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BHP Billiton wins best report at ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is pleased to announce the winners of this year's ACCA Sustainability Reporting Awards in Australia and New Zealand, sponsored by KPMG.
This year's awards received a 39% increase in reporting entrants compared to last year. The awards recognise excellence in sustainability reporting incorporating environmental and social impacts. Companies are judged based on transparency in their reporting and how well they communicate their sustainability performance. Reports must achieve a high level of credibility and provide evidence of the integration of sustainability issues within the business processes and strategy of the organisation.
The awards are to be announced at 12.30pm AEST, Tuesday 20 May 2008, at the ACCA's sustainability Reporting Conference in Sydney.
Award winners are detailed below:
- Best Sustainability Report - BHP Billiton
This report provides a valuable insight into the sustainability profile of BHP Billiton, with a commendable effort effort made to ensure the audience has a clear understanding of the issues BHP Billiton face and the management strategies in place to address them. It is a very credible report and shows a willingness to report on its sustainability objectives. - Winner - Best Report in the Financial Services Sector - ANZ For the first time one of the big four banks has taken out an award. This is a credible report which conveyed commitment to the integration of sustainability into the organisation's business practices.
- Winner - Best Report in the Property Sector - Investa Property Group
Despite delisting from the Australian stock exchange Investa Property continues to report on sustainability. This report outlines how sustainability is being integrated into core business strategy. - Winner - Best Report in the Public Sector - Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs
This report showed how environmental decision-making is being integrated into business management systems and processes, such as construction and procurement - Winner - Best Report in the Water Sector - Watercare
Watercare's report disclosed key information through the use of a ruler system, which has been used consistently year-on-year for their reports. - Winner - Best SME Report - VicSuper
VicSuper's report included a section on business strategy and strengths, which is clearly presented in context of the wider societal and environment system. - Winner - Best Early Reporter - Transurban
This report contained good information on the governance of sustainability issues and impacts. - Winner - Best Local Report from a Global Organisation - Vodafone New Zealand
Vodafone New Zealand included detailed information about local stakeholder issues, e.g. SMS bullying campaign, radiation issues, mobile phone credit balances. - Commendation for Supply Chain and Product Stewardship Reporting - Fuji Xerox
This report discloses information about Fuji Xerox's intention to align business strategy with sustainability with an emphasis on the successful product stewardship and development programs in place. - Commendation for Excellent Report Structure - Boral
Boral gives a concise, readable overview of its operation and clearly shows the link between Boral's sustainability practices and organisational strategy. Details of public policy and board responsibilities suggesting the business is focused on sustainability from top down
"Sustainability reporting covers key issues relating to the relationship between the organisation and the environment, social issues such employment, business ethics and corporate governance. It is about risk management as well as business performance and an ethical investment in work practices. Transparent business reporting offers organisations long-term benefits, as well as making it easier to be answerable on all levels not just financial results to shareholders," says Richard Francis, Head of ACCA Australia and New Zealand.
According to the 2008 KPMG & Group of 100 (G100) Sustainability Reporting: A Guide, only 35% of Australia's top 100 conduct sustainability reporting compared to 76% of the top 100 in the UK.
Despite falling short of reporting rates in other western economies, the ACCA says the number of Australian organisations reporting on their ‘triple bottom line' is increasing. The upcoming annual Sustainability Reporting Awards recorded a 39% increase in entrants from last year. The awards have doubled in size since they began in 2001.
"The organisations that have entered these awards are leading the way when it comes to sustainability reporting. Other Australian organisations need to follow their lead if Australia is going to reach international standards on reporting," said Mr Rob Hogarth, Partner, Sustainability Services, KPMG.
ACCA and sponsors KPMG would like to congratulate all entrants and winners.
For further information, or to organise interviews with the winners, judges or sponsor, please contact:
Amanda Long, IMPACT Communications
Ph: 9519 5411 / 0410 647 596
Natalie Causley, KPMG
02 9295 3851/0410 838 914
A list of entrants appears below:
Banarra Sustainability and Advice 
British American Tobacco Australia
A copy of the Judges' Report may be downloaded from www.accaglobal.com
Note to journalists:
ACCA
ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) is the global body for professional accountants. We aim to offer business-relevant, first-choice qualifications to people of application, ability and ambition around the world who seek a rewarding career in accountancy, finance and management.
We support our 122,000 members and 325,000 students throughout their careers, providing services through a network of 80 offices and centres. Our global infrastructure means that exams and support are delivered - and reputation and influence developed - at a local level, directly benefiting stakeholders wherever they are based, or plan to move to, in pursuit of new career opportunities. Our focus is on professional values, ethics, and governance, and we deliver value-added services through 50 global accountancy partnerships, working closely with multinational and small entities to promote global standards and support.
We use our expertise and experience to work with governments, donor agencies and professional bodies to develop the global accountancy profession and to advance the public interest. Our reputation is grounded in over 100 years of providing world-class accounting and finance qualifications. We champion opportunity, diversity and integrity, and our long traditions are complemented by modern thinking, backed by a diverse, global membership. By promoting our global standards, and supporting our members wherever they work, we aim to meet the current and future needs of international business.
For further information please contact:
Jana Hunt, ACCA media relations Mobile 0409 319026