What is CSRD - Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive

CSRD is an EU directive which will replace and build on the NFRD in order to encourage more companies to disclose detailed and extended sustainability reports.

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The main objectives and goals of the CSRD are:

• Transparency: To enhance the clarity and consistency of sustainability information provided by companies, making it easier for investors, stakeholders, and the public to understand and assess a company's sustainability performance.
• Standardization: To establish a unified standard for sustainability reporting across companies, ensuring that the disclosed information is comparable and consistent.
• Accountability: To hold companies accountable for their sustainability actions and impacts, encouraging them to adopt more responsible and sustainable business practices.
• Informed Decision-making: To provide stakeholders, especially investors, with the necessary information to make informed decisions based on a company's sustainability performance and risks.

By achieving these goals, the CSRD aims to promote a more sustainable corporate environment and foster trust between companies and their stakeholders.

Key Features of CSRD

Scope: Which companies are affected?

The CSRD primarily targets large companies that are publicly listed within the European Union. This includes large financial and non-financial corporations. However, the directive also extends to certain medium-sized companies, depending on their public interest score, which is determined by factors like the number of employees and net turnover.

Reporting Requirements: What information needs to be disclosed?

Companies under the CSRD are required to disclose a wide range of sustainability-related information, including:

• Environmental impacts, such as carbon emissions, water usage, and waste management.
• Social and employee-related matters, like health and safety, diversity, and equal opportunities.
• Respect for human rights, including measures taken to prevent human rights violations.
• Anti-corruption and bribery issues.
• Any other material sustainability risks and opportunities relevant to the company's operations.

Understanding how to comply with the CSRD and its detailed reporting requirements is essential for businesses aiming to maintain transparency and accountability in their sustainability practices.

Frequency of Reporting

Companies are required to report on their sustainability performance annually. This report should be included in their annual management report, ensuring that sustainability considerations are integrated into the company's overall strategic outlook.

CSRD With Other Reporting Standards

Integration with Other Reporting Standards and Frameworks:

The CSRD acknowledges the existence of various global sustainability reporting standards and frameworks. While it establishes its own set of reporting criteria, it also aims to align with and build upon internationally recognized standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB).

This approach is intended to reduce the reporting burden on companies and ensure that the information disclosed is relevant and comparable across different jurisdictions and sectors.

Implementation and Compliance

Steps Companies Need to Take to Comply with CSRD

1. Awareness and Training: Begin with educating the management and relevant teams about the CSRD requirements and its implications.
2. Assessment: Evaluate current sustainability reporting practices to identify gaps in compliance with CSRD.
3. Data Collection: Establish mechanisms to collect accurate and verifiable sustainability data in line with CSRD requirements.
4. Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with internal and external stakeholders to understand their expectations and gather feedback on sustainability reporting.
5. Drafting and Review: Prepare the sustainability report in accordance with CSRD guidelines and have it reviewed internally for accuracy and completeness.
6. Third-party Verification: Consider obtaining external verification to enhance the credibility of the report.
7. Publication: Publish the sustainability report as part of the annual report or on the company's official website.
8. Continuous Monitoring and Updates: Regularly monitor changes or updates to the CSRD and adjust reporting practices accordingly.

Potential Penalties for Non-compliance

Companies failing to adhere to the CSRD may face monetary fines imposed by regulatory authorities. Beyond financial penalties, non-compliance can damage a company's reputation, leading to diminished stakeholder trust. Persistent violations might also result in legal actions or operational restrictions, limiting market access.

How Klappir Can Help Companies Stay Compliant with CSRD

In the dynamic world of sustainability reporting, Klappir's Sustainability Platform stands out as a comprehensive solution tailored to assist companies in navigating the complexities of CSRD compliance.

• Complete Solution: Klappir offers an all-encompassing platform for sustainability work, integrating data collection, asset management, analytics, and reporting.
• Streamlined Processes: The platform consolidates tools and data into a single digital interface, minimizing the need for multiple point solutions and cumbersome spreadsheets.
• Global Standards Alignment: Designed to align with international standards, Klappir ensures that sustainability statements meet CSRD and ESRS requirements.
• Real-time Insights: Klappir transforms raw data into actionable insights, providing companies with a real-time overview of their environmental footprint.
• Compliance Assurance: Tailored to meet the stringent requirements of CSRD and ESRS, Klappir's platform facilitates seamless compliance and sustainability reporting.

Embracing Klappir's innovative platform not only ensures CSRD compliance but also positions companies at the forefront of sustainable business practices.