Many major companies draw up sustainability reports detailing their CSR efforts. A wide variety of tools are available for use in such reports; the best-known are the GRI and AA1000.

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) (1997)
The GRI is an internationally recognized model for companies’ CSR reports that seeks to develop globally standardized guidelines for sustainability reports. The GRI is primarily focused on major companies, but it is also used in connection with other companies; organizations involved in environmental matters, human rights and labor issues; and government agencies. The aim is to arrive at a comparable description of the economic, ecological and social contributions of the reporting entity.
Application of GRI guidelines is voluntary and offers companies the opportunity to register on the GRI website.

The BMZ promotes the work of the GRI through a strategic alliance aimed at achieving greater transparency through reporting in the value chain. More information can be found in the CSR WorldWide case study of GRI.

AccountAbility 1000 (AA1000)
AccountAbility 1000 is a standard for social and ethical accounting, auditing and reporting. It assists companies in identifying indicators and goals with respect to their social consequences, gauging progress and reporting on what has been achieved.