How can an undertaking prepare for the approaching sustainability reporting obligations?

Sustainability reporting may be relatively new for many undertakings, and the sustainability report will become a comprehensive part of the management report. In short, it is a challenge and it takes time to get it (right). And therefore, the key advice is: start and start now. But not everything has to be done at once.

For example, one could start as follows:

Map out how your undertaking affects the environment and how the environment has an impact on the undertaking. To understand this, it is necessary that to have insight into where, what, and how the undertaking purchases and sells goods or services.
Identify which people within your undertaking are involved with (aspects of) sustainability.
Map blind spots: what do you already know (and/or measure) in the field of ESG and what topics are new to you? Who is responsible in your organization for these topics?
Learn from others. Look into ESG reports from undertakings in your industry that are already reporting on sustainability. What do they publish?
Discuss it with an advisor, or your accountant.
Join existing initiatives where undertakings can get practical tools. The sector covenants for IRBC, for example, developed various instruments and tools (in Dutch) with many examples on how undertakings are reporting. See also the SER-website (in Dutch) on the due diligence guidelines. But also, organizations such as UN Global Compact, Future Up (former MVO Nederland) or your industry association can help you further.
Reporting on sustainability indicators often requires a thorough system to collect information. Which information systems are already available within the undertaking and do these meet your reporting requirements? And what information is needed from value chain parties? It is also important to inform those parties about the impending reporting obligation.
Voluntary reporting based on the VSME provides a low-threshold starting point for sustainability reporting for undertakings that are not, or not yet, subject to the CSRD and ESRS.

More information:

Reference is also made to question 'How can an undertaking prepare for auditor assurance on the sustainability report?'.

Questions CSRD & ESRS

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Sustainability