CSRD - ESG Reporting the Next Generation

Entering a new era of sustainability reporting

Content:

Introduction
CSRD: New shores in sight
Regulatory navigation aids: A closer look at the regulations
First steps in unfamiliar territory
With Warp-5 through sustainability reporting - a step-by-step guide
The never-ending journey to a sustainable future

This is an exciting, cross-cutting journey into the depths of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Imagine launching into the uncharted waters of sustainability reporting. Like a bold space mission to unknown galaxies, the introduction of the CSRD is a leap into a new dimension of corporate responsibility and transparency.

It marks the beginning of an era in which many companies will leave their mark not only on Earth, but also in the cosmos of EU regulation. Explore the orbits of the CSRD and understand how companies can navigate these new stars.

CSRD: New shores in sight

The CSRD is like discovering a new world in a distant solar system. As of 2023, large companies that employ more than 500 people or exceed certain financial thresholds will have to comply with the CSRD. These companies will be required to report transparently on their environmental and social impacts, as well as their business models and sustainability risk management strategies. This is akin to mapping a new sustainable business world where every detail counts. The current reporting requirements are staggered: companies subject to the NFRD - the Non-Financial Reporting Directive, which will come into force in 2017 - will be required to include the information required by the CSRD in their annual report for the financial year 2024. For companies that are not yet required to disclose non-financial information, the relevant milestone is the 2025 financial year.

But the CSRD is more than a regulation; it is an opportunity to redefine the role of business in society. By transparently reporting on sustainability practices, companies can not only comply with legal requirements, but also build stakeholder trust and improve their market position.

Regulatory navigation aids: A closer look at the regulations

For this journey, you need experienced guidance, which in this case is provided by the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). These standards are your navigation tool through the complexities of sustainability reporting. They provide a detailed framework for what needs to be reported and ensure that your journey is in line with EU requirements.

The ESRS cover a wide range of topics - from environmental issues, such as climate change and resource use, to social issues, such as employee rights and diversity.

Each aspect is a separate planet in the CSRD galaxy to be explored and understood. The ESRS are divided into the main areas of Environmental, Social & Governance - and these are subdivided into ten further areas, accompanied by two cross-cutting requirement catalogs. At the maximum level, we are talking about more than 1,000 data points that need to be considered. This research is conducted from two perspectives: The impact of the company on the outside (inside-out) and the impact of the outside on the company (outside-in), technically known as double materiality analysis.

First steps in unfamiliar territory

Reporting for CSRD is like stepping on an unknown celestial body. Companies must integrate their sustainability reporting as part of their annual management report. This process is similar to collecting and analyzing samples on the surface of a new planet to understand its nature and potential. The ESRS catalog is an aid in this process, but each company must determine the specific design and effectiveness for itself.

In addition to reporting on the status quo, companies must also report on their sustainability strategies, policies and performance. This includes describing measures to reduce environmental impacts, promote social responsibility and ensure good corporate governance.

The challenge is not only to collect and report this information, but also to present it in a way that is understandable and appealing to stakeholders, to include good process documentation for the auditor, and to regularly review the whole process of CSRD reporting as a "living" artifact in the sense of continuous review and improvement.

With Warp-5 through sustainability reporting - a step-by-step guide

Research and Analysis: Begin with a comprehensive review of CSRD requirements. Research which ESRS standards are relevant to your company and how you can integrate them into your reporting. This phase includes materiality analysis, stakeholder engagement, and defining a sustainability strategy.
Data collection: Like a scientist on a research mission, collect data on your ESG practices. Use advanced IT systems, such as ID-Report, as your tools to gather accurate and comprehensive information. Keep in mind that the known world (i.e., your existing IT systems) contains only a small fraction of the information you need. A good two-thirds of the information you ultimately need lies in the unknown.
Integration and Synthesis: Integrate sustainability reporting with your business processes. It is like synthesizing different research findings into a coherent whole that provides a complete picture of your company in terms of sustainability. In particular, process-based integration into existing management or annual reporting requires your full attention.
Reporting: Follow the ESRS guidance and use the tools provided by the European Commission or bodies such as EFRAG. But also use your creativity in writing your report. Tell the story of your company and its sustainability efforts in a way that is informative, engaging and inspiring, and combine this with the hard facts - sustainable storytelling.
Publication and Communication: After your auditors have reviewed your report, it's time to publish it. This is the moment to share your discoveries and successes with the world and show how your organization is contributing to a more sustainable future. Be mindful of existing reporting periods, and involve your auditor early in the process to avoid unwanted obstacles to completing the process.

The never-ending journey to a sustainable future

Sustainability is not a destination, it is an ongoing process. And the journey through the CSRD universe is an ongoing mission that challenges companies to constantly re-evaluate and adapt their role in creating a more sustainable future. This journey is full of challenges, learning opportunities and opportunities to establish themselves as sustainability leaders. With each step along the way, companies strengthen their sustainability performance and contribute to a better world. The CSRD is more than a guideline; it is a compass that will guide us to a better, more sustainable future. But as in any adventure, there are obstacles to overcome: the complexity of the ESRS and the identification of appropriate solutions and measures to achieve the goals we have set. Amid this, other challenges are emerging, such as the CSDDD - the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive - which requires companies to respect human rights and the environment in global value chains. And finally, the Green Claims Directive, which sets clear limits on greenwashing. But perhaps more on that in a later episode.