A white paper to help companies craft clear, effective and flexible sustainability data metrics-management initiatives is being published by the Global Corporate Consultancy (GCC) of Antea™ Group.

As companies look to adopt comprehensive processes that accurately measure the value of their business relevant social and environmental initiatives, those most effective craft programs that don't just disclose results, but drive future business decisions. Realizing sound business decisions, however, requires the formulation of a comprehensive and reliable data collection process.

This paper, entitled Sustainability Measures: Five Essentials for Effective Data Collection, shares the fundamental collection practices GCC has learned managing sustainability data for numerous corporations around the globe. Key learnings are condensed into Five Essential elements or practices:

1. Clear Data Definitions & Boundaries;
2. Defined Data Collection Protocols;
3. "Built-In" Validation;
4. Capabilities to Anticipate and Effectively Manage Change; and
5. Routine Auditing and Assurance.

"When working to define and report on the value of environmental and social programs, companies need to ensure they have clear measures in place that can readily reflect the success of those sustainability endeavors to key stakeholders," says Anna Blitz, author and sustainability metrics specialist. "We know from our work with leading companies, however, that effective reporting hinges upon a data collection system that is flexible, specific to their needs and intended to enhance their sustainability programs (and overall business)."

She adds, "It's not as simple as you might think, especially when the demands of your company's stakeholders are always changing - but we know these Five Essentials can position companies to better accelerate towards real impact with regard to their social and environmental goals."

The GCC takes a practical approach when helping clients implement flexible and effective data collection programs, believing the development of clear measures not only demonstrates real business value to a company's sustainability efforts, but also helps a company enhance and better integrate environmental and social parameters into the heart of business operations. With that approach in mind, this white paper has been developed to educate and provide companies with clear and concise steps via which they can reshape their data collection efforts - a must read for those looking to enhance the management and measurement of their sustainability initiatives.

The Five Essentials article can be downloaded from: http://bit.ly/JgmoyJ.

Global Corporate Consultancy
The GCC is a management consulting firm that specializes in sustainability, delivering results from strategy through implementation. Believing the best programs integrate sustainability into core business practices, GCC experts partner with clients to identify and act on business-relevant social and environmental opportunities. Through fit-for-purpose and uniquely innovative solutions, clients benefit from reduced business risk, new opportunities and long-term competitive advantage.

Antea Group
Antea Group is an international engineering and environmental consulting firm specializing in full-service solutions in the fields of environment, infrastructure, urban planning and water. With access to more than 3,000 employees in over 100 offices around the world and experience on all continents, Antea Group serves clients ranging from global energy companies and manufacturers to national governments and local municipalities. Antea Group is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oranjewoud N.V.; Oranjewoud N.V. is listed on the Official Market of Euronext N.V.

Antea Group
Anna Blitz, 651-283-3620
Consultant, Global Corporate Consultancy
anna.blitz@anteagroup.com
or
Margaret Uttke, 651-697-5234
Marketing Director, Global Corporate Consultancy
margaret.uttke@anteagroup.com
www.anteagroup.com/gcc