The assessment began by compiling a list of ESG topics that were identified from a range of key stakeholders, including investors, clients, industry peers, ESG frameworks and rating organizations. Topics included each of the GRI Standards Topics, the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the SASB Advertising & Marketing Sustainability Accounting Standard Topics, and other ESG topics important to investors and other key stakeholders. For material ESG topics identified that did not map directly to a GRI Standards Topic, an additional “Non-GRI Material Topic” was added to the materiality analysis. This initial step produced a list of over 40 topics of interest to different groups of stakeholders.

To evaluate which of these issues were material and where our company has an impact, we conducted a deeper analysis starting with an assessment of our industry peers and clients with high ESG ratings, and institutional investors. We reviewed these identified stakeholders’ strategic selection of material ESG topics for inclusion in their ESG disclosures, rating methodologies, investment decision-making, goal-setting and strategy.