Developing informative and readable content for an environmental, social and governance (ESG) or impact report is only the first step to communicating effectively with investors and other stakeholders. Good design takes the report to the next level, creating a polished, engaging publication that communicates your story effectively, meets stakeholder expectations and demonstrates accountability.  

As interest from investors, value chain partners, customers and current and prospective employees grows, many organizations are working to make their ESG reports more accessible. Sustainability reports are becoming less lengthy as organizations choose to move some technical information into their GRI Content Index, other disclosure indices, and/or to house it as evergreen content on a specific sustainability page on their website. There’s also a move to increase the use of graphics and other design elements to communicate information quickly and attractively. Although companies shouldn’t rely completely on graphics and charts, they can help tell your story effectively and efficiently.  

The use of short publications of one to four pages that highlight the main points of an ESG report or focus on specific areas also is becoming popular as a way to communicate with different stakeholder groups. These summaries or fliers can be tailored to various needs and audiences. In addition, many organizations are moving away from printed reports and opting instead to publish their ESG reports on their websites. These shorter publications are also easier to share on social media — by pulling out and sharing key pages with attractive and informative graphics. This is a great way for companies to “recycle” content through various channels, while telling their sustainability story in a visually compelling way.  

By taking advantage of professional report design services, you not only make your report more graphically appealing but also ensure your data and information are presented in a way that is most accessible and understandable to readers. At Environ Energy, we understand the importance of visually compelling ESG reports that resonate with your stakeholders. Our approach to design blends creativity with strategic intent to produce a polished report aligned with your business objectives. Our design team has more than 20 years of experience in graphic design and specializes in creating impactful visuals that elevate brands.  

Our team has worked on report design for clients across a range of industries from real estate to dairy as well as for organizations large and small, public and private. For repeat client The Swig Company, we developed a custom design that incorporates the company’s signature branding, creating a clean and colorful look. The most recent biennial report of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, a longtime client, relies on infographics to showcase a large amount of information in an easily digestible format. James Hardie’s latest sustainability report features a bold design with carefully selected photographs to highlight the most important metrics and spotlight stakeholder stories. 

There are many advantages to Environ’s premium design solutions for both print and digital format ESG reports. We bring innovative ideas and adaptability to meet any design challenge. To learn more, contact us today. 

Here are eight ways custom design services can elevate your report: 

1. A running start: Our designers are fully integrated in the report development process and understand your content from the beginning. They work with your team and content development specialists to make suggestions that can help drive dynamic content and ensure the design aligns seamlessly with your reporting goals. 

2. Support throughout the process: We don’t wait for the report content to be complete before starting the design work. Our team creates a detailed layout plan based on your report outline, providing a page-by-page preview of your report. This helps visualize the final structure, gauge and adjust length, and organize content efficiently.  

3. A custom look: The design of your report will reflect your organization’s branding and messaging. Our designers can work with your in-house or external marketing and design teams to ensure a consistent look with your annual report and across other publications. In addition, you will receive and sign off on a design concept even before the report content moves into the design phase. 

4. A schedule that works for you: We work on a timeline tailored to meet your needs and publication date. Our nimble team also can pivot to meet changes and new requests. 

5. Data visualization: Custom charts, graphics, maps and more effectively communicate complex ESG data and highlight key metrics and insights. Data visualization enhances understanding to help readers compare performance and understand trends. Custom infographics draw readers in, making large amounts of information digestible and attractive. Data visualization also helps make key strategic concepts easy to socialize internally across the workforce. Professional design and review are important to ensure graphics are not confusing or misleading. 

6. Photography guidance: Authentic, high-quality images can showcase the real-world impact of your initiatives — from renewable energy projects to community outreach programs — and help transform report data and narratives into a visual story. Our design team can provide creative direction as you obtain new photographs, work with your current library of assets to maximize existing resources or guide you in selecting professional-quality stock images. 

7. Complementary publications: We can provide additional stakeholder engagement materials that help tell your story. Options include website landing pages, marketing materials, stakeholder communication publications, custom presentation decks, ESG-themed brochures and one-pager fliers. Content and design aligned with your report ensures consistent and compelling messaging across all platforms. 

8. Full service: From concept to delivery, we handle every aspect of the design process, ensuring a seamless experience tailored to your needs. For online reporting, we can collaborate with your internal web team or manage the creation of a dedicated microsite, with engaging features, such as dynamic data displays, multimedia elements and interactive charts. Additionally, we can ensure web content aligns with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) international standard. WCAG compliant web content is more accessible to people with disabilities.  

Ready to elevate your ESG reporting? Contact us to learn more about how our design solutions can help you engage stakeholders and amplify your impact.