Voluntary ESG Reporting: A Competitive Edge in a Changing Regulatory Landscape
April 3, 2025
4
min read
Written by
Frøydis Eidissen
In light of the EU’s “Omnibus” proposal, which aims to simplify sustainability reporting in order to reduce the reporting burden and strengthen competitiveness of European enterprise, many companies are unsure of whether or to what degree they need to prepare for sustainability reporting. In this uncertain and still evolving landscape, voluntary sustainability reporting is once again emerging as a strategy for companies to show leadership and responsibility beyond compliance.
Before the “Omnibus” simplification proposal, the group behind the previous reporting standards in the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) - the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) - also developed the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard (VSME) for non-listed micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This standard offers a simplified framework comprising two modules: the Basic Module, which covers essential ESG disclosures, and the Comprehensive Module, providing more detailed insights for businesses aiming to meet the expectations of investors and larger partners.
The intention was to provide SMEs with guidance even though they find themselves outside the mandatory reporting scope, since they are still subject to ESG data requests from larger entities within their supply chains who are directly impacted by CSRD. Aligning with the VSME now positions both SMEs and larger companies unsure if they meet the new threshold requirements to efficiently manage the risks of regulatory changes, reduce complexity in ESG reporting, enhance transparency for investors and partners, and overall enhance business relationships.
The Imperative of Voluntary Sustainability Reporting
Voluntary sustainability reporting transcends mere compliance; it's a strategic move that positions SMEs as forward-thinking leaders in their respective industries. By adopting standardized ESG reporting, SMEs can:
Streamline Data Requests: The VSME standard replaces a multitude of disparate ESG data requests with a unified framework, simplifying the reporting process and reducing administrative burdens.
Enhance Market Access: Transparent ESG reporting opens doors to new markets and customer bases that prioritize sustainability, fostering growth and competitiveness.
Attract Investment: Investors are increasingly seeking opportunities in businesses committed to sustainable practices. Adopting the VSME standard signals a commitment to ESG principles, making SMEs more attractive to potential investors
Strengthen Stakeholder Relationships: Clear and consistent sustainability reporting builds trust with stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and the community, reinforcing a company's reputation and credibility.
Introducing Morescope's VSME Reporting Solution: Empowering Your Sustainability Journey
Recognizing the challenges SMEs face in navigating the complexities of sustainability reporting, Morescope is proud to introduce our solution for VSME reporting. Designed with the unique needs of SMEs in mind, this solution offers:
Simplified Reporting: Aligns seamlessly with EFRAG's VSME standard, ensuring that SMEs can adopt sustainability reporting without the complexity often associated with larger frameworks.
Modular Flexibility: Offers both Basic and Comprehensive modules, allowing SMEs to tailor their reporting based on their specific sustainability initiatives and stakeholder expectations. Features an intuitive design that guides users through the reporting process, making it accessible even for those new to sustainability reporting.
User-Friendly Interface: Features an intuitive design that guides users through the reporting process, making it accessible even for those new to sustainability reporting.
Intuitive Dashboard: Navigate the complexities of sustainability reporting with ease, tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement
Automated Data Integration: Seamlessly incorporate data from various sources, reducing manual effort and minimizing errors.
AI-Powered Analysis: Leverage advanced analytics to gain insights into your sustainability performance, guiding strategic decisions.
Join the Sustainability Movement with Morescope
The shift towards sustainable business practices is not just a trend; it's a movement towards a more responsible and profitable future. Morescope's VSME Reporting Solution empowers SMEs to lead this charge, offering tools and insights that drive transparency, efficiency, and growth.
Get in contact to learn more and take the first step towards transformative sustainability reporting.
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