2026 is proving an interesting year for ESG, and that is reflected in company reports. While political headwinds continue to blow, more companies are recognizing the risks and benefits sustainability poses. This is resulting in quality, fact-forward reporting, at a lower volume than we’re used to. Teneo recently released its Sixth Annual State of U.S. Sustainability Reports publication. The report offers several insights. For one, it found that only 32% of companies issued press releases announcing their reports. However, what’s really interesting is the trend of reports including more quantitative data than in years past:
“Sustainability reports are now supported by more sustainability data overall. While narratives remain an important part of reporting, companies are increasingly disclosing standalone sustainability data tables. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of companies included a sustainability data table in 2026, up from 57% in 2025. Commonly disclosed metrics included environmental data, such as greenhouse gas emissions, and metrics related to human capital management and employee health and safety. This shift has been accompanied by an increase in companies obtaining external assurance of their sustainability data.”
In addition to reporting more quantitative data, companies are also assuring this data at a higher rate, with 75% of companies obtaining external assurance. While reporting practices appear to be improving, it isn’t all good news. Teneo also found that companies are missing intermediate targets and adjusting their goals at higher rates. This is unfortunately a side effect of companies reckoning with both the physical and political realities underpinning their assumptions. Many companies committed to goals too early, and many of those goals were too ambitious. Sustainability is more “real” than it has ever been. There’s virtually no hype, no sweeping statements, and no unattainable promises to save the world in the next decade. While less attention often means less funding, it also means that the work is becoming more realistic, grounded, and useful.
Our members can learn more about sustainability reporting here.
