Content and structure

• As an integrated report, the BASF Report also serves as progress report with regard to U.N. Global Compact
• Sustainability reporting follows Global Reporting Initiative’s G4 “comprehensive” international guidelines

The BASF Report combines the major financial and non-financial information necessary to thoroughly evaluate our performance. We select the report’s topics based on the principles of materiality, sustainability context, completeness, balance, and stakeholder inclusion. In addition to our integrated report, we publish further information online. Links to this supplementary information are provided in each chapter.

Our reporting on sustainability issues has been aligned with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework since 2003. In the BASF Report 2015, our sustainability reporting follows the GRI’s G4 “comprehensive” international guidelines. We served as a pilot enterprise in the development of the framework for integrated reporting of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC). Following this pilot phase, we have been active in the IR Business Network since 2014 in order to discuss our experience with other stakeholders and at the same time receive inspiration for enhancing our reporting. This report addresses elements of the IIRC framework by, for example, illustrating connections between nonfinancial and financial performance in the chapters for the segments.

The information in the BASF Report 2015 also serves as a progress report on BASF’s implementation of the ten principles of the United Nations Global Compact and takes into consideration the Blueprint for Corporate Sustainability Leadership of the Global Compact LEAD platform.

The GRI and Global Compact Index can be found in the online report, providing information on GRI indicators, topics relevant to the Global Compact principles, and the auditor’s report of KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft.

Requirements and topics

• Financial reporting according to International Financial Reporting Standards, German Commercial Code and German Accounting Standards
• Sustainability reporting focused on material topics

The information on the financial position and performance of the BASF Group is based on the requirements of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and, where applicable, the German Commercial Code as well as the German Accounting Standards (GAS). Internal control mechanisms ensure the reliability of the information presented in this report. BASF’s management confirmed the effectiveness of the internal control measures and compliance with the regulations for financial reporting.

The results of the materiality analysis and the material topics derived from them – such as energy and climate, water, resources and ecosystems, responsible production, and employment and employability – define our report and provide its focus.