STAMFORD, Conn., May. 04 - Framework:CR, a leading sustainability strategy and communications consultancy, has published the findings of new research on the use - and disregard - of materiality analysis by companies recognized as sustainability leaders.

As detailed in a five-part blog series on the firm's website, Framework:CR examined the sustainability reports of Corporate Responsibility magazine's "100 Best Corporate Citizens" of 2010. They found that less than 50 percent of the companies conducted a materiality analysis, and only half of those used the results to shape their sustainability reports. Fewer than one in ten companies that conducted materiality analyses aligned their 10K financial disclosures with identified material issues. Full results can be downloaded at Framework:CR.

"Corporations large and small are beginning to view a broad range of environmental, social, and governance issues as business imperatives," said Aleksandra Dobkowski-Joy, principal at Framework:CR. "Yet many recognized sustainability leaders have yet to take advantage of materiality analysis to prioritize their issues and identify those most important to their business success. As such, they are overlooking a significant opportunity to chart a more viable path to a sustainable business future."

Added Framework:CR founder and CEO Kathee Rebernak, "Materiality has long been a key component of companies' financial disclosures. Investors have generally broadened their concept of what's material, and many companies are seeking ways to meet their growing information needs. Materiality analysis can play an important role in not only reporting, which places performance in the broader societal context, but also in strategic planning."

Webcast to present research results and conclusions

Framework:CR announced that it will host a free webcast, "Materiality Analysis: A Path to Strategic Sustainability," on Thursday, May 19, 2011 from 12-1pm EST. There, Ms. Dobkowski-Joy will present and lead a discussion of the background, rationale, and results of the research. Ms. Rebernak will also speak on the implications for companies wishing to move toward integrated financial and sustainability reporting.

The webcast is open to all and will interest executives and managers with oversight for sustainability, corporate responsibility, reporting, and communications as well as those responsible for enterprise risk management, stakeholder engagement, investor relations, and reputation and brand management.

Please click here to register for the webcast.