How we report
We have voluntarily reported on our environmental and social performance since 1997 because this performance matters to our stakeholders and to our business success. To help us meet the needs of our audience we have established procedures to ensure the accuracy, relevance and credibility of our reporting.
Our reporting
We use our Sustainability Report and this website to provide an overview of our environmental and social performance for key stakeholders. These include local communities, non-governmental organisations, shareholders, investors, customers, partners, governments, employees, media, academics, contractors and suppliers.
For investors we report on our approach to managing environmental and social risks and opportunities in the Royal Dutch Shell plc this year's annual report. We also co-operate with the producers of leading indices such as the Carbon Disclosure Project and other organisations that help investors understand the economic, environmental and social performance of companies.
Topic selection
Our reporting focuses on the environmental and social challenges that matter most to our key stakeholders. We use a thorough process to identify the sustainability topics for our reporting based on information from internal and external sources.
Significance to stakeholders
- External Review Committee's previous opinion letter
- Civil society dialogues
- Stakeholder relations review
- Global media review
- Investor feedback and indexes
- Reader feedback and social media
- Reputation tracker survey
- Website visits
Significance in sustainability context
Resulting topics are considered in their broader sustainability context based on:
- World Energy Outlook
- WBCSD Vision 2050 report
- Shell business environment outlook
- Sustainability reporting guidelines and standards
- Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change - Fifth Assessment Report
Significance to Shell strategy
- Financial risks
- Reputation risks
- Sustainability priorities
- Key projects
Read more about our topic selection process in the Shell Sustainability Report
External guidelines
We report in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative Standards: Core option.
We also follow the global oil and gas industry association for environmental and social issues, IPIECA; the American Petroleum Institute (API); and the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers (IOGP).
Shell supports the United Nations Global Compact and its 10 principles covering human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
Further details are provided on this website as well as our contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Assurance
Our Shell Sustainability Report 2018 as a whole was not subject to external assurance for the accuracy of the information provided.
Instead, we continue to use an Report Review Panel of independent experts. This panel provides advice and challenge to ensure that our Sustainability Report is balanced, relevant and responsive to stakeholders. Read their letter in our 2018 report.
Lloyd’s Register Quality Assurance Ltd has provided limited assurance of our direct greenhouse gas emissions data for 2018.
More in sustainability
Reporting standards and guidelines
We report in line with the Global Reporting Initiative Standards: Core option for the Shell Sustainability Report 2018.
Sustainability Report Review Panel
A Review Panel of independent experts helps us to evaluate the quality and credibility of the annual sustainability report and recommends improvements.