9.3 |
3. USER ORIENTATION | 22 | 8.7 | 5.1 | 19.0 |
a. Is the report clearly structured according to the material topics? | 13 | 2.6 | 2.2 | 4.7 |
b. Is the text clear and precise, easy to understand and read? | 20 | 2.5 | 2.7 | 4.7 |
c. Is the visualization appealing and does it support the understanding of the content? | 25 | 1.7 | 2.4 | 4.7 |
d. Is the report user-friendly and are online features sufficiently utilized? (Target group specific approach, optional information, links, timeliness, interactivity etc.) | 16 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 5.0 |
TOTAL RANK & SCORE | 21 | 52.0 | 51.6 | 91.4 |
Borealis | Borealis |
Recommendations:
The process for identifying material topics (MT) and SH groups was insufficiently and too general described. There were too many links to other chapters with more detailed information. Essential elements such as the process for MT identification should not be split up or linked across several chapters.
Most important MT should be covered first and should also take up more space. The most important material topic should be discussed in more detail in a separate chapter, which should also be named after this material topic to avoid confusion, which was not the case.
Objectives for MTs should be formulated according to SMART method (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-bounded). Not only already achieved goals should be listed, but also goals that have not been achieved, pursued/not pursued, to provide transparency.
Stakeholder relations should not only be described in general terms by the channels used to communicate with them. Initiated projects should be specifically described including goals, results or outcome. Not too general, but with concrete examples, actions etc.
There are too less visual appealing elements and the font size is too small. More graphs and tables should be included, as well as a better structure in general.
The report should rather be separated into a CSR and an annual report, the combination takes away important aspects of a proper CSR evaluation (e.g. design, less promotional style of writing). Furthermore, the report should contain more online features.
Their management approach for CSR could be improved as well. An independent CSR division should be established.
The report is too promotional, negative aspects are being disregarded. Borealis should act more transparent.
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