Consulting in the area of ESG/sustainability
We support you with your sustainability reporting.
Our consulting services include: creating a sustainability report according to VS or CSRD standards.
With our consulting services, we support you in implementing the CSRD or the Voluntary Standard (VS) , the EU's voluntary sustainability reporting standard for SMEs. Together, we identify the relevant information and create a practical sustainability report with you that not only meets the expectations of your stakeholders but also reflects current legal developments and increasing market demands.
Our services
Kick-off & Status Quo: Clarification of report scope, project organization and next steps
Materiality analysis:
Assessment of industry-relevant impacts, risks, opportunities and stakeholder expectations (mandatory for CSRD, optional for VS)
Data collection: Collection of all report-relevant data using our data collection tool, accompanied by regular meetings.
Report creation: Transferring the data into the report template and finalizing the report.
Your benefits
Credible, transparent and stakeholder-oriented sustainability reporting
Clear guidelines and simple structures for an easy entry into sustainability reporting
Security in fulfilling future legal requirements for sustainability reporting and EmpCo requirements for environmental statements
Transparent, comparable and targeted communication with your stakeholders
Individual adaptation of report content to size, industry and company strategy
Creating a foundation to achieve continuous improvement in sustainability performance
Who is suitable for voluntary reporting according to the Voluntary Standard (VS)?
More and more customers, business partners, banks, and investors expect companies to provide transparent information about their sustainability practices. In addition, the new EmpCo guideline tightens the requirements for transparency and traceability of environmental claims. Therefore, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will also find it increasingly difficult to avoid credible sustainability reporting.
The European Commission, through the omnibus procedure and based on the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs (VSME), has adopted a new Voluntary Standard (VS) as a delegated act. This standard applies to all companies with up to 1.000 employees – regardless of whether they are listed on a stock exchange or not.
The VS offers an easy entry point into sustainability reporting and makes your activities in the areas of environment, social responsibility, and corporate governance (ESG) visible. This builds trust with your stakeholders and strengthens your company's competitiveness.
Who is required to report according to CSRD?
Since the Omnibus Regulation came into force, the obligation to report on sustainability (which still needs to be transposed into German law) applies to large companies that exceed both of the following criteria:
- more than 1.000 employees
- more than €450 million in revenue
Furthermore, companies from third countries are subject to the reporting obligation if their subsidiaries or branches in the EU generated net sales of more than €200 million in the previous financial year.
A review clause reserves the right to further expand the scope of application from 2031 onwards. The reporting obligation is postponed to the 2027 financial year. This means that the first report will be submitted in 2028 for the 2027 financial year. Transitional relief measures will apply to companies already subject to reporting requirements in the 2025/2026 financial year; however, these measures still need to be transposed into German law.
FAQs on corporate sustainability reporting
What must be included in a sustainability report?
The content of a sustainability report is determined by the requirements of the readers and a standard such as VSME, ESRS, GRI, and DNK. In any case, the sustainability report must depict the company's sustainability performance and activities as accurately as possible.
What are the benefits of sustainability reporting?
Sustainability reporting enables the company to create transparency regarding its own sustainability performance. It provides insight into the sustainability strategy and CSR goals. This allows customers, employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders of the company to access and use this information directly and without transaction costs.
What is the VSME?
The VSME (Voluntary Sustainability Standards for Micro and Small Enterprises) is a voluntary framework for sustainability reporting. It is based on established standards but is specifically tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The VSME was developed to offer these companies a practical, understandable, and resource-efficient way to report on their sustainability performance.
What is the VS?
The VS (Voluntary Standard) builds on the content of the VSME, but expands its scope and is intended to become the official, voluntary EU standard for companies that are not, or are no longer, subject to CSRD reporting requirements. Those already reporting according to the VSME will likely only need to make minor adjustments.
What legal requirements exist for sustainability reporting?
The most important legal requirement within the EU is the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). It replaces the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD).
What are the European Sustainability Reporting Standards?
The European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) are reporting standards that specify the requirements of the CSRD. They define the principles of CSRD reporting as well as the thematic content.
Who are the ESRS for?
The ESRS are mandatory for all companies that are required to report under the CSRD.
Other topics covered in our sustainability consulting
Your contact person for sustainability
Thomas Nienhaus
Frankfurt office
Phone: +49(0) 69-9593 2050
Email: thomas.nienhaus@arqum.de
Thomas Nienhaus is Head of Sustainability and is therefore responsible for the further development of our services in the area of sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – especially within the framework of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
As a senior project manager, he leads complex projects in the field of environmental, energy, and climate management. He also handles the overall coordination, planning, and execution of workshops and networking meetings, as well as advising companies, for several ÖKOPROFIT® projects.
References
Customer projects CSR / Sustainability
Energy management system according to ISO 50001
Climate and sustainability management
Climate balance
Continuing education and training
Seminars & Webinars
Current information
News CSR / Sustainability
New deadlines and alternative courses of action for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD): The EU
We Impact is an integrated sustainability management system developed by KATE e. V. with the participation of
Regulatory requirements in the area of sustainability are evolving: The EU Omnibus Procedure
Together with our project partners Institute for Ecological Economic Research (IÖW) and Fair Finance Institute
The CSRD reporting obligation is a major concern for us and our cooperation partners: We are currently conducting around 30
The Kalle Group, a manufacturing company with around 1.500 employees and locations worldwide.
Deutsche Bahn and the train drivers' union GDL are currently at odds again.
