The Global Sustainability Standards Board (GSSB) has approved plans to transition the GRI G4 Guidelines to GRI Sustainability Reporting Standards (GRI Standards).
The existing G4 content will be transitioned into a new, modular format. In the future, the GSSB will no longer issue generations of Guidelines as it has done historically. Instead, GRI Standards will be updated on an ongoing basis following public input into the GSSB work program. The GSSB work program also includes the further development of sector standards.
The transition to GRI Standards will take place in four phases:
- Phase 1: Implementing a set of content revision principles to improve the overall usability, technical quality and robustness of the G4 content.
- Phase 2: Public consultation.
- Phase 3: Analyzing and incorporating public feedback.
- Phase 4: Publication of GRI Standards.
The timing of each phase will be based on the Due Process Protocol, which is overseen by the Due Process Oversight Committee. The G4 Guidelines will remain in effect until the GSSB approves the transition to GRI Standards, which will be based on the G4 Guidelines and will follow the prescribed Due Process Protocol.
The GSSB aims to issue the initial set of GRI Standards during the third quarter of 2016.