Transparency and Sustainability in Finance

This paper presents details of the Transparency in Sustainability and Finance (TSF) project, initiated by Triodos Bank and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The project aimed to assist MFIs in implementing GRI guidelines on sustainability reporting. Six MFIs took part in a pilot project on implementing sustainability reporting.

A sustainability report explains how a company is embedded in its social, ecological and economic environment; a principle known as the Triple Bottom Line. Reporting on the Triple Bottom Line is becoming a requirement for businesses around the world. A company's ability to attract capital, build brands and establish a solid reputation will, in the near future, depend on how well it communicates not only its financial, but also its social and ecological goals.The TSF project is the first phase towards sustainability management and Triple Bottom Line reporting. The next phase will focus on implementation of these concepts at the participating organizations. Future activities also include installing a group of experts and facilitating web-based knowledge exchange on GRI reporting and sustainability management.