Writing a sustainability report may seem daunting at first, especially if you’re a small to medium-sized business with limited resources. But done well, it becomes more than just a document — it’s a strategic asset.

A good sustainability report builds trust, attracts customers, retains staff, and makes your values visible. Whether you’re aiming for Net Zero, looking to meet ESG expectations, or just want to track your progress, this guide will help you get started — and show you how others have done it too.

What Is a Sustainability Report?

A sustainability report communicates your organisation’s performance and strategy across Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) themes. It should be grounded in data, supported by stories, and forward-looking.

You can think of it as:

• An accountability tool
• A business development tool
• A reflection and learning tool

Why It Matters

You might be writing a sustainability report because:

• Customers are asking – tenders now often include sustainability scoring
• Staff want it – younger employees value transparency and purpose
• Suppliers and funders require it – e.g. NHS Evergreen, grant applications, or corporate partnerships
• You want to track progress against your Net Zero plan or SDG alignment
• It’s part of a certification – such as B Corp, ISO 14001, or EcoVadis

Whatever your reason, it’s better to start with something than to delay until it’s ‘perfect.’

Step-by-Step: How to Write Your Report

1. Set Your Intention

Are you writing for internal stakeholders? Customers? Funders? Pick one or two core audiences and write with them in mind. Be clear if it’s a first report — and say what you’re aiming to cover.

2. Decide on a Framework

Here are some popular structures:

🟢 SME Tip: Use “E, S, and G” sections to keep it manageable. Add a one-page summary for busy readers.

3. What to Include

Here’s a tried-and-tested structure that works across sectors:

1. About the Business – What you do, values, mission
2. Sustainability Vision – What sustainability means to you
3. Highlights & Metrics – Key stats (carbon footprint, diversity, waste, etc.)
4. Environmental – Emissions, energy, waste, water, procurement
5. Social – Staff wellbeing, diversity, training, community impact
6. Governance – Ethics, leadership, risk, data, decision-making
7. Case Studies & Quotes – Bring it to life
8. Targets & Action Plan – What’s next
9. Appendix or References – Data tables, glossary, framework mapping

 Examples of Great Sustainability Reports

✳️ Cook (UK)

Cook Impact Report
A B Corp that balances storytelling with data. Their report feels human and approachable, with strong visuals and clear SDG alignment.

✳️ Ella’s Kitchen

Good Stuff We Do Report
A playful and engaging format that remains rigorous. Shows clear year-on-year progress and links to product innovation.

✳️ TPXimpact

Sustainability Report
Excellent for service-based organisations. Well-structured, links sustainability to business goals, and clearly shows decision-making frameworks and carbon plans.

✳️ Coventry Building Society

Sustainability Report
The Report balances the technical requirement of  sustainability disclosures with the human stories that lie at the heart of our purpose-led approach.

Tips for a First-Time Report

• Don’t try to say everything – focus on what matters most
• Use visuals and infographics to simplify data
• Include quotes from staff or partners for authenticity
• Set 3–5 clear goals for the year ahead
• Use plain English – avoid jargon
• Explain gaps rather than hiding them
• Link actions to business value – e.g. retention, efficiency, engagement

Final Word

Sustainability reporting isn’t just for big corporates. SMEs can — and should — tell their story too. Start with what you know, be honest about where you’re heading, and build over time.

If you’d like help writing, reviewing, or structuring your report — or simply need a sounding board — we’re here to support.

Need inspiration or feedback on your first draft?
📅 Book a 15-minute call: https://www.sustainablex.co.uk/contact