Future security and competitive advantages through ESG reporting
Every company that wants to position itself sustainably and competitively for the future must face up to the growing responsibility for environmental and social compatibility. On the one hand, this is becoming increasingly important due to public perception, and on the other hand, it is important to keep an eye on the legal and regulatory requirements relating to ESG (Environment, Social & Governance).
Regardless of the size of the company, customers, business partners, investors and employees expect the company management to act sustainably and the products and services to fulfil ESG criteria. If a company wants to survive on the market in the long term, there is no way around an ESG-compliant orientation of the corporate organisation and strategy.
For which companies is ESG mandatory?
With the introduction of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), sustainability reporting will already be mandatory from 2024, graded according to company size:
- From 2024: Capital market-oriented companies with more than 500 employees that are already obliged to report non-financially.
- From 2025: Companies with more than 250 employees, a balance sheet total of more than 20 million euros and a turnover of more than 40 million euros, which are not yet obliged to non-financial reporting.
- From 2026: Listed small and medium-sized enterprises, small credit institutions and captive insurance companies.
They must integrate sustainability into their strategic orientation and business model, meet high regulatory requirements and report transparently on their sustainability using ESG criteria.
In addition, there is an obligation to have the content of the sustainability report audited by an auditor, certified public accountant or audit service provider.
IMPORTANT: Violations of the sustainability reporting obligation are sanctioned. There is a risk of public announcements of violations and fines.
Why should all companies engage with ESG?
Although they are not yet subject to formal ESG commitments, forward-thinking companies are already stepping up their ESG activities as they look at the full value chain:
- A large international company committed to ESG reporting will ask its suppliers about the maturity of their ESG efforts. These suppliers, in turn, may demand the same level of ESG efforts and reporting from their own suppliers, down to the smallest companies in the supply chain.
- Companies are increasingly being asked about their ESG policies by business partners, investors, banks or other stakeholders.
- Without ESG reporting, access to capital and insurance can be completely denied or at least more expensive, as financial institutions and insurance companies are required to assess potential sustainability risks.
- Under the EU Green Deal, public procurement will be linked to sustainability reporting.
Therefore, even smaller companies should be prepared to pursue sound ESG policies in the near future.
My recommendation
ESG is now mandatory for large companies. Strictly speaking, however, ESG is a decisive factor for the future of ALL companies, as they are part of a value chain.
I therefore recommend to understand the topic of sustainability and ESG as an opportunity and to establish it in the company at an early stage.
Does ESG also offer opportunities?
In the meantime, ESG has developed from a pure compliance and reporting topic to a central success factor for the future viability, competitiveness and growth of companies.
For companies that are not yet subject to specific ESG requirements and are early adopters of ESG criteria, this can offer the opportunity to position themselves as market leaders and gain or at least protect market share. Sustainability is also an important aspect for employee recruitment.
By implementing an ESG strategy, companies not only make an important contribution to the environment and society, but also save energy and resources through appropriate measures.
ACCONSIS as a pioneer
We also consistently follow this path ourselves and can, for example, prove the CO2 emissions per consulting hour on the basis of our certified ecological footprint!
Our consulting focus
Thanks to our interdisciplinary expertise in auditing, legal and tax advice as well as corporate and financial consulting, we have a holistic view of current developments and requirements.
Our experts are at your side to advise you on all steps of your individual ESG strategy – from introduction to implementation to auditing.
- “Health Check: How is your company positioned on ESG and sustainability reporting?
- Conception of sustainability reporting: definition of objectives; selection of the appropriate framework.
- Advice on reporting: data collection/ monitoring; software selection and implementation; reporting
- Advice on funding opportunities for sustainability investments and corresponding measures
- Review of voluntary sustainability reports
Are you afraid of the complexity and the effort?
You can rely on our experts. They will show you the way through the complex requirements, focusing on the areas you really need to cover..
Your ACCONSIS contact person:
Diplom-Kauffrau
Kerstin Weidenbach-Koschnike
Auditing, Tax consultant
Managing Director of ACCONSIS
Service-Phone
+49 89 547143
or by e-mail
k.Weidenbach-Koschnike@acconsis.de