There’s been a lot of buzz around CSRD reporting lately, as the EU’s Omnibus Regulation reshaped both the timeline and requirements. Companies in the second wave were granted two extra years to prepare, and many are now wondering how to make the most of this time.
Is it still worth investing in reporting? In short: yes. Sustainability data is increasingly essential for business development, risk management, and meeting stakeholder expectations and demands.
However, different companies need different paths forward. Here are five common situations and our recommendations for each:
1. “Keep calm and report” – Your competitors are already reporting
If your key competitors are part of CSRD’s first wave and will report in 2025, we recommend keeping pace. The first transitional report is a critical signal to the market: you’re part of the progress, not lagging behind.
Start preparing your first ESRS-aligned report in 2025, even if it’s not perfect. It builds readiness and shows leadership.
2. Past the critical phase – Leverage reporting for business impact
If your reporting is already partially automated, your data points are in place, and the process is underway, keep going on the original schedule. Focus now on improving quality—think about how reporting can directly benefit your business operations and communications.
3. The “cherry-picking” strategists – Combine compliance with competitive edge
If you’re looking to meet stakeholder demands while developing your business, we recommend using the voluntary VSMS standard (designed for SMEs) and complementing it with the materiality analysis and SBM (Strategy and Business Model section) required by the ESRS standards.
This way, you can focus on the most relevant sustainability aspects and ensure they’re reflected at the strategic level, while already reporting some of the most commonly required sustainability data to stakeholders.
4. Strategic pause – Use the time to strengthen your foundation
If you’re not among the first to report but are facing other sector-specific regulations (like deforestation rules or construction emissions limits), use the transition period to strengthen the foundation of your sustainability work.
5. Data-driven value builders – Turn sustainability insights into impact
If reporting isn’t urgent yet but your sustainability work is underway, now is a great time to focus on enhancing and leveraging your data for business development.
Use the pause for setting strategic goals, initiating dialogue and practices with staff and value chains, or building roadmaps. When the time for reporting comes, your content will be more impactful and valuable.
Need a partner for reporting or other sustainability efforts?
We’re happy to help you find the approach that suits you best. Read more about our reporting services and get in touch!