At a time when sustainability is no longer a trend but a necessity, companies are faced with the challenge of meeting the requirements of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). From the 2025 financial year, the CSRD requires large companies to prepare a comprehensive sustainability report that complies with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). This report is not only an additional administrative act, but also requires the integration of a systematic sustainability management system (SMS) into the corporate strategy.
Why a sustainability coach is the key to success
The introduction of an NhMS is a complex process that requires in-depth knowledge and experience in the field of sustainability management. A sustainability coach can help you make this process efficient and effective by guiding you through the following steps:
Management engagement and delegation of a sustainability team
The journey begins with the support of senior management, who recognize the importance of a holistic approach to sustainable business. It is crucial to form an interdisciplinary team that brings competencies from different areas of the company. This encourages the development of sound sustainability goals and actions that are integrated throughout the organization.
Development of a tailor-made sustainability strategy
With the support of a sustainability coach, a kick-off workshop will be held to create a basic understanding of sustainability management. This is followed by a detailed status analysis based on scientific methods. Sustainable actions that have already been practiced are identified and areas for improvement are identified. The analysis of double materiality, which is a mandatory part of the CSRD report, forms the basis for developing a well-founded sustainability strategy with clearly defined goals and KPIs.
Implementation of the sustainability strategy
The implementation of the developed strategy requires a systematic approach. A sustainability coach can support this by helping with the preparation of your corporate carbon footprint, the development of sustainability controlling and the revision of the corporate mission statement. In addition, a comprehensive communication concept is being developed to involve internal and external stakeholders and to make the company’s successes visible.
Certification or rating
The process for creating a CSRD sustainability report is similar to that of certification. Certification according to the “ZNU Standard for Sustainable Management” or a rating such as EcoVadis can round off the effort required for the mandatory report and offer additional advantages. A sustainability coach supports the preparation and implementation of the certification to ensure that all requirements are met and that the company is perceived as a sustainable pioneer.
Result
A systematic SMS is not only a means of meeting legal requirements, but also a strategic advantage. With a sustainability coach at your side, the process for introducing an SMS is structured and targeted. This not only enables the creation of an auditable sustainability report, but also the positioning of your company as a trustworthy and responsible player in the industry.
By working with an experienced sustainability coach, you can ensure that your company meets the increasing demands and at the same time takes advantage of new opportunities to distinguish itself as a sustainable company. Let’s shape the future together – sustainably and successfully.