INTEGRITY STAR AWARD: OBJECTIVE AWARD FOR SUSTAINABILITY REPORTING BASED ON 4,000 VARIABLES 

• First objective ESG Award based on a sound methodology of the GEM Assay^TM sets new standards for awards in sustainability reporting
• Listed and private companies can submit their sustainability reports by 30 June 2024
• Big award ceremony planned as part of the Impact Challenger Days on 12 September 2024 
• All participating companies receive an evaluation of their reporting

Wiesbaden, 4 April 2024 – The Global ESG Monitor (GEM) sets new standards for awards in sustainability reporting with the Integrity Star Award. Based on the scientifically sound methodology of the GEM Assay^TM, the quality of sustainability reporting is assessed systematically and objectively. Transparency, context and the fulfilment of regulatory requirements in the reports are analysed by a global, diverse team of analysts using over 1,000 questions and around 4,000 variables as part of a triple evaluation. The scoring achieved therefore determines the quality of the reports and the winners. The best companies will be announced and honoured at the Impact Challenger Day on 12 September 2024, where managing directors and sustainability managers can discuss best practices and trends in person.

The comprehensive assessment methodology is based on a large number of recognised sources, standards and regulatory requirements and, in addition to the current European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), also takes into account the criteria of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) and the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (German: Lieferkettensorgfaltspflichtengesetz, LkSG), among others.

Participation in the Integrity Star Award is possible for both privately managed and listed companies. The prerequisite is that they can submit a sustainability report in English in accordance with the applicable EU directives. For listed and private companies, a distinction is made between small (up to 499 employees), medium-sized (500 to under 2,000 employees) and large companies (2,000 employees or more). In each of these segments, the winners of the Integrity Star Awards are honoured in five categories – Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Rising Star. This range of awards enables both experienced sustainability reporters and newcomers alike to be recognised for their engagement. The Integrity Star Award recognises companies that take the issue of sustainability seriously and demonstrate a particular quality of content in their reports.

"With the new award, we are enabling companies to objectively measure their reporting quality and make it comparable. The evaluation, which is based on a unique, scientifically sound methodology, will show who can secure one of the prestigious prizes," explains Ariane Hofstetter, Board member of cometis AG and co-founder of the GEM.

Every company that takes part in the Integrity Star Award receives an evaluation with 11 dashboards on around 80 individual criteria. This comprehensive feedback enables companies to measure their reporting performance in comparison to the market and identify specific starting points for improving their own reporting.

"The Integrity Star Award sets new standards for awards in sustainability reporting and recognises the efforts and progress of companies that are making a positive contribution to the transformation of the economy, society and the environment. The award promotes transparency, objectivity and commitment and is intended to encourage companies to achieve their sustainability goals," summarises Michael Diegelmann, co-founder of the GEM and Board member of the IR and ESG consultancy cometis.

Further information about the Integrity Star Award and the conditions of participation can be found online at integrity-star.com.


About Global ESG Monitor

The Global ESG Monitor (GEM) analyses the quality of non-financial reporting by companies worldwide. The operationalisation of quality (transparency & context), on which the methodology of the GEM AssayTM is founded, is based on the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), the relevant guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), the principles of the UN Global Compact and the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). In addition, findings from the dialogue with relevant stakeholder groups are incorporated into the methodology. In order to ensure a very high data quality, a triple analysis is carried out as part of the study. The GEM provides companies with three ESG analysis tools: 1. Challenger Report, 2. Benchmark Report and 3. CSRD/ESRS Readiness Report. These enable companies to carry out a data-based review of their ESG reporting, measure themselves against the benchmark and determine their degree of fulfilment in accordance with CSRD/ESRS.

Further information on the Global ESG Monitor can be found at www.globalesgmonitor.com.  

Examples of an Executive Report, Challenger Report, Benchmark Report and the CSRD/ESRS Readiness Report are available on request.


About Impact Challenger Days

The Impact Challenger Day is a major ESG Summit and will take place on 12 September 2024. The Summit offers participants a unique opportunity to share best practices, network and gain insights into current developments at the intersection of sustainability, ESG reporting and the capital markets. Do not miss out on who will be honoured with the prestigious Integrity Star Award this year. This honours companies that meet the highest standards in sustainability reporting.

Contact:

Michael Diegelmann, michael.diegelmann@globalESGmonitor.com, +49 61120585512

Ariane Hofstetter, ariane.hofstetter@globalESGmonitor.com, +49 61120585521