From data quality to value chain optimization: Klappir's sustainability software leads the way

For more than a decade Klappir has worked systematically to build a solid infrastructure that supports a digital ecosystem of users that support each other through the free flow of sustainability data, which will be a source of information on sustainability issues in the present and future.

By Lára Sigríður Lýðsdóttir

Klappir has been operating and developing sustainability software for the past decade. With a well-established presence and offices in Copenhagen Klappir has introduced the Sustainability Platform to Danish companies with great success. The platform supports companies and institutions to get ready for the new CSRD-directive and ESRS standards, climate accounting and sustainability reporting.

Users of the Sustainability Platform can communicate with other companies in their value chains by using for example the Supplier Assessment add-on to send out questionnaires and data requests in order to obtain a detailed overview of the sustainability performance of all stakeholders.

"We make sure that all the data that must be retained is available in one place. Sustainability managers and others who work with the data no longer have to use Excel files, collect data manually and map the use of electricity, water, heat and fuel, for example," says Isabelle Broddén, Growth specialist at Klappir.

"Klappir has been a significant part of our company's success in working with carbon accounting. Klappir has assisted and advised us right from the start of our sustainability journey, with their knowledge and expertise they have been able to supplement and substantiate with our suppliers' data, map critical areas and advise us on best practice so that we can use our sustainability data to make more sustainable decisions. Their platform is also super easy to learn to use, and Klappir has dedicatedly supported us throughout our journey in working with sustainability and carbon accounting," says Rasmus Christian Jørgensen - Innovation Manager from Symbion A/S.

New EU directive solidifies Klappir's methodology

Europe is taking the lead in the global fight against climate change and has set a big goal to become carbon neutral by 2050. To help achieve this goal, the European Commission has introduced something called the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (or CSRD for short) and the European Sustainability Reporting Standard (ESRS).

The idea behind the CSRD is to promote sustainable businesses and projects while discouraging unsustainable ones. But for this to work, there is a need for accurate information about how sustainable different companies really are. That's where the reporting standards come in, they make sure companies report the right information in the right way.

It's not just up to companies though, governments and businesses need to work together to make Europe's climate and sustainability goals a reality. That's why the CSRD is mandatory for all EU and EEA member states to follow. Over the coming years, an estimated 50,000 companies based in Europe will be subject to these rules.

Large companies will need to start reporting on their sustainability efforts by 2024, but the CSRD aims to encourage all European companies, big and small, to take part in the sustainability journey. Klappir’s Sustainability Platform provides the tools and guidance to help businesses comply with these new rules. At Klappir, we are working hard to adapt our technology and methods to the CSRD requirements, so businesses of all sizes can get on board with Europe's sustainability plans.

Special advantage to get ESRS ready

Klappir recently expanded its operations to Denmark, by establishing its subsidiary, Klappir Nordic ApS. Klappir has now gained a firm foothold in Denmark with the Sustainability Platform, helping Danish companies and organizations to manage their sustainability data and providing advisory services and support in the preparation of sustainability reports.

Isabelle believes that the Danish market has a special advantage when it comes to facing the challenges brought by new EU legislation. Suppliers, companies and governmental institutions are already digitalized and have an abundance of data available. The interest for doing better and working on sustainability is quite noticeable and growing as more and more stakeholders start to emphasize it in their daily operations.

Denmark has been working on ESG matters already for a lot of years, so the key parameters for success, knowledge, drive and data availability is there. Klappir’s task is to help companies structure data in one place which makes it easier to work with. When we translate all this available data to a language everyone understands and can use, then we see a lot of opportunities for Danish companies to become role models when it comes to sustainability in the EU. “Our customers take pride in their sustainability journeys and continue to use our Platform to build on their past success”, says Isabelle.

“Additionally, the Platform saves them costs, reduces value chain risks and creates new opportunities to reduce emissions. We support our customers in engaging more and better with their suppliers, so that they can get more accurate and transparent data, while easing the process for suppliers in providing it. Suppliers are also very willing to help and because their data is already readily available in a digital form, they can easily connect to Klappir’s APIs to utilize the data for sustainability purposes in the Platform. There is no lack of sustainability focused suppliers in Denmark, so companies have a great advantage in being able to choose more sustainable options for energy, products, modes of transportation etc. In many countries you do not have this opportunity”, says Isabelle.

Article published in Berlinske 01.05.2023

By Lára Sigríður Lýðsdóttir1 May 2023