We use a structured process to select the report’s content. This includes contributions from non-governmental organisations, investors, media, rating agencies and public opinions as well as from teams and individuals within Shell. The information is gathered in different ways including formal meetings, workshops and online feedback. The material topics detailed here have been collated from this process.

The selected topics are relevant to the 2014 full year reporting period. The topics included in this year’s Sustainability Report were rated as a priority by one or more of the contributing groups or individuals. We have listed the selected topics in alphabetical order, rather than giving them an overall weighting; this is due to the number of contributors who participated and the different ratings that were given to the topics.

How to navigate this report

As readers have particular interests, this report can be read in sections, as articles or as a single report. We have grouped the selected topics within four sections:

• Our approach discusses Shell’s position in working towards a lower-carbon future. It includes an introduction from Ben van Beurden, Chief Executive Officer, and an introduction to Shell’s view on the energy sector. This section also defines the principles and governance structures that apply to all Shell’s employees and activities.
• How we operate details the fundamental principles that apply across our business, such as our approach to keep our people and facilities safe, to reduce our impact on the environment and to engage with communities. Our collaborations and our work with partners are also detailed here.
• Our activities reviews our key activities in 2014, including our operations in countries that were prioritised in our materiality review. It also covers developments in 2014 that can support the transition towards a lower-carbon future – this includes our work in gas, biofuels and our research on future technologies, such as hydrogen for mobility.
• Our performance covers our performance data for 2014, including revenue transparency, environmental and social data.

Further information about the materiality process can be found under “About our reporting”.