Are Your Sustainability Claims Backed by Biodiversity Data?

With pressure from external stakeholders, businesses are becoming increasingly vocal about their sustainability commitments. Sustainability reports are now commonplace, driven by growing stakeholder expectations for corporate environmental responsibility. But beneath the buzzwords and glossy images of animals, a critical question lingers, are these sustainability claims truly robust, and are they adequately underpinned by science-backed biodiversity data?

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Sustainability reports often focus heavily on carbon emissions, waste reduction, and energy efficiency, which are all crucial elements. Yet, the intricate web of life, the biodiversity that underpins our ecosystems and economies, frequently receives less attention.

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Companies might share intentions to reduce their environmental footprint, but can they articulate their impacts and dependancies on biodiversity? And do they understand how their operations affect habitat health, species abundance, and overall ecological integrity?

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Biodiversity Blind Spots in Sustainability Claims

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Many common sustainability claims, while well-intentioned, can be amiss when it comes to biodiversity, for example:

• "We are committed to minimising our environmental impact." This is a broad statement. What specific metrics are being used to measure this impact on biodiversity? Does the metric relate to land use or water consumption as rough estimates of biodiversity impact? Or does it actually measure the impact on individual species? Using tools like the Ecosystem Intactness Index, Habitat Change metrics, and the Biodiversity Intactness Index will help you measure your biodiversity impacts, support your environmental claims, and guide the development of a more nature-positive strategy.
• "We are implementing responsible sourcing practices." Does this extend to understanding the biodiversity impacts within the supply chain, such as deforestation linked to raw materials or the effects of agricultural practices on local ecosystems? Assessing and understanding what’s happening at each stage of your supply change will help back up these claims with real data and avoid greenwashing.
• "We are dedicated to protecting the natural environment." What tangible actions are being taken to achieve this protection? Are these actions monitored and evaluated using biodiversity indicators? Having a biodiversity action plan can help formalise your understanding and create a roadmap for nature positive actions.

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Without integrating concrete biodiversity data, these claims risk being perceived as greenwashing. Stakeholders, including investors, customers, employees, regulators, governments are increasingly challenging these claims, wanting greater transparency and accountability regarding nature-related impacts.

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Biodiversity Claims: Moving Beyond Generalisations

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When companies do address biodiversity directly, claims can often be vague:

• "We support conservation efforts." What is the measurable impact of this support? What are the efforts? And how are they contributing to tangible biodiversity protection? A general donation to a conservation organisation, while helpful, lacks the specific data needed to understand its direct ecological outcome.
• "We aim to avoid harm to sensitive ecosystems." How do you define and identify "sensitive ecosystems"? What data is used to monitor and verify that harm is being avoided? Without baseline biodiversity data such as Ecosystem Intactness Index and ongoing monitoring, it's impossible to definitively claim that harm is being avoided.

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In many cases, sustainability statements blur the line between regulatory requirements and voluntary ESG action. For example, companies in sectors like mining often highlight efforts to avoid sensitive ecosystems or support conservation. In reality, these actions are frequently mandated under environmental law, such as the requirement to implement biodiversity offsets. When legal compliance is presented as a discretionary ESG initiative, it can mislead stakeholders and overstate the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

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The Power of Biodiversity Data in Building Trust

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Companies need a framework for verifying their impact and backing up their claims, which is why easy to understand biodiversity data from platforms such as Xylo Systems is essential.

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Science-led biodiversity data goes beyond strengthening sustainability claims, it fosters trust with stakeholders, demonstrates leadership, and inspires action. By using accurate, location-specific biodiversity insights, companies can:

• Establish credible baselines of ecosystem condition and species diversity.
• Identify biodiversity hotspots and areas of ecological risk.
• Monitor changes over time to validate the success of nature-positive actions.
• Align with global frameworks such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), Science Based Targets for Nature (SBTN), and the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).

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By integrating biodiversity assessments into decision-making, businesses gain a clearer understanding of their nature-related risks and opportunities.

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Xylo Systems: A Science-Backed Partner for True Biodiversity Action

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Xylo Systems offers a faster, smarter way to measure and manage biodiversity impact. Our AI-powered platform aggregates global biodiversity datasets, identifies impact hotspots, and generates actionable recommendations, all in just 30 minutes.

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We support companies in going beyond surface-level reporting. Whether it’s tracking habitat quality, identifying threatened species on project sites, or crafting science-backed nature-positive recommendations, we help transform data into meaningful, measurable outcomes.

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Beyond the Platform

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Beyond the Xylo Systems platform, there are additional ways to deepen your understanding of biodiversity impacts and strengthen your approach to making credible biodiversity claims:

1. Commit to the TNFD Framework: Join other leading businesses by aligning with the TNFD. The TNFD provides structured guidance on how to assess, report, and act on nature-related risks and opportunities.‍
2. Undertake a Biodiversity Materiality Assessment: Understand which aspects of biodiversity are most relevant to your business model, stakeholders, and supply chain. This helps prioritise areas for data collection and action.‍
3. Build Internal Biodiversity Capability: Work with sustainability and procurement teams to understand the importance of biodiversity data and develop nature-positive action plans.‍
4. Communicate Transparently and Often: Use sustainability reports to share both successes and challenges in biodiversity performance. Stakeholders value honesty and a roadmap for improvement.

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Sustainability reporting is evolving and biodiversity can no longer be a missing piece. If your organisation is committed to creating a more sustainable planet and a more resilient business model, then science-backed biodiversity data must form the foundation of your sustainability claims.

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By understanding your impacts on biodiversity today, businesses not only safeguard their reputation, they contribute meaningfully to reversing nature loss and building a more resilient future.

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At Xylo Systems, we’re proud to help companies make this shift, quickly, confidently, and with impact. Book a demo with us today.