Showing that its business model cannot be separated from sustainability, the BMW Group is now embarking on a new chapter in its reporting. In this context, we accompanied the BMW Group with the integration of its Sustainable Value Report and its Annual Report. Our consultancy included several aspects: substantial inputs regarding the development of the ESG-content, support of collection of information, development of parts of the text, recommendations and advice in aligning the report with the GRI standards and UNGC principles as well as in fulfilling the requirements of the German CSR Directive Implementation Act (CSR RUG).

From 2013 until 2015 our team, in cooperation with BSD Consulting Switzerland and China, guided BMW Brilliance through the reporting process. The sustainability report was initially aligned with the UN Global Compact and in following years, additionally in accordance with GRI. Over the years, we provided substantial input to the continued development of the report content and structure.

We conducted the company’s first materiality analysis. We began with a stakeholder engagement process, identifying and interviewing key stakeholders in China. Our team designed and facilitated an internal strategic workshop, concluding the materiality matrix according to GRI.

The publication of one of the first sustainability reports aligned with both the UN Global Compact and GRI allowed BMW Brilliance to position itself as a sustainability leader in China. The materiality analysis created the basis for the company’s corporate sustainability strategy and allowed it to focus its sustainability communication.

BMW Group engaged our team to conduct two consecutive materiality analyses. As part of our project work, we identified potentially relevant sustainability issues and key stakeholders. Our team also designed and facilitated an international stakeholder engagement process based on telephone interviews.

As a result, we created the basis for the BMW Group´s materiality matrix, based on GRI guidelines and standards. Additionally, we identified the expectations and perceptions of key stakeholders,helping BMW to focus its future strategies and sustainability communications.

Picture: BMW Sustainable Value Report 2019.

Our team has supported the BMW Group since 2013, in cooperation with BSD Switzerland and Germany, by developing its annual Sustainable Value Reports (SVR). We advise the BMW Group throughout the entire reporting process, giving substantial input to the development of report content and structure. This includes developing the report structure and concept, drafting and refining text, recommendations regarding the fulfilment of the requirements of the German CSR Directive Implementation Act (CSR RUG) and the (GRI) Standards, as well as advice on disclosing the most relevant sustainability issues.

Over the past seven years, the SVRs have contributed to positioning the BMW Group as a sustainability leader in the automotive sector. With the help of our team, the reports have been continuously adapted to reflect new requirements: the current report summarizes the most relevant information in a user-friendly format, while also fulfilling the stakeholder ́s requirements for transparent communication of the company ́s impacts, as well as the requirements of GRI (comprehensive option) and CSR RUG. The sustainability reports of the BMW Group have earned several awards. Amongst others, the SVR 2017 of the BMW Group, developed in cooperation with our team, was selected as Germany ́s second best sustainability report by large companies in the renowned IÖW-Ranking.