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Challenge
The client began sustainability reporting despite not having formal reporting structures or data collection processes in place.
Solution
RSM adopted a phased approach to full GRI compliance, working with the client to incorporate lifecycle assessments to define its sustainability strategy.
Success
RSM’s implementation of effective reporting mechanisms, innovative data collection tools and the commitment to sustainable practices have positioned the client as a leader in their industry.
Client overview:
RSM’s client in Italy is a family-owned painting and metal coating company specialising in-house equipment production. It operates plants in Italy, Australia and Brazil, with the second generation of the family now leading the business. The company has invested heavily in innovation and sustainable practices in recent years.
Background:
The client began sustainability reporting for the first time three years prior to engaging RSM. Despite not having formal reports previously, the client already had many sustainability-related processes and certifications in place. RSM was engaged to assist with developing their sustainability reporting approach.
Our project objectives:
- Develop a comprehensive sustainability reporting process for the client.
- Assist the client in progressing from GRI-referenced reporting to full GRI compliance.
- Conduct materiality assessments to identify key sustainability topics.
- Provide assurance on the client's sustainability reports.
Our approach:
RSM adopted a structured approach to achieve the project objectives:
- Lifecycle assessments: RSM worked with the client to incorporate lifecycle assessments to define its sustainability strategy, focusing on key areas like climate change, pollution, resources, and the circular economy.
- Global materiality assessment: RSM carried out a comprehensive survey of 60 manager-level staff across all regions, allowing for an in-depth assessment of the client’s sustainability priorities.
- Assurance process: The limited assurance that RSM provided on the sustainability reports using the ISAE 3000 standard included physical site visits as part of the assurance process, allowing for direct evidence gathering and a more thorough understanding of the client's operations.
Challenges:
- Organisational readiness: As the client had no prior experience with formal sustainability reporting, RSM adopted a phased approach to full GRI compliance, allowing the client to gradually build its reporting capacity, processes and systems over three years.
- Cross-border operations: Due to the client having physical operations across multiple countries and continents, RSM implemented assurance procedures that included physical site visits. This allowed RSM to directly gather evidence and gain a thorough understanding of operations in different countries, helping to ensure consistency in sustainability practices across all locations.
How success was measured
- Progression in reporting: Through close collaboration over three years, RSM helped the client to advance from GRI-referenced reporting to full GRI compliance, demonstrating significant improvement in their sustainability disclosure practices.
- Data collection improvement: RSM assisted the client in implementing an internal tool to gather sustainability data directly from accounting and production systems, moving away from basic spreadsheets.
- Emissions management: Despite production increases, the collaborative effort between RSM and the client led to maintaining stable CO2 emissions across all plants, partly through the implementation of photovoltaic systems.
- Unified sustainability strategy: The client adopted lifecycle assessments to define a cohesive sustainability strategy focusing on key areas like climate change, pollution, resources, and the circular economy. RSM’s unified approach helped address challenges specific to different operational regions.
Creating a unique offering
RSM in Italy’s structured and collaborative approach has significantly transformed the client's sustainability reporting and practices. By working closely with their management team and stakeholders, we facilitated a comprehensive understanding of sustainability issues and helped establish effective reporting mechanisms. The implementation of innovative data collection tools and the commitment to sustainable practices have positioned the client as a leader in their industry.
As the client continues to prioritise sustainability, the company is not only enhancing its operational efficiency but also contributing positively to environmental and social outcomes. The project has helped embed sustainability into the client's long-term strategy and operations, with ongoing measurement and improvement of environmental and social impacts.
