GLOBAL REPORTING INITIATIVE INDEX

      Many sustainability reporting metrics/standards are being used throughout the world today. However, the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) index is one of the oldest and most widely used one. GRI is affiliated with the biggest organizations such as OECD, UNEP, United Nations Global Compact and ISO. Initially, GRI has evolved its reporting format from a “one- size -fits-all” model to developed “sector-specific” supplements that provide more appropriate indicators for sectors such as mining, car manufacturing, financial services, and tour operators.

        Through time, international organizations such as the Institute of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) have also used the general GRI framework to draft their reporting formats. The GRI has helped them come up with progress report format that will assess the performance of the processing sector by assessing the impacts of their activities on the triple bottom line.

http://nbis.org/nbisresources/metrics/triple_bottom_line_indicators_process_industries.pdf

      But, like the many other reporting standards, GRI index has been criticized of being inefficient because of the following reasons:

1.       It allows companies decide what to include in their reports ( completeness, relevance, and  context ).: Most companies decide not to include the performance of companies in their supply  chain as they consider it off bounds.
2.          It being universally accepted is helping companies to continue to use reporting as an opportunity for public relations spin rather than a serious effort at measuring and improving performance.
3.      Self- composed reporting format of GRI gives way to inaccurate / false reporting merely for protecting the company’s reputation from unexpected social and environmental violations
4.       While GRI pushes for more reporting, they have done little to increase or even assess the impact of existing sustainability reports. No usable or actionable reporting.

http://flylib.com/books/en/4.93.1.79/1/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Reporting_Initiative