Data for sustainability and SDG indicators

First define what falls within the measurement: organisation, sites, activities, value-chain elements and reporting period. An energy figure, for example, may rely on invoices, meters or an estimate; each method has assumptions and boundaries. Record units, estimation methods, missing periods and coverage changes so comparisons do not claim more than the data supports.

Make definitions concrete by recording the owner, source, measurement point, exclusions and useful breakdowns. A term such as “active” or “available” often needs a sector-specific agreement. Also note missing data and any provisional interpretation. Teams can then check a figure before linking it to a decision.

Keep source data, calculations, assumptions and reported indicators traceable. Assign ownership for definitions and changes, retain support for estimates, and record the period and coverage. Avoid presenting incomparable totals—for example, a changed organisational boundary—as an improvement in performance.

Connect only data needed for the agreed question. Record source, refresh frequency, transformations and limitations. Check for missing values, duplicate records, unexpected shifts and changes to source fields. When data is not comparable, show that distinction rather than silently averaging it away.

A useful first step is to choose a limited set of material questions, inventory sources and boundaries, and reconstruct one indicator with its owners. Discuss assumptions and uncertainty before figures appear in a dashboard or external communication. This supports internal understanding of data; it is not legal advice, a compliance assessment or assurance of sustainability claims.

A focused first step is often to choose one question, inventory relevant sources and definitions, check a small dataset and validate findings with users. Decide in advance who owns the work and which decision the result should support. Only then select a reporting format or further automation.