A sustainably successful business strategy is no sure thing in a dynamic environment full of uncertainties. ESG reporting provides clarity on accountability, strategy, opportunity and risk management, success factors, and goals. For more and more companies, data-driven ESG management is becoming the key to building resilient and successful business models.

Why public sustainability reporting matters—and why using recognized standards adds real value.

A well-founded sustainability report pays off in multiple ways:

• 🌿 Customer relevance Clear, credible statements on ESG topics are increasingly a must-have for both B2C and B2B clients. They save time and effort by reducing repetitive data requests and reinforce trust through transparency.
• 👥 Employer branding impact Strong and visible commitments to sustainability—backed by data and clear goals—resonate with today’s applicants and strengthen your appeal as a responsible, future-oriented employer.
• 💰 Investor and financing credibility Banks and investors actively assess ESG data to mitigate credit risk and fulfill stakeholder expectations. For many, sustainability is not just a checkbox—it’s a personal priority.
• 📈 Strategic alignment through triple bottom line thinking: Public reporting helps embed key environmental, social, and governance dimensions directly into your operational strategy. It supports progress in areas that are objectively important and economically viable.

EU VSME - standard (voluntary for SMEs, increasingly often requested by B2B clients or banks)

Advisory support through six half-day workshops following these key steps:

1. Define system boundaries for the assessment across your value chain.
   Establish the scope of data collection based on B1–B11 (VSME Basic) and, optionally, C1–C9 (VSME Comprehensive) (see also Sections 4 & 5).
   Select the most suitable data collection system (e.g., EFRAG Excel template or ESG software).

2. Conduct data collection using available actual data, calculations, and estimates — applying a pragmatic, materiality-focused approach to ensure relevance and efficiency.

3. Analyze and benchmark results against industry standards and peers to identify performance gaps and improvement areas.

4. Identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and risks, leveraging existing enterprise risk management processes where available, or establishing a dedicated assessment where needed.

5. Define key practices, guidelines, future initiatives, and strategic objectives through a strategy workshop, drawing on the strategic dimensions outlined in VSME C2 and C3.

6. Prepare the VSME report, with the option of web publication to enhance transparency and stakeholder communication.

The VSME standard has some shortcomings regarding governance, enterprise risk management and strategy information, relevant e.g. for shareholders, private or public investors and creditors. I recommend option to ad this in a pragmatic way, in a logic of IFRS S1/S2.

ISSB IFRS standard
Advisory support via the following steps

1. Define system boundaries within the company and across the value chain to establish the scope of sustainability assessment and reporting.

2. Identify material sustainability topics, including related risks and opportunities, based on:

   • Internal factors such as business segments, value creation foundations, operational priorities, as well as existing painpoints and risks.

   • External factors such as sector and economic trends, and evolving regulatory frameworks.
     The sector-specific IFRS SASB Standards serve as valuable guidance here, showing up typical areas of interest depending on market segments. In addition to the climate topic mandated under IFRS S2.

   • Opportunities for Innovation

   • Ensure adequate stakeholder engagement on material topics — either through ongoing stakeholder interactions in regular business processes or through dedicated engagement activities.

3. Derive relevant reporting data points based on IFRS S1, IFRS S2, and SASB Standards (or alternatively ESRS), and select the appropriate data collection system (e.g., Excel-based templates or ESG software).

4. Conduct data collection and analysis to generate reliable sustainability insights and performance indicators.

5. Develop the sustainability strategy, including actions, initiatives, and measurable targets that align with identified material topics and business priorities. (strategy workshops)

6. Prepare the sustainability report, tailored in form and channel according to target audiences.

   • Under IFRS / SASB, this typically takes the form of integrated reporting combined with the annual financial report.

VSME – Voluntary ESG Reporting Standard for SMEs

Designed for EU-based companies with up to 250 employees, the VSME offers a streamlined approach to sustainability reporting.

• ✅ Voluntary use The Basic Module (B1–B11) is mandatory when applying the standard, and can be extended with the Comprehensive Module (C1–C9).
• 📊 Lean structure, full flexibility The VSME is slim enough to allow easy collection of status quo data before evaluating initiatives and measures. As external consultants, we help tailor the reporting depth to your needs - and can provide expert input on selected topics to reduce effort.
• 🔗 Compatibility with CSRD/ESRS VSME content is largely aligned with CSRD/ESRS. A VSME report is often sufficient to satisfy ESG data requests from B2B clients reporting under ESRS. However, some areas - such as effects on customers and end users, and impact on social communities - are only lightly covered.
• 🧮 Reporting tools: Reports can be created using EFRAG’s Excel template, with an optional XBRL converter for digital signature and machine-readable XHTML. For environmental topics, an ESG software tool is highly recommended for efficient data handling.
• 🏢 Also useful for larger companies VSME may be suitable for larger organizations unsure about future CSRD/ESRS obligations—especially in light of potential changes under the EU Omnibus regulation.

• 💡 Simple, cost-effective entry point Developed by EFRAG on behalf of the EU, VSME is currently one of the most accessible way for SMEs to begin ESG reporting, strengthen strategic positioning, and respond to B2B client requests. 

VSME - voluntary reporting standard for SMEs

VSME can be used by for very small enterprises without huge efforts, like hier in our example XC-skiing-school.

CSRD / ESRS – Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive & European Sustainability Reporting Standards

• Starting with the 2024 reporting year, CSRD applies to many public interest entities and corporations with over 1,000 employees, €50M+ in revenue, or €25M+ in total assets. For other companies, future obligations remain unclear due to pending changes under the Omnibus Directive and incomplete national legislation (e.g. Austria).
• ⚠️ Important update: The ESRS framework is currently under revision, with a goal to reduce reporting effort by 50% by July 2025. A public feedback phase will follow until September, and Version 2 is expected to be published by end November 2025.
• 📊 Reporting process overview: An ESRS report begins with a materiality assessment, evaluating ~100 predefined ESG topics for relevance—both from an inside-out (company impact) and outside-in (external risks/opportunities) perspective. Based on this, companies define their reporting scope and required data points.
• Mandatory disclosures: ESRS 2, Optional modules: E1–E5 (Environment), S1–S4 (Social), G1 (Governance)
• Report volume: Should align with financial reporting scope
• 📝 Timing & verification: Reports are submitted alongside financial statements and must be audited. Working with advisors and ESG software tools enhances credibility and efficiency. It’s recommended to align the materiality results and reporting scope with your chosen audit firm before data collection begins.
• 🛡️ GRI compatibility: Companies currently reporting under GRI enjoy transitional protection and may reference GRI content for many topics.
• 💡 Practical advice: Start collecting complex data early - such as GHG emissions, waste/circularity, water, and social workforce metrics. For the rest of the ESRS implementation, it’s advisable to wait until July 2025 (draft V2) or spring 2026, when the revised standard and initial best practices will be available from EFRAG.

GRI - by Global Reporting Initiative

Developed in the context of the United Nations, the GRI Standard has been available for over three decades and is widely adopted by large corporations worldwide. It is continuously updated by the independent Global Reporting Initiative. Relevant topics are selected through a materiality assessment involving stakeholders—similar to ESRS. Exceptions apply for industries with existing GRI Sector Standards.

📚 Structure The GRI framework consists of:

• Universal Standards (GRI 1–3)
• Topic Standards: Governance (200 series) Environmental (300 series) Social (400 series)
• Sector-specific standards Available for selected industries, including: Oil & Gas (GRI 11), Coal (GRI 12), Agriculture, Aquaculture & Fisheries (GRI 13), Mining (GRI 14) More sector standards are in development.

🔄 Ongoing updates Since 2024, key ESG topics are being addressed in a more integrated way. These new standards replace parts of the 200–400 Topic Standards, including well-known modules like GRI 302 and GRI 305. GRI continues to evolve while maintaining compatibility with ESRS: GRI 101 Biodiversity (effective 2026), GRI 102 Climate Change (effective 2027), GRI 103 Energy (effective 2027)

GRI is not lightweight—but it is versatile, stable, and globally recognized. It offers a comprehensive framework for transparent and comparable sustainability reporting.

You can explore the full standard set on the GRI website.

ISSB IFRS - standards, by the independent International Sustainability Standards Board

• 📊 IFRS and SASB focus predominantly on the financial materiality of sustainability topics. Coupled with guidelines for financial reporting. They are used by 75% of companies in the S&P Global 1200 Index.
  For comparison: GRI primarily addresses impact materiality, referring to ecological and social effects. CSRD/ESRS combines both impact and financial materiality, offering a dual perspective.

• 🏭 Sector-specific guidance: SASB provides clear, digital tools to assess materiality by industry – helping organizations identify which ESG issues are most relevant to them. These tools are also useful when reporting under other standards. Notably, SASB covers materiality information for significantly more industries / business sectors than GRI.

• 🌐 While SASB reporting is less widely adopted globally than GRI, it is gaining traction in financial markets. With the discontinuation of sector-specific guidance under the ESRS via the Omnibus, SASB resources remain valuable for materiality assessments and broader ESG analysis.

link to IFRS and SASB Standards

SDG - compass along UN SDGs

A globally recognized guide for integrating the UN Sustainable Development Goals into business strategy

The SDG Compass is a simple yet powerful tool that helps companies understand the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), identify relevant topics, and embed them into their strategic planning.

• 📌 Five-step approach: 1. Understand - 2. Prioritize - 3. Set goals - 4. Integrate - 5. Report & communicate
• ⚠️ Note: The SDG Compass is not a reporting standard with detailed metrics or comparability for audits or client disclosures. For formal ESG reporting, it refers to frameworks like GRI, ESRS, etc.
• 💬 Communication advantage: The SDGs have been globally promoted by the UN for years and are widely recognized by the public. This makes them a highly effective tool for engaging stakeholders on sustainability topics—especially in external communication.
• However, for trade fairs, investor decisions, or formal reporting to clients and auditors, the SDG Compass does not replace a full ESG reporting standard.

SDG-compass

GSTC - Standards of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council

Tailored specifically for the tourism sector, with dedicated versions for hotels, tour operators, MICE, and tourist attractions.

• 🌍 Why it matters ESG is becoming a key competitive factor for end customers—and increasingly tied to tourism funding programs with sustainability requirements.
• 🌐 International meta-standard GSTC is a globally recognized framework that often acknowledges national standards. In some cases, national certifications are derived from GSTC criteria.
• 🔗 Direct link to SDGs and the UN 2030 Agenda GSTC aligns closely with global sustainability goals, offering a structured path for tourism businesses to contribute meaningfully.
• 🧭 What GSTC requires A systematic, auditable sustainability strategy Deep sector-specific understanding Participatory processes involving stakeholders—these require effort and dialogue
• 🤝  GSTC standards  are best suited for Tourism networks aiming for international positioning through shared sustainability standards. For local communication, national labels like Austria’s  Umweltzeichen may offer stronger visibility.

Gemeinwohlbilanz by Gemeinwohlökonomie

Widely known in Germany and Austria, the Common Good Balance Sheet (Gemeinwohlbilanz by GWÖ) helps organizations document and evaluate their societal impact across five core values:

• Human dignity

• Solidarity and justice

• Ecological sustainability

• Transparency

• Co-determination

📋 How it works The process involves a structured assessment across 20 value-based topics, resulting in a points-based evaluation. Certified Common Good consultants can support the process, which may also be externally audited and published.

🌍 Linked to the SDGs The framework includes a mapping logic to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, making it a powerful tool for sustainability communication.

💡 Strategic value The Common Good Balance Sheet is a practical instrument for engaging with sustainability, setting meaningful goals, and communicating progress. Like the SDG Compass, it is not a metrics-based reporting standard and does not replace frameworks such as GRI, VSME, or ESRS.