3 Common Sustainability Reporting Mistakes Retailers Make

Sustainability reporting in retail is tightening fast. Regulations are evolving, and customers, investors and stakeholders expect transparency. Yet many retailers still fall into avoidable traps that weaken their reports and limit their impact. 

1. Treating reporting as compliance-only 

Too many businesses produce reports to satisfy regulations, not to shape long-term strategy. This means sustainability is seen as a cost, not a growth driver. Reporting done well can strengthen brand trust and stakeholder confidence, improve decision-making and reduce risk, open new markets and drive strategic and sustainable action. 

Stat: 68% of UK consumers say sustainability influences their purchasing decisions (PwC, 2023). 

2. Weak supply chain data 

Retailers often rely on incomplete supplier information. This creates gaps in reporting, especially on Scope 3 emissions, which typically make up the majority of a retailer’s footprint. Strong supplier engagement is no longer optional—it’s expected. 

Stat: Scope 3 emissions account for 65–95% of most retailers’ carbon footprint (CDP, 2023). 

3. No clear ownership 

When responsibility for reporting is scattered across teams, quality suffers. Without a defined lead, data gets inconsistent and deadlines are missed. A dedicated sustainability reporting owner—or clear accountability within senior leadership—is essential. 

Stat: Only 29% of global companies say they are "very confident" in the accuracy of their ESG data (EY, 2023). 

What you’ll learn in the Masterclass 

At the BRC Sustainability Reporting Masterclass on 7 October, during Climate Action Week, we’ll cover: 

• How to shift reporting from compliance to a driver of retail value.
• Practical ways to engage suppliers and close Scope 3 data gaps.
• How to structure ownership and accountability within your teams.
• The role of AI in streamlining reporting processes and where it can help retailers build confidence in their data. 

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