The 5 Most Common Mistakes in Sustainability Reporting and Suggested Solutions

Sustainability is no longer just a matter of social responsibility for companies, but also a critical strategy for legal compliance, brand value, investor interest and long-term financial stability. However, many organizations repeat some basic mistakes when preparing sustainability reports, which both complicates compliance with legal regulations and reduces the effectiveness of the report.

1️⃣ Mistake: Marketing-Only Reporting
Problem:
Many institutions see sustainability reporting as a tool to polish their corporate image. However, data that cannot be measured, proven, or based on strategy leads to a loss of trust.

Solution:
Reports must be data-based, measurable, and open to independent verification. A scientific, technical, and transparent approach should be adopted in the reporting process rather than marketing language.

2️⃣ Mistake: Structure That Does Not Comply With Standards
Problem:
Companies present haphazardly structured reports without complying with international standards such as TSRS, GRI, IFRS S1-S2. This damages the validity of the report at national and international levels.

Solution:
A structure that complies with official reporting frameworks such as TSRS should be determined. Segmentation, content, language, metrics and indicators should be compatible with these standards.

Recommendation: Professional sustainability consultancy service is the most effective way to carry out this process completely and without errors.

3️⃣ Mistake: Not Considering Stakeholder Views

Problem:
The report only includes the perspective of internal stakeholders (management, finance, etc.). However, sustainability concerns many stakeholders, from employees to customers, suppliers to investors.

Solution:
Priority issues should be determined by conducting stakeholder analysis, and social impact and expectations should be integrated into the report. GRI and TSRS provide clear guidance on this issue.

4️⃣ Mistake: Weak Data Management
Problem:
ESG data such as energy, water, waste, carbon, and social indicators are reported incompletely, inconsistently, or unverifiably. This undermines both transparency and investor confidence.

Solution:
Data sources should be clearly defined, and compliance with international systems such as carbon footprint (ISO 14064), energy consumption (ISO 50001), and water efficiency (ISO 46001) should be ensured.

Technological suggestion: Software-based data monitoring systems can be used to monitor ESG KPIs within the organization.

5️⃣ Mistake: Separate Implementation of Strategy and Report
Problem:
The sustainability strategy and reporting process are disconnected from each other. Reports often become passive documents that “document the past.”

Solution:
The sustainability strategy should be supported by annual goals, performance indicators, and long-term plans. The report should be a measurable tool that shows the progress of this strategy.

Sustainability Reporting Should Be Your Investment in the Future
Sustainability reports are not only a corporate obligation; they also represent your company's transparent, sensitive and forward-looking management approach. Therefore, avoiding the mistakes we mentioned above and creating a strong reporting process that complies with all standards, especially TSRS, is critical for your business's reputation, competitiveness and financial sustainability.