Sustainability Reporting

Why Report?

Big changes are on the horizon for the corporate sector, particularly with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). In 2025, large and listed companies will begin launching their first CSRD reports, marking a significant shift in transparency and accountability. By 2026 and 2027, listed SMEs and other companies within the scope of CSRD will also need to comply

While non-listed SMEs are not yet legally obligated to report, they will soon face growing pressure from stakeholders — such as value chains, investors, and customers — to demonstrate their sustainability efforts through reporting.

At Forum Ethibel, we are here to support you through this reporting journey, guiding your company every step of the way!

Who Do We Want to Help?

With sustainability gaining prominence in business practices, and stakeholders becoming more demanding, now is the perfect time to ensure your company is ready for the future:

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Many SMEs struggle with where to begin their sustainability journey. This can range from creating a sustainability strategy to identifying what matters most in terms of their environmental and societal impact.

Social Organisations & NGOs: Although not legally required to report, these entities often wish to amplify their impact and boost transparency by adopting voluntary sustainability reporting practices that strengthen their trust with stakeholders.

Our Proposition

We provide tailored solutions to guide your sustainability reporting journey:

Tailored ESG Strategy: We’ll design a strategy specific to your company’s context, industry, and needs.

Collaborative Approach: We’ll work with a team of experienced sustainable communication professionals to craft a powerful and engaging narrative about your company’s sustainability efforts and reporting journey.

Expert Guidance on Reporting: We help you understand What to Report and How to Report, ensuring compliance with current and upcoming regulations.

Affordable Pricing for SMEs and NGOs: We offer reduced rates to SMEs, social organisations, and NGOs eager to begin their sustainability reporting journey.

Long-term Support: Once you’ve completed your first report with our assistance, you’ll have the tools and knowledge to continue independently in future years, without relying on external help.

Frequently asked questions

1. Why should we report our ESG impacts if the CSRD doesn’t apply to us?

Voluntary reporting strengthens your reputation and builds trust with banks, investors, and supply chain partners. Recent corporate trends show that these actors increasingly require ESG data. Starting to report your impact today also means you’ll be ready for future regulations. For more info, watch our recent webinar on reporting for SMEs.

2. What is EFRAG’s VSME Standard and who is it for?

The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group’s Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard is a voluntary reporting tool designed for non-listed very small, small, and medium-sized enterprises. It helps your business communicate key sustainability information in a way that meets stakeholder expectations but isn't extremely complex or burdensome. Read more about the VSME Standard here.

3. Can the VSME Standard help us prepare for future CSRD-alignment?

Yes, it can. VSME Standard reporting is similar to CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) reporting, only with fewer data points. This makes the VSME Standard a practical starting point for SMEs to build internal capacity and progressively align with emerging EU sustainability standards. The VSME Standard includes two key modules that we can help your SME in aligning with to report on your ESG impacts. Reach out to our Research Officer Huma Khan today to learn more!

4. Will larger companies expect SMEs in their value chain to provide ESG data?

Yes, this is something we can clearly observe now that the CSRD is being implemented: large companies have to report on the impact of their entire value chain. This means SMEs will be asked to share ESG data, even if the CSRD does not directly apply to you.

5. Does early ESG reporting have any benefits for SMEs?

Reporting on your sustainability performance can open doors to green financing, green grants, and public procurement opportunities. It also makes you more competitive, as ESG is becoming ever more important in many sectors. It can also bolster your reputation among consumers and investors.

6. The Omnibus Regulation means some companies are exempt from CSRD requirements for now. Does this mean we should wait before reporting?

Not necessarily. While the Omnibus Regulation gives some companies more time, it doesn’t change EU policy, which still prioritises greater sustainability and transparency. We firmly believe that starting with voluntary reporting now is a wise strategic move. It will help you future-proof your business, meet growing stakeholder expectations, and add long-term value. Get in touch with us today, so we can get you set up!