VOLUNTARY SUSTAINABILITY REPORT

The voluntary standard for SMEs

With the increasing focus on corporate sustainability, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are also called upon to improve their sustainability reporting by adopting sustainability standards that enhance transparency on ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) aspects.

To facilitate this, the EFRAG (European Financial Reporting Advisory Group) has introduced the VSME (Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs), a framework designed to enable SMEs to report their environmental, social and governance impacts in a clear and proportionate manner.

The VSME is a structured and simplified guide to help companies comply with sustainability principles and communicate their commitment, without the complex burdens required of large companies. It is based on the use of easily applicable key indicators, enabling SMEs to improve their corporate transparency, increase stakeholder confidence and prepare for future sustainability reporting regulations.

The importance of drawing up a Voluntary Sustainability Report is confirmed by regulatory developments, in particular the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which is redefining reporting standards at European level.

Greenwich’s role in the preparation of the Voluntary Sustainability Report

Greenwich supports small and medium-sized enterprises in the preparation of the Voluntary Sustainability Report, applying the sustainability reporting guidelines of the VSME standard. Our team of ESG consultants supports companies at all stages of the process, from data collection to the drafting of the final document, ensuring compliance with international standards, clarity of content and coherence with corporate strategy. Through a customised process, we help companies to:

• Identify the most relevant ESG issues for their business;
• Measure corporate impacts in terms of sustainability;
• Make sustainability reporting accessible and structured;
• Align with international best practices, including the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI);
• Prepare for CSRD and Non-Financial Statement (DNF), to anticipate future regulatory obligations.

Even companies not subject to regulatory obligations can benefit from a Voluntary Sustainability Report, enhancing their image and strengthening stakeholder trust through a structured, clear, transparent and credible document.

Benefits of the Voluntary Sustainability Report for SMEs

• Improved sustainability management through a structured and compliant approach;
• Increased transparency towards investors, customers and partners;
• ESG benchmarking against laws, norms, codes, performance standards and best practices;
• Long-term strategic planning;
• Increased corporate reputation;
• Improved ability to demonstrate how the organisation influences and is influenced by sustainable development expectations.

Ask Greenwich for a personalised consultation on drawing up a Voluntary Sustainability Report.