The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has launched its new Sustainability Taxonomy, a machine-readable digital framework aimed at transforming global ESG reporting and enhancing carbon neutral strategy transparency. Leveraging XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language), the taxonomy allows sustainability reports to be submitted in a standardized, machine-readable format, improving data consistency, comparability, and global accessibility. 

“This is a practical, inclusive tool that helps ensure the GRI Standards remain world-leading and fit for purpose in an ever-evolving digital reporting world,” stated Cristina Gil White, GRI Chief Engagement Officer. 

The new taxonomy covers the entire suite of GRI Standards, including Universal, Sector, and Topic-specific guidelines. Companies of all sizes can now submit sustainability data either directly to GRI or via a user-friendly online portal, democratizing access to digital reporting tools even for smaller organizations. 

Crucially, GRI’s taxonomy has been designed to align with both the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) frameworks. This interoperability simplifies cross-border ESG compliance, allowing multinational companies to meet multiple regulatory requirements through a single reporting structure, while strengthening their carbon neutral strategy disclosures. 

John Turner, CEO of XBRL International, emphasized: “This marks an important advancement for digital sustainability reporting. It increases the trustworthiness and accessibility of information disclosed using the GRI Standards.” 

To support adoption, GRI plans to release additional digital filing tools in 2025 and offer specialized training through the GRI Academy. These resources will assist companies in producing consistent, verifiable ESG disclosures aligned with their long-term carbon neutral strategies. 

The launch of the GRI Sustainability Taxonomy represents a significant step toward transparent, data-driven ESG reporting, empowering investors, regulators, and stakeholders to make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving sustainability landscape. 

Sources : 

https://esgnews.com/gri-launches-machine-readable-taxonomy-to-streamline-global-sustainability-reporting/ 

https://www.esgtoday.com/gri-launches-digital-taxonomy-to-enable-machine-readable-sustainability-disclosures/