How do you determine the Data Collection Period for your Sustainability Report?

Determining the data collection period for your sustainability report can be tricky—there are a lot of factors to consider! But don’t worry, we’re here to help!
In this article, we’ll discuss some important things to keep in mind when determining your data collection period, as well as some tips on how to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible.
Let’s get started!

What is a reporting period? or how do we create the collection period for your sustainability report.

A reporting period is the time frame over which you collect data, analyze it, and release a final report. It can be any length of time, but it’s important to choose a period that is representative of your organization’s performance.
What is a data collection period?
A data collection period is the time frame during which you actually collect data. This should be aligned with your reporting period so that you have a complete picture of your organization’s performance.
What factors dictate your data collection period?
There are a ton of factors to consider when determining your data collection period. Below, we’ve outlined nine guiding questions to help you find the perfect data collection period for your organization:
1) What type of data do you need?
Not all data is created equal! Some types of data are more important than others, and some can be more difficult to collect. When deciding on your data collection period, make sure to take into account the types of data that are most important to your report.
2) How much time do you have to collect data?
The amount of time you have to collect data will dictate the length of your data collection period. If you only have a few weeks to collect data, your reporting period will be shorter than if you have several months.
3) What is the data availability?
Not all data is available at all times. For example, emissions data may not be available until after the end of the reporting period. Make sure to factor in data availability when determining your reporting period.
4) What is the nature of your business?
Your business activities may vary from month to month or year to year, so it’s important to choose a data collection period that is representative of your organization’s normal performance.
5) What is your reporting cycle?
Reporting cycles can vary from organization to organization, but they typically fall into one of two categories: annual or quarterly. Annual reports are released once a year, while quarterly reports are released every three months.
Your data collection period should align with the timing of your report. If you are issuing a report every quarter, you’ll need to collect data every quarter. If you are issuing a report every year, you’ll need to collect data over the past year.
6) What is your data availability?
Not all data is available immediately! In some cases, you may need to wait several months before you have all the information you need for your report. Be sure to take this into account when choosing your data collection period.
7) How much time do you have to prepare your report?
Once you’ve collected all the data, it’s important to give yourself enough time to analyze it and write a final report. This can take anywhere from several weeks to several months, so be sure to factor that into your timeline.
8) What is the purpose of your report?
The purpose of your sustainability report will dictate the data you need to collect. For example, if you are reporting on greenhouse gas emissions, you’ll need data from the past year or more. If you are reporting on water usage, you may only need data from the past month or quarter.
9) What is the scope of your report?
The scope of your report also dictates the data you need to collect. If you are reporting on organizational-wide performance, you’ll need data from all of your operations. If you are reporting on a specific project, you’ll only need data from that project.
How can you stick to your data collection period?
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you’re ready to determine your data collection period! Here are a few tips to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible:
Create a data collection timeline
When determining your data collection period, it’s helpful to create a timeline that outlines when specific data will be collected and analyzed. This will help ensure that everything is collected in a timely manner and that there is enough time for analysis.
Set expectations with stakeholders
Your data collection period will likely impact your stakeholders in some way. It’s important to communicate with them about what to expect and when they can expect results. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that there is no confusion.
Use a data management tool
A data management tool can help you track and organize your data, making the data collection process much smoother. This will save you time and hassle in the long run.

If you’re looking for tool recommendations, you’re in the right place! Here are a few of our favorite data management tools:
● Panoply
● SAP Data Management
● Dell Boomi
Use a project management tool
Similarly, a project management tool can help you track and manage your data collection process. This will help ensure that all deadlines are met and that everyone is on the same page. There are tons of amazing project management tools available, including:

● Trello
● ClickUp
● Asana
How can you make sure data collection goes smoothly?
All of these factors should be considered when determining the data collection period for your sustainability report. However, there is no one-size-fits-all answer—every organization will have its own unique set of circumstances.
If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Talk to your team and stakeholders to get their input on the data collection process.
2. Establish a timeline for the data collection process and make sure everyone is aware of it.
3. Use existing data wherever possible to save time and effort.
4. Make use of online tools and resources to help with data compilation and analysis.
5. Be prepared to modify your data collection period as needed based on new information or changes in circumstances.
By following these tips, you can ensure that the data collection period for your sustainability report is as smooth and efficient as possible.

Bottom Line
Determining the data collection period for your sustainability report can be tricky, but it’s important to choose a time frame that is long enough to gather accurate and comprehensive data. In this article, we’ve discussed some things to keep in mind when determining your data collection period, as well as some tips on how to make the process as smooth and efficient as possible. By following these tips, you can ensure that your data collection process runs smoothly and efficiently.
If you’re still not sure where to start, or if you need more assistance with the data collection process, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to help!
Thank you for reading!