GRI officially recognised by the UN as the global standard for sustainability reporting
Sustainability isn’t just for big companies anymore. SMEs are being asked to show what they’re doing for the environment, their people, and the wider world. A good story is no longer enough; it means transparent, reliable reporting. That’s why more businesses are choosing the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The most widely used ESG reporting framework in the world. In July 2025, the United Nations officially recognised GRI as the global standard for sustainability reporting. Using Eevery? Then you’re on the right track. Our ESG tool is officially GRI-certified. In this blog, you’ll learn what that means, what’s changed recently, and how you can take action today.
What is GRI?
GRI helps you report clearly and consistently on your impact on people, the planet, and society. This includes things like energy use, CO₂ emissions, working conditions, supply chain responsibility, and good governance.
The goal? Not perfect numbers, but clear insight and direction. GRI shows where you stand and where you can improve.
Thousands of companies, from large corporations to small businesses, already use the GRI framework. Reporting with GRI makes your impact easier to understand for customers, banks, and policymakers. And with a practical tool like Eevery, SMEs can start reporting without hassle.
The power of working with a clear standard
Many sustainability reports are hard to compare. Everyone uses their terms, formats, and data, often choosing only what looks good or is easy to find. This confuses customers, banks, and regulators. The result: a patchwork of reports that don’t tell the whole story.
With a standard like GRI, you bring clarity and consistency. You work with fixed themes, terms, and definitions. You show what truly matters, even if it’s not the easiest message. It reduces duplication, raises quality, and makes your data accessible to others.
Studies show that companies using GRI reduce their CO₂ emissions more quickly and effectively than those using other ESG frameworks. The structure of GRI helps turn ambition into action: from targeted climate strategies to smarter investments in sustainability. Especially in countries with limited regulation, GRI drives real, measurable progress.
GRI receives official UN status
In July 2025, during the UN conference in Seville, GRI was officially recognised as the global standard for sustainability reporting. The UN agreement (Compromiso de Sevilla) names GRI as the shared starting point for governments and businesses that want to report with transparency and impact.
The agreement also confirms double materiality (the impact you have and the risks you face) as an international principle:
- How does your business impact the world around you?
- How do sustainability trends (like climate change or new regulations) impact your business?
Looking at both sides helps you reduce risks and spot new opportunities, like cutting energy costs, attracting talent, or preparing for future rules.
New GRI Standards launched
GRI is constantly evolving. To align better with global climate goals and stakeholder expectations, two new standards were launched in June 2025:
- GRI 102: Climate Change - covers CO₂ targets, risks, and the social effects of climate policies
- GRI 103: Energy - focuses on energy use, sustainability, and renewable sources
These new standards align well with other key frameworks, such as the GHG Protocol and the IFRS S2 by ISSB. This means you’re better prepared for the demands of banks, investors, and large clients.
At the launch during London Climate Action Week, GRI CEO Robin Hodess said:
“Climate change is a deeply human issue, as much as it is an environmental one, and these new GRI Standards are unique in bringing these dimensions together.”
How does GRI relate to the VSME Standard?
The VSME Standard is a simplified ESG guideline created by the European Commission. It’s designed specifically for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and is primarily based on GRI.
If you already use GRI, you're well prepared for the VSME Standard. The topics, structure, and reporting approach are closely aligned. GRI provides a broad, international framework, while VSME translates this into a practical version for smaller businesses in Europe.
With our new VSME Reporting Tool, you can even export a full sustainability report in one click, fully aligned with the European standard.
Eevery = GRI Certified
Eevery makes GRI practical for your business. You work step by step on ESG topics like CO₂, energy, working conditions, and governance, with clear structure, straightforward guidance, and real-world support.
You’ll be ready for questions from clients, lenders, or other stakeholders and for future regulation.
With Eevery, you get:
- Clear questions across all ESG topics
- Practical tips to improve
- Insights you can use right away in your communication
Frequently asked questions from SMEs
Business owners who are new to GRI often ask the same practical questions, such as:
- Isn’t GRI only for large companies? No. With Eevery, SMEs can get started easily, no technical expertise required.
- What kind of data do I need to provide? Basic data on your environmental impact, workforce, policies, and supply chain. It doesn’t have to be perfect; transparency is what counts.
- What’s the benefit? More trust from customers, banks, and employees. Internally, it provides clear guidance to help you improve.
- Is it complicated or expensive? Not with Eevery. For a fixed annual fee, you get access to GRI-based measurements, improvement tips, and ready-to-use reports.
Want to see how your business scores with GRI, and where you can improve? Book a free demo with us and discover the power of clear, reliable ESG insights.
