What is the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)?

What is the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)?

With the introduction of the new European sustainability reporting directive, most companies are now required to contribute to a more sustainable economy and society. Going forward, businesses will be mandated to disclose information about their social and environmental footprint.

Replacing the previous Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD), this new directive is set to be phased in from 2025 to 2028. It applies to both public and private entities, and the previously applicable threshold of over 500 employees no longer holds. Sustainability reporting is now elevated to equal standing with financial reporting, emphasizing its increased importance.

When will your company be affected by the CSRD?

Reporting mandatory from 01.01.2025 if you meet two out of the following three criteria:

  • 250 Employee
  • 20 Mil. EUR Total Assets
  • 40 Mil. EUR Revenue

Reporting mandatory from 01.01.2026 if you meet two out of the following three criteria:

  • 10 Employees
  • 350 K EUR Total Assets
  • 700 K EUR Revenue

Reporting mandatory for Non-EU companies from 01.01.2028 if you meet the following criteria:

  • One or more subsidiaries or branches in the EU
  • 150 Mil. EUR group sales in the EU

Sustainability reporting contents must be accessible, searchable
and in a digital, machine-readable format.

CSRD Requirements & Deadlines: What to Consider In Advance

Implementing the new EU directive within the mandated timeframe requires careful scheduling.
It is important to familiarize oneself with the needs in advance in order effectively plan a practical solution.

To Include in Your Plan

Your company is required to submit an annual audited management report, incorporating new key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with the EU taxonomy. These indicators encompass data on CO2 savings, energy consumption, and recycling rates, alongside standard metrics like sales, investment costs, and operating costs, demonstrating your commitment to sustainable activities.

Deadlines

The current EU reporting requirement obligate many companies to submit first time CSRD reporting in 2025 for the year 2024 (!). This means that all data necessary for CSRD reporting must be measurable and accessible in an adapted data infrastructure as early as 2024: reliable, digital and timely.

Multiple File Formats

Generating legally compliant CSRD reporting differs significantly from reporting financial data. In the realm of non-financial data, such as CSRD, one navigates through distinct data sources and formats. This necessitates the identification and extraction of data from diverse sources, including data silos. The process involves summarizing and analyzing the required information, culminating in the presentation of structured and verifiable data within the CSRD report.

Correct Strategy

Given the limited timeframe, it is imperative to swiftly devise and implement an effective strategy. This involves establishing a robust process, adapting the IT infrastructure (utilizing suitable data management solutions and software), and implementing automated processes for dependable data collection and analysis.

Don’t waste any time! Start now to prepare for the new CSRD reporting!
We are here to help.

Essential Steps Towards Compliance

Reflect on these ten points when planning the implementation of your new CSRD reporting:

IT Steps for CSRD Reporting

Don’t waste time.

Create a solid basis for CSRD reporting with data integration and management!