Double materiality and SWOT analysis: a practical framework for environmental impact and sustainability assessment

Double materiality is becoming a necessity in sustainability reporting, as it is essential for aligning organisational strategies with ESG priorities. This study proposes a framework to embed SWOT analysis within sustainability reporting, focusing on double materiality. By positioning SWOT as a bridge, the framework enables a holistic evaluation of internal capabilities and external ESG-related risks and opportunities. It encourages periodic updates to question sets, supporting an evolving, stakeholder-inclusive process aligned with annual reporting cycles. This approach offers organisations a practical reference to develop transparent, credible, and adaptable sustainability disclosures, reinforcing their strategic decision-making and compliance with increasingly complex reporting standards.