March 12, 2008 - Chemical giant BASF has changed its reporting structure "to meet growing demands to integrate sustainability reporting with financial reporting." Its latest annual report, released today, focuses on the company's financial, environmental, and social performance in 2007.

Unfortunately, the numbers themselves are underwhelming. While BASF reduced water emissions of nitrogen (11.7%) and heavy metals (2.9%), greenhouse gas emissions increased 10% last year. Overall, the company's investment in environmental protection was down 11.2% in 2007.

BASF is clearly aiming for greater transparency, however. This year's report features more robust online component, which enables users to generate their own reports based on particular areas of interest. In November, BASF earned top honors for its online sustainability reporting from Dutch web consultancy Jungle Rating.

View the company's "Report 2007" here.