HERZBLUAT Management Consultancy, Marketing & Advertising Agency

HERZBLUAT

Management consultancy
Marketing consulting
Sustainability consulting

Salzburg, Austria

HERZBLUAT Management Consultancy, Marketing & Advertising Agency

HERZBLUAT
Management consultancy
Marketing consulting
Sustainability consulting

Salzburg, Austria

With the new omnibus proposal, the European Commission has adapted the requirements for sustainability reporting and the due diligence obligations of companies.
The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) are being streamlined - but not abolished!

EU omnibus proposal:

Less bureaucracy, more freedom - but is ESG reporting still worthwhile?

Smaller companies are exempt from the obligation to prepare comprehensive sustainability reports.

What does this mean for companies?

But does that mean that sustainability management is no longer relevant?

Quite the opposite!

Companies that continue to focus on ESG (environmental, social, governance) can Reduce costs, Minimise risks, Promoting innovation and Competitive advantages secure.

So why not continue to focus on transparency and sustainability - even without strict guidelines?

We show you why ESG reporting offers more opportunities than obligations.

What will change as a result of the omnibus proposal?

The main aim of the omnibus proposal is to reduce bureaucracy and reporting obligations for companies.
Smaller companies in particular are to be relieved.
But what exactly is changing?

CSRD:

Fewer reporting obligations for smaller companies

Raising the threshold values:
Only companies with more than 1,000 employees and a turnover of more than 50 million euros or a balance sheet total of more than 25 million euros must report.

Postponement of the reporting obligation:
Companies that would originally have to report from 2026 or 2027 will receive a deferral of two years.

Reduced reporting obligations:
The number of mandatory data points will be reduced and industry-specific standards will no longer apply.

VSME standard for smaller companies:
Companies that are exempt from the reporting obligation can voluntarily report in accordance with a simplified standard (VSME).

CSDDD:

Relaxation of the duty of care:

Postponement of implementation to 2028

Focus on direct suppliers:
Companies only have to take action in their entire supply chain if there are plausible indications of violations.

Longer reporting cycles:
Companies only have to review their due diligence every five years instead of annually.

National liability regulations:
The EU does not harmonise liability rules - each member state decides for itself.

EU taxonomy:

Simplification of reporting

70 % fewer reporting obligations:
Many previous data points are no longer required.

New materiality thresholds:
Only activities that account for more than 10 % of sales, investments or assets must be reported.

Why is ESG reporting still worthwhile?

For many companies, the first reaction may be: "Great, then we no longer need to worry about ESG!"
But that would be a major strategic mistake.
Companies that voluntarily engage in ESG reporting benefit considerably in the long term.

The five biggest advantages why companies should continue to rely on sustainability reports despite the simplifications:

Better risk management - recognising problems at an early stage

Sustainability reports are not mere bureaucracy, but an effective risk management tool.
They help to recognise problems at an early stage and solve them before they become crises.

Advantages:

- Early detection of environmental and social risks
- Avoidance of scandals, fines and liability cases
- Ensuring a sustainable and stable supply chain

Reducing costs through sustainability management

The economic benefits of sustainability measures continue to be underestimated.
Energy efficiency, optimised processes and a circular economy not only save CO2, but also money.

Advantages:

- Less energy and material consumption thanks to efficient processes
- Waste avoidance (disposal costs) and optimisation of supply chains
- Savings through sustainable procurement and resource conservation

Kaizen and promoting innovation - competitive advantages through ESG

Kaizen stands for continuous improvement.
Companies that see sustainability as a driver of innovation benefit from new technologies and processes.

Advantages:

- Development of new, sustainable products and services
- Improving the company's reputation and strengthening the brand
- Greater efficiency through innovative business models

ESG as a key factor for financing and investors

Banks, investors and insurance companies demand clear ESG criteria before they provide capital.
Companies without ESG transparency find it more difficult to obtain financing.

Advantages:

- Better credit conditions through a sustainable corporate strategy
- Greater attractiveness for investors and partners
- Access to funding and subsidies

VSME as an opportunity for SMEs - Why voluntary reporting makes sense

The voluntary standard VSME (Voluntary Sustainability Management and Evaluation) offers a simpler but nevertheless valuable way of integrating sustainability into the company.

Advantages:

- Credibility and transparency towards customers and investors
- Flexibility: companies can customise reports to their own needs
- Market advantage: companies with sustainability reports are favoured in tenders and by business partners

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Mr  Ms  Divers 

Sustainability remains a success factor - even without obligation!

The omnibus proposal makes things easier for many companies, but ESG reporting remains a key success factor.
Those who act with foresight save costs, reduce risks and improve their market position.

Use the transition phase to optimise your ESG strategy!
Use voluntary standards such as VSME to remain flexible!
See ESG as an opportunity - not as bureaucracy!

How do you deal with change?
Do you see ESG as an opportunity or a burden?

We look forward to working with you to shape a sustainable and successful future for your company.

You can reach us by telephone +43 664 81 97 894 or by e-mail to office@herzbluat.at.

More on the topic on HERZBLUAT:
- Why the "S" in ESG is crucial (https://www.herzbluat.at/warum-das-s-in-esg-entscheidend-ist/)

More on this topic at the EU:
- Official EU page on the CSRD: European Commission - CSRD
- Official EU page on the CSDDD: European Commission - CSDDD

Dkkfm. Gregor Wimmer, CMC
Certified management consultant
Certified sustainability expert
Marketing specialist

+43 664 81 97 894
office@herzbluat.at

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