What is the EU CSRD? The Ultimate Guide 2024 for Carbon Accounting

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is more than just a regulation; it's a pivotal part of the European Green Deal aimed at steering large companies and listed entities toward greater transparency in their social and environmental impacts. This directive mandates regular, standardized reporting on the risks companies face and the significant effects of their activities on people and the environment. This is an essential step in helping investors, civil society organizations, consumers, and other stakeholders assess corporate sustainability performance effectively.

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The CSRD aligns with the EU Green Deal's objective of achieving climate neutrality by 2050, emphasizing the role of corporate transparency in driving sustainable business practices (Lin, 2022).

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Let’s dive into Europe’s CSRD regulation.

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What is the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)?

The CSRD is an evolved regulatory framework introduced by the European Union that builds upon and supersedes the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD). Its primary aim is to enhance the quality and consistency of sustainability information disclosed by companies across the EU. This new directive will establish a standardized reporting system that ensures all relevant social and environmental metrics are transparently communicated.

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Standardized sustainability reporting under the CSRD will facilitate better comparison across companies, making it easier for investors to make informed decisions. The directive mandates that companies disclose more detailed and accurate information regarding their sustainability practices and impacts, covering a broader range of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics than ever before.

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How does CSRD work?

The CSRD requires companies to prepare a detailed sustainability report annually using the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). These reports must be electronically readable and searchable, ensuring accessibility for various stakeholders. Companies must integrate their sustainability data into their annual management report, adhering to specific criteria and guidelines set by the ESRS.

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To ensure the accuracy and reliability of the reported information, the CSRD requires independent assurance services, which will verify the sustainability reports' compliance with the ESRS. This added layer of verification aims to bolster the credibility of the disclosed information, fostering greater trust among stakeholders.

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What are the requirements of CSRD?

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The CSRD lays out specific technical criteria for sustainability reporting through the ESRS. These standards can be categorized into various sections, each focusing on different aspects of sustainability:

Cross-cutting Standards

• General requirements: This involves overall governance structures and reporting frameworks. Companies must provide comprehensive disclosures about their governance models, including the roles and responsibilities of their governing bodies regarding sustainability matters.
• General disclosures: These cover a broad range of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) topics. Companies need to present a holistic view of their sustainability performance, encompassing their policies, targets, and actions taken to address ESG issues.

Environmental Standards

• Climate Change (ESRS E1): Companies must disclose their full scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas emissions, climate-related risks, carbon pricing strategies, energy usage, and a credible transition plan aligned with the Paris Agreement. Detailed information about the company's progress towards achieving its climate goals and mitigating climate risks must also be included.
• Pollution (ESRS E2): This standard focuses on air, soil, and water pollution resulting from direct company operations and activities across the value chain. Companies need to provide metrics on pollutant emissions and their measures to prevent, mitigate, and remediate pollution.
• Water and Marine Resources (ESRS E3): Companies must disclose their water consumption, recycling practices, and impacts on marine ecosystems. They should outline their water management strategies, including efforts to reduce water usage and improve water quality.
• Biodiversity and Ecosystems (ESRS E4): Reporting requirements include the impact on natural environments and plans to address biodiversity loss. Companies must describe their initiatives to protect and restore biodiversity, as well as the outcomes of these efforts.
• Resource Use and Circular Economy (ESRS E5): This standard focuses on circular material resources and waste generated during operations. Companies should detail their resource efficiency strategies, waste management practices, and efforts to promote a circular economy.

Social Standards

• Own Workforce (ESRS S1): Companies must disclose workforce data such as employee location, gender breakdown, and compliance with child labour policies. Other relevant information includes employee training, health and safety measures, and initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion.
• Workers in Value Chain (ESRS S2): Disclosures related to policies and processes concerning upstream workers in the value chain, including human trafficking prevention. Companies should provide information on their due diligence practices and efforts to ensure fair labour practices throughout their supply chain.
• Affected Communities (ESRS S3): This standard focuses on the company's impact on communities and measures for those communities to voice concerns. Companies must describe their community engagement activities, social investment programs, and mechanisms for addressing community grievances.
• Consumers and End-Users (ESRS S4): Similar to ESRS S3 but focused on end-users' concerns. Companies should disclose information on product safety, customer satisfaction, and their efforts to address consumer feedback.

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Governance Standard

• Business Conduct (ESRS G1): Companies must disclose procedures and processes for transparency, including anti-corruption and anti-bribery measures. Other relevant information includes corporate governance structures, risk management practices, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

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When does CSRD become mandatory?

The CSRD will be enforced in phases, allowing companies to align their reporting practices with the new requirements gradually:

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• January 2024: Large EU companies with over 500 employees must begin data collection for reporting in 2025. These companies must have the necessary systems and processes to gather and disclose comprehensive sustainability information.
• January 2025: Other large EU companies must start data collection for reporting in 2026. This phase targets companies that meet two out of three criteria: more than 250 employees, over €40 million in net turnover, or more than €20 million in total assets.
• January 2026: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can begin data collection but may opt out of reporting for two years. This gives SMEs more time to prepare for the reporting requirements.
• January 2028: Non-EU parent companies with significant turnover in the EU must start data collection for reporting in 2029. This phase ensures that non-EU companies operating in the EU market also adhere to CSRD standards, promoting a level playing field.

Who needs to comply with CSRD?

The CSRD applies to a broad range of organizations, including:

• EU-based public companies (excluding micro-enterprises) and large private organizations: These companies must adhere to the CSRD's comprehensive reporting requirements, ensuring transparency and accountability in their sustainability practices.
• Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with operations or securities in Europe: SMEs are also subject to the CSRD, although they have more time to comply with the reporting requirements. This inclusion ensures that smaller companies also contribute to the EU's sustainability goals.
• Non-EU parent companies with significant turnover in the EU: These companies must comply with the CSRD, ensuring that all major players in the EU market adhere to the same sustainability standards. This requirement promotes fair competition and encourages global companies to adopt sustainable practices.

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Why should you care about CSRD?

Enforcement and Penalties

Non-compliance with the CSRD can lead to substantial penalties, including monetary fines and potential legal repercussions. For instance, in France, non-compliance could result in fines up to €75,000 and even imprisonment for corporate directors. These stringent penalties underscore the importance of adhering to the directive and the serious consequences of failing to do so. 

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The transition from voluntary to mandatory reporting under the CSRD poses challenges, including increased administrative burdens and the need for standardized reporting frameworks. However, it also presents opportunities for companies to improve their sustainability practices and align with global climate goals (Primec & Belak, 2022).

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Investor Scrutiny

Failing to comply with the CSRD can lead to increased scrutiny from investors and stakeholders, potentially resulting in divestment or other negative consequences. Investors increasingly prioritize sustainability in their decision-making processes, and companies that do not meet CSRD requirements may be viewed as high-risk or less attractive investment opportunities.

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Reputational Damage

Non-compliance can harm a company’s reputation, affecting relationships with customers, employees, and other stakeholders. In today's socially conscious market, consumers and employees are increasingly drawn to companies that are committed to sustainability. Failing to meet CSRD standards can erode trust and loyalty, potentially leading to lost business and talent.

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Economic and Environmental Benefits

The directive aims to improve the quality of sustainability reporting, leading to better strategies for reducing GHG emissions. For instance, between 2014 and 2020, large European energy companies reported significant improvements in emission reductions due to enhanced reporting practices (Voicu, 2023).

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How can Arbor help you with CSRD?

Navigating the CSRD can be challenging, but Arbor is here to assist you every step of the way. Our services are tailored to help your company meet specific CSRD requirements efficiently and effectively.

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One crucial component of the ESRS is the environmental standards, particularly ESRS E1, which focuses on climate change. Arbor provides comprehensive carbon data to meet ESRS E1 requirements. Our team of experts will work closely with your organization to gather, analyze, and report the necessary data, ensuring compliance with confidence. We offer end-to-end solutions, from data collection to report submission, which makes the process seamless and less burdensome for your team.

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Moreover, Arbor's technology platform is designed to integrate seamlessly with your existing systems, providing real-time reporting capabilities. This ensures that your sustainability data is not only accurate but also readily available for stakeholder review. By leveraging our expertise, your company can focus on implementing effective sustainability practices while we handle the intricacies of CSRD compliance.

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Arbor also provides expert support for your team, ensuring that everyone involved in sustainability reporting understands the requirements and processes. This comprehensive approach helps to build a culture of sustainability within your organization, promoting long-term success and compliance.

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Talk to Arbor’s carbon experts

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Summary

The CSRD represents a significant step in standardizing corporate sustainability reporting across the EU. It builds upon the NFRD and introduces more rigorous and comprehensive reporting standards. As the directive unfolds in phases, companies must align their reporting practices to meet the ESRS criteria effectively.

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Non-compliance with CSRD can lead to severe penalties, including fines and reputational damage. Companies must begin data collection and align their reporting strategies with the ESRS to ensure compliance. Preparing for these requirements now will position your company as a leader in sustainability, enhance your reputation, and attract investment.

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Arbor provides tailored solutions to help companies navigate the complexities of the CSRD, ensuring they meet all requirements effectively and efficiently. By leveraging Arbor’s expertise, companies can confidently tackle the challenges, meet CSRD requirements, and contribute positively to global sustainability goals.

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Take action on the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) with Arbor

Ready to ensure your company meets the CSRD requirements with confidence? Talk to our carbon experts today to discover how Arbor can help you navigate the complexities of sustainability reporting and stay ahead of the curve.