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Report Creation Guide

Create professional ESG reports that meet global standards and stakeholder expectations.

Overview​

EXO.G's report editor helps you create clear ESG reports. This guide covers:

  • Report structure and templates
  • Using the editor
  • Adding data and charts
  • Generating reports
Report editor

Report Types​

Annual Sustainability Report​

Comprehensive annual disclosure covering:

  • Executive summary
  • Material topics
  • Performance data
  • Targets and progress
  • Governance structure
  • Stakeholder engagement

GRI Report​

Following GRI Standards structure:

  • General Disclosures (GRI 2)
  • Material Topics (GRI 3)
  • Topic-Specific Standards (GRI 200, 300, 400)
  • Topic-specific disclosures

ESRS Report​

For EU CSRD compliance:

  • Double materiality assessment
  • ESRS disclosures (E, S, G)
  • Data tables
  • Forward-looking information

TCFD Report​

Climate-focused disclosure:

  • Governance
  • Strategy
  • Risk Management
  • Metrics and Targets

Custom Reports​

Create your own structure:

  • Board reports
  • Investor presentations
  • Quarterly updates
  • Topic-specific deep dives

Getting Started with Reports​

Step 1: Choose Template​

  1. Go to Reports in your project
  2. Click "New Report"
  3. Select template:
    • GRI Standards
    • ESRS
    • TCFD
    • Custom
    • Blank
  4. Click "Create Report"

Step 2: Configure Report​

Set basic details:

  • Report title (e.g., "2024 Sustainability Report")
  • Reporting period (auto-filled from project)
  • Standards (can select multiple)
  • Language (English, Portuguese, etc.)
  • Publication date

Step 3: Build Structure​

Using templates:

  • Pre-populated section structure
  • Edit section titles
  • Add/remove sections as needed
  • Reorder by drag-and-drop

Starting from scratch:

  • Click "Add Section"
  • Choose section type (text, data, chart, table)
  • Name your section
  • Build progressively

Using the WYSIWYG Editor​

Text Editing​

Formatting:

  • Bold, italic, underline
  • Headings (H1, H2, H3)
  • Bullet lists and numbered lists
  • Quotes and callouts
  • Links and footnotes

Styling:

  • Font size and color
  • Text alignment
  • Line spacing
  • Indentation

Adding Elements​

Data References:

  • Insert data points from Core
  • Auto-update when data changes
  • Format numbers and units
  • Add trend indicators

Charts and Graphs:

  • Line charts (trends)
  • Bar charts (comparisons)
  • Pie charts (proportions)
  • Tables (detailed data)
  • Linked to your data

Images:

  • Upload photos
  • Add diagrams
  • Insert logos
  • Resize and position

Custom Components:

  • Materiality matrix
  • Value chain diagram
  • Risk heat map
  • Target progress tracker

Working with Data​

Insert Data Points​

  1. Place cursor where you want data
  2. Click "Insert" → "Data Point"
  3. Select indicator (e.g., "Total GHG Emissions")
  4. Choose format:
    • Number only
    • Number with unit
    • Change from previous year
    • Trend indicator
  5. Data auto-updates if source changes

Add Charts​

  1. Click "Insert" → "Chart"
  2. Select chart type
  3. Choose data source:
    • Single indicator over time
    • Multiple indicators comparison
    • Category breakdown
  4. Customize:
    • Colors and style
    • Labels and legends
    • Axis ranges
  5. Chart updates automatically

Create Tables​

  1. Click "Insert" → "Table"
  2. Select template or custom
  3. Define columns:
    • Indicator name
    • Units
    • Values by year
    • Targets
    • Notes
  4. Link to data sources
  5. Format styling

Report Sections​

Essential Sections​

Executive Summary:

  • Key highlights
  • Major achievements
  • Challenges faced
  • Future commitments
  • Leadership message

About Our Organization:

  • Company profile
  • Business model
  • Products/services
  • Geographic presence
  • Organizational structure

Materiality Assessment:

  • Process description
  • Stakeholders engaged
  • Material topics identified
  • Prioritization matrix
  • Topic definitions

Performance Data:

  • Environmental metrics
  • Social indicators
  • Governance data
  • Year-over-year trends
  • Target progress

Governance & Strategy:

  • Board oversight
  • Management approach
  • Policies and commitments
  • Risk management
  • Future strategy

Stakeholder Engagement:

  • Stakeholder identification
  • Engagement methods
  • Key concerns
  • How we responded
  • Ongoing dialogue

Value Chain:

  • Supply chain overview
  • Supplier engagement
  • Value chain impacts
  • Collaboration initiatives

Assurance Statement (if applicable):

  • Scope of assurance
  • Assurance provider
  • Statement from auditor
  • Limitations

Collaboration Features​

Multi-User Editing​

  • Multiple people can work simultaneously
  • See who's online
  • Real-time updates
  • Section-level locking to prevent conflicts

Comments & Feedback​

  • Add comments to any section
  • @mention team members
  • Thread discussions
  • Resolve when addressed

Approval Workflow​

  1. Author completes section
  2. Mark as "Ready for Review"
  3. Reviewer provides feedback
  4. Author addresses comments
  5. Final approval
  6. Lock section

Version Control​

  • Save draft versions
  • Name versions (e.g., "Draft 1", "Board Review")
  • Compare versions
  • Restore previous version if needed

Quality Checklist​

Before publishing, verify:

Completeness​

  • All required sections included
  • Data points up-to-date
  • Charts displaying correctly
  • Images loading properly
  • Links working

Accuracy​

  • Data matches source
  • Calculations correct
  • Units consistent
  • Trends accurate
  • No typos

Compliance​

  • Follows selected standard(s)
  • Required disclosures present
  • Materiality explained
  • Forward-looking statements appropriate
  • Legal review completed (if required)

Presentation​

  • Formatting consistent
  • Charts readable
  • Images high quality
  • Table of contents accurate
  • Page numbers correct

Export & publishing​

Export to Canva (available today)​

Export report to Canva
  • Send your report content to Canva.
  • Use Canva to design the final layout and visuals.
Coming soon Additional export formats (for example, direct PDF export

from EXO.G) are planned for future versions of the platform. :::

Best Practices​

Start Early​

  • Begin report structure early in period
  • Update sections throughout the year
  • Don't wait until deadline
  • Build progressively

Focus on Narrative​

  • Data tells "what"
  • Narrative explains "why" and "so what"
  • Connect to strategy
  • Show progress and challenges

Make it Visual​

  • Use charts over tables where possible
  • Include photos of initiatives
  • Add infographics for key stats
  • Break up text with visuals

Tell a Story​

  • Logical flow from section to section
  • Connect material topics to performance
  • Explain context and actions
  • Show improvement over time

Be Transparent​

  • Acknowledge challenges
  • Explain gaps or missing data
  • Discuss targets not met
  • Show commitment to improvement

Tips for Different Standards​

GRI Focus​

  • Topic-by-topic structure
  • Management approach for each topic
  • Quantitative and qualitative disclosures
  • Stakeholder engagement prominent

ESRS Focus​

  • Double materiality central
  • Data tables prominent
  • Forward-looking information
  • Value chain coverage essential

TCFD Focus​

  • Climate scenario analysis
  • Financial implications
  • Governance oversight
  • Metrics and targets clear

Common Questions​

Can I use multiple templates?​

Yes! You can start with one template and add sections from others. Mix and match based on your needs.

How do I ensure data stays current?​

Data linked to Core auto-updates. Charts refresh automatically. Just keep your Core data current.

Can I customize the template?​

Absolutely! Add, remove, or reorder sections. Change colors and fonts. Make it match your brand.

What if I need to translate the report?​

Create language versions. Most content can be copied and translated. Data auto-displays in localized format.

How do I handle confidential information?​

Use access controls to limit who sees drafts. Redact sensitive info before publishing. Create internal vs. external versions.

Next Steps​

Need Help?​