This is the 11th edition of the KPMG Survey of Sustainability Reporting; the first edition was published in 1993. This year, KPMG professionals reviewed sustainability reporting from 5,200 companies in 52 countries and jurisdictions, making this the most extensive survey in the series to date.

The survey provides a detailed look at global trends in sustainability reporting and offers insights for business leaders, company boards and sustainability professionals. Its aim is to support those who have a responsibility for assessing and preparing their own organization’s sustainability reporting.

The survey also serves as a guide to investors, asset managers and ratings agencies who now factor sustainability or Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) information into their assessment of corporate performance and risk.

It is based on several months of research by sustainability professionals at KPMG firms who analyzed thousands of corporate reports and websites.

Richard Threlfall
Global Head of Infrastructure, Government and Healthcare (IGH),
KPMG International
Partner, KPMG in the UK

Adrian King
Co-Chair, ESG & Sustainability Services,
Partner, KPMG in Australia

Jennifer Shulman
Co-Chair, Impact Measurement, Reporting & Assurance Services,
Partner, KPMG in Canada

In 2020, the survey focused on four key aspects of sustainability reporting:

  • Key global trends in sustainability reporting
  • Reporting on the risks of biodiversity loss
  • Reporting on climate-related risk and carbon reduction
  • Reporting on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Time has Come: The KPMG Survey of Sustainability Reporting 2020

This is the 11th edition of The KPMG Survey of Sustainability Reporting. It provides a snapshot of current trends in corporate sustainability reporting, based on a review of reporting from 5,200 companies in 52 different countries and jurisdictions. This edition explores current trends in reporting on biodiversity risk, climate risk and carbon reduction, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals among others. It is intended primarily to help corporate reporting, investor relations and sustainability professionals shape their own company’s reporting. Some or all of the services described herein may not be permissible for KPMG audit clients and their affiliates or related entities.

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The Time Has Come: Executive Summary

This is the 11th edition of The KPMG Survey of Sustainability Reporting. It provides a snapshot of current trends in corporate sustainability reporting, based on a review of reporting from 5,200 companies in 52 different countries and jurisdictions. This edition explores current trends in reporting on biodiversity risk, climate risk and carbon reduction, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals among others. It is intended primarily to help corporate reporting, investor relations and sustainability professionals shape their own company’s reporting. Some or all of the services described herein may not be permissible for KPMG audit clients and their affiliates or related entities.

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Click below to see key findings from the survey. Download the report for more details and insights from KPMG sustainability reporting professionals around the world and third party commentators.

Key global trends in sustainability reporting
Reporting of risk from biodiversity loss
Reporting on climate risk and carbon reduction
Reporting on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Get in touch

Richard Threlfall

Global Head of Infrastructure, Government and Healthcare (IGH), KPMG International Partner, KPMG in the UK

Adrian King

Co-Chair, ESG & Sustainability Services,
Partner, KPMG in Australia

Jennifer Shulman

Co-Chair, Impact Measurement, Reporting & Assurance Services,
Partner, KPMG in Canada

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