We often get asked about the benefits of sustainability reporting. So this week, we’re sharing the benefits.
After reading 13 ways sustainability reporting can drive business growth, you’ll see that it’s more than just following rules. It’s a tool with wide-ranging and significant impacts.
Sustainability reporting has grown from being a regulatory requirement to a key business strategy.
It goes beyond meeting legal obligations and helps companies communicate with stakeholders, show transparency, attract investors and talent, and strengthen their reputation for sustainability, especially when following international standards.
What is Sustainability Reporting?
Sustainability reporting is when companies share how they are taking care of the environment, treating people well, and running their businesses responsibly.
They inform stakeholders about their efforts and impacts on sustainability, such as pollution levels, social programs they support, and their management practices.
This information is usually found in annual reports or separate sustainability reports that include both financial and non-financial details.
What Are the Main Components of Sustainability Reporting?
This type of reporting aims to provide transparency to stakeholders. It’s includes investors, customers, employees, and regulators.
It is about how the company is managing its sustainability impacts and contributing to broader societal goals, outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Key aspects of sustainability reporting in Australia include:
Regulatory Framework and Standards:
In Australia, sustainability reporting is influenced by both voluntary and mandatory frameworks.
The Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) encourages listed companies to disclose ESG information.
Companies may also align their reports with international standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
Environmental Reporting:
Australian businesses often report on their environmental impact, including energy use, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, waste management, and efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.
This is particularly important given Australia’s unique biodiversity and the significant impact of climate change on the region.
Social Reporting:
Social aspects include reporting on labor practices, community engagement, human rights, and efforts to enhance diversity and inclusion within the workplace.
Australian businesses are increasingly focusing on Indigenous reconciliation and supporting Indigenous communities as part of their social sustainability initiatives.
Governance Reporting:
Materiality:
Reporting Platforms and Assurance:
Industry-specific Practices:
Different industries in Australia may have specific sustainability issues and reporting practices.
For example, the mining and resources sector has significant environmental and community impacts, while the finance sector focuses on responsible investment and climate risk.
Government Initiatives:
The Australian government supports sustainability reporting through initiatives such as the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) scheme, which requires companies to report their greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption.
Overall, sustainability reporting is a dynamic and evolving practice aimed at fostering transparency, accountability, and long-term value creation.
It helps companies to demonstrate their commitment to sustainable development and to build trust with stakeholders.
13 Ways Sustainability Reporting Can Drive Business Growth
1. Sharing Information with Stakeholders
Your organization wants to effectively share its sustainability efforts with stakeholders. Through sustainability reporting, you can present clear, accurate data to your stakeholders transparently.
Sustainability reporting connects your organization with internal and external stakeholders. It provides a platform to share important information about your environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts and initiatives.
Internally, this transparency fosters purpose and engagement among stakeholders like employees, making them aware of the company’s sustainability goals and future plans.
This helps align your workforce and other internal stakeholders with your sustainability vision, promoting shared responsibility.
Externally, sustainability reporting builds trust with customers, investors, and partners. When stakeholders have access to detailed sustainability data, they can make informed decisions.
This transparency strengthens relationships and fosters partnerships, making it easier for stakeholders to support your sustainable initiatives when they understand the facts behind them.
2. Showing Commitment to Transparency
Sustainability reporting shows your organization is committed to transparency. Being transparent increases trust with stakeholders and helps get valuable feedback, driving innovation and demonstrating good leadership.
Transparency drives positive change. It means being open and sharing impact data, successes, and challenges with stakeholders.
This commitment builds trust not just with customers and investors but also with employees, who feel more engaged when they understand the organization’s sustainability journey.
Every organization impacts society and the environment. Recognizing and sharing these impacts through sustainability reporting reflects a mature and responsible strategy.
3. Measuring Impacts to Improve Performance
If your organization doesn’t know its current sustainability status, it can’t create a strategy to meet its goals.
Measuring impacts helps improve performance and make meaningful progress toward sustainability and financial goals.
It’s like a diagnostic tool for your business, identifying inefficiencies, opportunities for improvement, and helping set realistic goals.
Improved performance, driven by data from sustainability reporting, can lead to better profits. It helps your organization make informed decisions, optimize processes, reduce waste, and cut costs, making your company more agile and competitive.
4. Vision & Strategy
Having a clear view of your company’s operations and value chain helps you strategize effectively. Better vision and strategy enable your business to thrive now and in the future, allowing for more effective decisions with long-term positive impacts.
Sustainability reporting helps leaders see the full picture, allowing for a clearer vision and more effective strategies to achieve sustainability goals.
5. Motivating Employees
Companies that care attract employees who care. The modern workforce wants to work in organizations that share their values, particularly regarding sustainability. Your employees care about your sustainability efforts.
Employees are a valuable asset and a force for driving sustainability goals. Communicating your sustainability impact and initiatives motivates employees to achieve better results and stay committed to the organization.
When employees know their organization is committed to sustainability, it instills pride and purpose in their work, increasing engagement and productivity.
6. Improving Reputation & Increasing Trust
An organization’s reputation is built on consistent performance and communication with the public. Whether your company is new or established, sustainability reporting allows you to show you care and are actively working toward your goals.
This transparency builds trust with stakeholders and strengthens your reputation, setting you apart from competitors.
When stakeholders trust your commitment to sustainability, they are more likely to engage with your brand and support your endeavors. Sustainability reporting provides proof of your dedication, enhancing your reputation as a responsible leader.
7. Attracting Capital and Investment
Attracting investment is crucial for businesses. Investors want to know the risks associated with their investments. Not having a clear risk profile is worse than not having perfect sustainability scores.
Investors are increasingly aware of ESG factors that impact financial performance and long-term sustainability. Providing comprehensive ESG risk information enhances your credibility and attracts investors aligned with your sustainability goals.
8. Improved Stakeholder Engagement
Engaging with varied stakeholder groups can be complex. A well-done sustainability report can simplify this and enhance engagement efforts, involving different stakeholders and fostering a sense of inclusion and shared responsibility.
A finished sustainability report provides a high-quality, standardized source of relevant information for stakeholders, bridging information gaps and strengthening relationships.
9. Competitive Advantage
Communicating sustainability efforts transparently is more important than ever. Stakeholders, including customers, employees, and investors, demand it. A sustainability report meets these demands authentically and transparently, providing relevant insights.
Early adoption of sustainability reporting gives an organization a competitive edge by distinguishing it from competitors, reducing costs, attracting talent, and drawing consumers.
10. Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses
Sustainability reporting is useful for all companies, regardless of performance. It identifies areas of strength and highlights where improvements are needed. It’s about transparency, good corporate citizenship, and consistent effort over time.
Not only that, but it acts as a mirror, reflecting your organization’s sustainability landscape, identifying strengths to build on and weaknesses to address, ensuring continuous improvement.
11. Building Goodwill and Reducing Reputational Risk
Sustainability reporting improves reputation and goodwill by being transparent about impacts, reducing reputational risks. It also makes these risks visible to the company, allowing proactive mitigation.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, sustainability reporting acts as a shield, helping organizations identify and address potential issues, safeguarding their image and preserving stakeholder trust.
12. Attracting New Talent
Professionals want to work for companies whose values align with theirs. Shared values create a fruitful employment relationship, with committed employees reducing recruitment costs and performing better.
Sustainability reporting makes your efforts visible to current and potential employees, setting your organization apart in the job market and attracting highly skilled individuals.
13. Increasing Customer Satisfaction and Loyalty
Studies show that strong corporate social responsibility improves customer satisfaction and loyalty. Corporate sustainability is becoming a baseline expectation.
Customer satisfaction and loyalty benefits are not limited to retail businesses. Transparency in the supply chain also ensures loyalty from partners by providing them with sustainability information for their own reports, making collaboration smoother.
For more sustainable information, keep an eye on Cyanergy! And click on talk to an expert if you want expert advice.
Your Solution Is Just a Click Away
The post 13 Ways Sustainability Reporting Can Drive Business Growth appeared first on Cyanergy.
ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance
Statement from American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) President and CEO Ray Long on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance:
“The American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) is deeply concerned that today’s Treasury guidance on the long-standing ‘beginning of construction’ safe harbor significantly undermines its proven effectiveness, is inconsistent with the law, and creates unnecessary uncertainty for renewable energy development in the United States.
“For over a decade, the safe harbor provisions have served as clear, accountable rules of the road – helping to reduce compliance burdens, foster private investment, and ensure taxpayer protections. These guardrails have been integral to delivering affordable, reliable American clean energy while maintaining transparency and adherence to the rule of law. This was recognized in the One Big Beautiful Act, which codified the safe harbor rules, now changed by this action.
“We need to build more power generation now, and that includes renewable energy. The U.S. will need roughly 118 gigawatts (the equivalent of 12 New York Cities) of new power generation in the next four years to prevent price spikes and potential shortages. Only a limited set of technologies – solar, wind, batteries, and some natural gas – can be built at that scale in that timeframe.”
###
ABOUT ACORE
For over 20 years, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) has been the nation’s leading voice on the issues most essential to clean energy expansion. ACORE unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. For more information, please visit http://www.acore.org.
Media Contacts:
Stephanie Genco
Senior Vice President, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
genco@acore.org
The post ACORE Statement on Treasury’s Safe Harbor Guidance appeared first on ACORE.
https://acore.org/news/acore-statement-on-treasurys-safe-harbor-guidance/
Frequent power outages, unreliable grid connection, sky-high electricity bills, and to top it off, your solar panels are exporting excess energy back to the grid, for a very low feed-in-tariff.
Do all these scenarios sound familiar? Your answer might be yes!
These challenges have become increasingly common across Australia, encouraging more and more homeowners to consider solar battery storage systems.
Why? Because they want to take control of their energy, store surplus solar power, and reduce reliance on the grid.
But then again, people often get perplexed, and their biggest question remains: Should I get a Solar Battery Storage System in Australia?
Well, the answer can be yes in many cases, such as a battery can offer energy independence, ensure better bill savings, and provide peace of mind during unexpected power outages, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
There are circumstances where a battery may not be necessary or even cost-effective.
In this guide, we’ll break down when it makes sense and all the pros and cons you need to know before making the investment.
In this blog post:
Why You Need Battery Storage Now?
According to data, Australia has surpassed 3.9 million rooftop solar installations, generating more than 37 GW of PV capacity, which is about 20% of electricity in the National Electricity Market in 2024 and early 2025.
Undoubtedly, the country’s strong renewable energy targets, sustainability goals, and the clean‑energy revolution have brought solar power affordability, but the next step in self‑reliance is battery storage.
Data from The Guardian says that 1 in 5 new solar installs in 2025 now includes a home battery, versus 1 in 20 just a few years ago, representing a significant leap in adoption.
Moreover, the recent launch of the Cheaper Home Batteries program has driven this uptake even further, with over 11,500 battery units installed in just the first three weeks from July 1, and around 1,000 installations per day.
Overall, the Australian energy market is evolving rapidly. Average household battery size has climbed to about 17 kWh from 10–12 kWh previously.
Hence, the experts are assuming that 10 GW of new battery capacity will be added over the next five years, competing with Australia’s current coal‑fired capacity.
What Am I Missing Out on Without Solar Batteries?
Honestly? You’re missing out on the best part of going solar.
Renewable sources of energy like solar, hydro, and wind make us feel empowered. For example, solar batteries lower your electricity bills, minimize grid dependency, and also help to reduce your carbon footprint.
But here’s the catch! Without battery storage, you’re only halfway there!
The true magic of solar power isn’t just in producing clean energy; it’s storing and using it efficiently.
A solar battery lets you store excess energy and use it when the sun goes down or the grid goes out. It’s the key to real energy independence. Therefore, ultimately, getting a battery is what makes your solar system truly yours.
Here’s a list of what you’re missing out on without a solar battery:
- Energy Independence
- Maximized Savings
- Better Return on Investment ROI
- Lower Carbon Footprint
- Peace of Mind
Batteries help you to stay powered even during blackouts or grid failures. With energy storage, you don’t have to think of fuel price volatility and supply-demand disruption in the Australian energy market.
Adding a solar battery to your solar PV system allows you to use your own stored energy at night instead of repurchasing it at high rates. It also reduces grid pressure during peak hours, restoring grid stability.
Tired of Australian low feed-in-tariff rates?
Make full use of your solar system by storing excess power at a low price rather than exporting it. Solar panel and battery systems can be a powerful duo for Australian households.
Despite the steady growth in solar, wind, and hydro, fossil fuels still dominate the grid. Fossil fuels supplied approximately 64% of Australia’s total electricity generation, while coal alone accounted for around 45%.
These stats highlight why solar battery storage is so valuable. By storing surplus solar energy, homeowners can reduce their reliance on a grid that still runs on coal and gas.
Enjoy 24/7 uninterrupted power, no matter what’s happening outside.
Besides powering urban homes and businesses, batteries also provide reliable power backup for off-grid living at night when your solar panel can’t produce, ensuring peace of mind.
What Size Solar Battery Do I Need?
While choosing the battery size, it isn’t just about picking the biggest one you can afford; it’s about matching your household’s energy consumption pattern. There is no one-size battery that will make financial or functional sense for everyone.
Nevertheless, if you have an average family of four with no exceptional power demands, you may get by with a 10kWh to 12kWh battery bank as a ready-to-roll backup system.
Well, this is just an estimation, as we have no idea of your power needs, because selecting a battery is highly subjective to the household in question.
With that being said, you can get a good idea of how much power you use on average by analyzing your electric bill copy. Also, keeping track of which appliances you use the most and which ones require the most power will help you.
So, to figure out the ideal battery size for your home, you need to consider three most important things:
-
Your Daily Energy Usage
Check your electricity bill for your average daily consumption (in kWh). Most Australian homes use between 15 to 25 kWh per day.
-
Your Solar System Output
How much excess solar energy are you generating during the day? That’s the power you’ll store to use later rather than exporting.
-
Your Nighttime Power Usage
A battery is most useful at night or during grid outages. So, estimate how much power you typically use after sunset. However, by using a battery, you can also get the freedom of living off the grid.
Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!
- For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.
- For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.
- Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.
- For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.
Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!
Sizing Up: The Ideal Home Battery for Aussies!
- For small households and light usage, a 5 kWh battery will be suitable.
- For average Australian households, adding a 10 kWh battery would be enough.
- Large homes and high-energy users will need a 13 to 15 kWh system.
- For full independence, off-grid living, or blackout protection, you may require a larger battery size of 20+ kWh.
Want help calculating your exact needs? Just drop your daily usage and solar output, and we’ll do the math for you! Cyanergy is here to help!
How Much Do Solar Batteries Cost?
Previously, you would have to pay between $3000 and $3600 for the battery alone, plus the cost of installation, for every kWh of solar battery storage.
However, you can currently expect to pay between $1200 and $1400 for each kWh of solar battery storage. That is a price reduction of approximately 52%, and things will only get better from here.
Does that imply solar batteries are cheap now? Not really, but the cost is well justified by the pros of having a battery storage system.
Also, while paying for solar batteries, you have to consider many other factors like the type of battery, your solar panel system configurations and compatibility, brand, and installation partner.
These will significantly influence the price range of battery storage.
Is a Solar Battery Worth It | Pros and Cons at a Glance
It’s okay to feel a little overwhelmed while deciding to invest your hard-earned money in a battery.
So, here we’ve listed the pros and cons of having a solar battery to help you in the decision-making process.
Benefits of Solar Battery Storage
- Solar batteries help you become self-sustaining.
- You don’t have to care about power outages anymore
- In the event of any natural disaster, you will still have a power source
- Battery prices are dropping significantly as we speak
- During peak hours, grid electricity prices increase due to high demand; you can avoid paying a high price and use your battery. It’s essentially free energy, as solar generates energy from the sun.
- Reduced carbon footprint as the battery stores energy from a renewable source.
Advantages of battery for the grid and national energy system:
- Batteries support Virtual Power Plants (VPPs). In 2025, consumers get financial bonuses (AUD 250‑400) for joining, plus grid benefits via distributed dispatchable power.
- Grid‑scale batteries like Victoria Big Battery or Hornsdale Power Reserve are increasing system resilience by storing large amounts of renewable energy and reducing blackout risk.
Drawbacks of Solar Battery Storage
- One of the biggest barriers is that solar batteries have a high upfront cost, which makes installation harder for residents.
- Home batteries require physical space, proper ventilation, and can’t always be placed just anywhere, especially in smaller homes or apartments.
- Most batteries, like lithium-ion batteries, last 5 to 15 years, meaning they may need replacement during your solar system’s lifetime.
- While many systems are low-maintenance, some may require software updates, monitoring, or even professional servicing over time.
- Battery production involves mining and processing materials like lithium or lead, which raise environmental and ethical concerns.
Should You Buy a Solar Battery?: Here’s the Final Call!
You should consider buying a solar battery if several key factors align with your situation.
First, it’s a strong financial move if you live in a state where federal and state incentives can significantly reduce the upfront cost. This can make the investment far more affordable.
A solar battery can be especially worthwhile if you value having backup power during outages, lowering your electricity bills, and gaining a measure of energy independence from the grid.
Additionally, you should be comfortable with taking a few extra steps to get the most value out of your system, such as joining a virtual power plant (VPP), which allows your battery to participate in grid services in exchange for modest returns.
Finally, it’s worth noting that rebates decline annually, and early adopters get the most value.
Takeaway Thoughts
Installing a solar battery in Australia in mid‑2025 offers substantial financial, environmental, and energy‑security benefits, especially if you qualify for multiple subsidies and have good solar capacity.
With rebates shrinking after 2025 and demand surging, early movers stand to benefit most.
By helping balance the grid and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, home battery adoption contributes significantly to Australia’s national goals of 82% renewable energy by 2030.
It’s not just about savings; it’s about being part of a smarter, cleaner, more resilient electricity future for Australia.
Looking for CEC-accredited local installers?
Contact us today for any of your solar needs. We’d be happy to assist!
Your Solution Is Just a Click Away
The post Should I Get a Solar Battery Storage System? appeared first on Cyanergy.
I just spoke with a guy in the wine industry, and I asked him how, if at all, climate change is affecting what we does.
From his perspective, it’s the horrific wildfires whose smoke imbues (or “taints”) the grapes with an unpleasant flavor that needs to be modified, normally by creative methods of blending.
-
Climate Change2 years ago
Spanish-language misinformation on renewable energy spreads online, report shows
-
Climate Change Videos2 years ago
The toxic gas flares fuelling Nigeria’s climate change – BBC News
-
Greenhouse Gases1 year ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Climate Change1 year ago嘉宾来稿：满足中国增长的用电需求 光伏加储能“比新建煤电更实惠”
-
Carbon Footprint1 year agoUS SEC’s Climate Disclosure Rules Spur Renewed Interest in Carbon Credits
-
Climate Change2 years ago
Why airlines are perfect targets for anti-greenwashing legal action
-
Climate Change Videos2 years ago
The toxic gas flares fuelling Nigeria’s climate change – BBC News
-
Climate Change2 years ago
Some firms unaware of England’s new single-use plastic ban