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 non-listed SMEs report on their ESG impacts even if it’s not mandatory under the CSRD?

Because voluntary reporting helps build trust with banks, investors, and supply chain partners who increasingly require ESG data as can be seen via recent trends in the corporate sector. It also prepares SMEs for future regulations and strengthens their reputation and resilience. For more information, kindly watch our recent webinar on reporting for SMEs.

2. What is the EFRAG (European Financial Reporting Advisory Group) VSME (Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed Small & Medium Enterprises) guidance and who is it for?

It’s a voluntary reporting tool designed for very small, small, and medium-sized enterprises. It helps SMEs communicate key sustainability information in a proportionate way that meets stakeholder expectations without heavy reporting burdens. Read more about the VSME standard here.

3. Can the recently published VSME standard by EFRAG help SMEs prepare for future CSRD alignment?

Yes, EFRAG’s VSME standard provides a simplified and scalable framework that reflects the structure of CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) reporting but with fewer data points. It serves as a practical starting point for SMEs to build internal capacity and progressively align with emerging EU sustainability standards. The standard includes two key modules that Forum Ethibel can support 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 under the CSRD implementation, where large companies must report on their full value chain impacts. This means SMEs will be asked to share ESG data as result of a trickle-down effect, even if they are not directly in scope of the CSRD themselves.

5. How can early ESG reporting benefit SME competitiveness and funding opportunities?

An SME demonstrating sustainability performance can open doors to green financing, green grants, and public procurement opportunities. It also improves market positioning as ESG considerations grow in importance across sectors. Not forgetting the positive image it can give an SME among its consumers and investors as well.

6. The Omnibus Regulation delays CSRD obligations for some companies, so does this mean SMEs should wait before reporting?

Not necessarily, while the Omnibus Regulation gives some companies more time, it doesn’t change the direction of EU policy. Which is still aimed at helping companies become more sustainable and transparent. Forum Ethibel firmly believes that for SMEs, starting with voluntary sustainability reporting now, is a a strong strategic move. It helps SMEs future-proof their business, meet increasing stakeholder expectations, and create long-term value. Get in contact with us today and we can help you to get on board with sustainability reporting!