From a strictly legal point of view, for example, some parts of the current regulations might not yet apply to all companies. However, in their expectations regarding ethical and social issues, stakeholders, customers, and society will hardly distinguish between what is legally required and what isn’t when it comes to ESG. This means that companies should take action early to avoid unpleasant surprises later.
With numerous different issues involved, it’s easy to lose track of these. Which aspects are important? Where do I start? On the following pages, we’ll give you background information on the key areas to focus on and provide advice to help you take the right steps toward ensuring sustainability in your company. Here, you’ll also find specific solutions provided by our experts.
Would you like to know more? We’re here to assist you.
The EU taxonomy is designed to pave the way for a sustainable economy that meets the Green Deal objectives and allows for a uniform EU-wide assessment of sustainable activities. The EU requirements, which have been in force since January 2022, extend the disclosure requirements for many companies and a large proportion of financial market participants with regard to non-financial information.
The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) has been in force throughout the EU since January 5, 2023. While large, publicly traded companies have already been affected by this for some time now and were able to adopt the necessary measures, the CSRD brings major changes, especially for smaller companies, in the medium term and will massively alter the nature and scope of sustainability...
Companies face a variety of risks due to climate change – physical as well as transitory. Physical risks include, for example, more frequent extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and higher average temperatures. Transitory risks, also known as transition risks, result from the shift toward a low-carbon economy or changes in consumer behaviour. These risks make it ever more important for companies...
Sustainability aspects affect all business functions such as product development, production, financing, purchasing, and the company’s reputation as an employer. And it is not just about the implementation of regulatory requirements. Moreover, there are numerous ESG-related opportunities to strengthen a company’s future viability through strategic objectives and specific initiatives, and anticipate...
Companies will very soon have to assume far more responsibility because they are usually – consciously or unconsciously – closely linked to the causes of the wrongdoings reported worldwide. Whether below-subsistence wages, serious safety deficiencies, prohibited child labour, or inadequate environmental protection – the Supply Chain Due Diligence Act adopted in Germany in 2021 aims to address many...
Companies continuously produce data: from purchasing to production to sales, accounting, risk analyses, and customer care, companies collect and store information, thereby producing data on internal and external processes. However, for sustainability reporting and with regard to ESG evaluation criteria and classification aspects, consolidating different kinds of data of varying quality from diverse...
Since March 2021, financial market participants and financial advisors have been obliged by the new Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) to provide pre-contractual information and ongoing disclosures to end-investors in regularly issued reports and on websites.
Whether as part of an M&A process or financing, buyers and investors nowadays are not just analysing the normal financial risks and returns, but also increasingly scrutinising the possible negative consequences that can result from corporate activities in the areas of environment, social, and governance (ESG). It is therefore prudent for companies to identify hidden opportunities and risks early on...
Transparent climate change reporting is essential these days for businesses wanting to maintain their competitive edge. Investors are increasingly demanding the information needed to compare and evaluate climate-related risks and opportunities among companies. Implementing the TCFD recommendations helps companies demonstrate a sense of responsibility and vision – which can pay off in the long term....
Preparations for the Supply Chain Act (officially: Act on Corporate Due Diligence Obligations in Supply Chains), the CSRD, and EU taxonomy place a significant resource burden on many companies. Especially affected are those that just recently became subject to the reporting requirements. Not only do these companies need to acquire the necessary expertise in sustainability management and reporting,...
Climate crisis, pollution, social injustice, and human rights violations – there are many critical issues worldwide. The new legislation reflects the entire world’s increased interest in these issues, bolstering hopes that a solution will soon be found to alleviate these crises and threats. Companies, as integral part of the society, will have to fulfil both stricter legal criteria and increased social...
The complex issue of blockchain often arises when planning a state-of-the-art electronic data processing system. With regard to ESG and new regulatory requirements, companies now face numerous challenges, such as the Supply Chain Due Diligence act, in their efforts to address the myriad information obligations and the needs of their stakeholders. Creating a blockchain can make this easier.
Many corporate IT systems are currently faced with the transformation to green computing or sustainable IT. This includes developing and deploying more resource-efficient and environmentally friendly IT systems, solutions, and IT governance structures. The ongoing digital transformation of operating and business models, compliance with regulatory requirements, and the optimisation of one's own processes...
Durch eine Vielzahl an neuen Regularien in verschiedenen Ländern hat das Thema Nachhaltigkeit deutlich an Aufmerksamkeit gewonnen. Besonders die EU verfolgt das Ziel, Finanzmittel für die notwendige Transformation in Richtung einer nachhaltigen Wirtschaft zu mobilisieren und umzulenken.
Die Aspekte Environment, Social und Governance – zusammengefasst im Kürzel „ESG“ – rücken in der Finanzwirtschaft immer stärker in den Fokus. Denn wie sicher Investitionen sind, hängt zunehmend davon ab, wie nachhaltig Unternehmen handeln und damit die Erwartungen und Vorgaben von Politik und Konsument*innen erfüllen. Entsprechend lenken Finanzmarktakteure, wie z. B. Kreditinstitute, Versicherungen...
29.06.2022 – Der EU-Rat und das Europäische Parlament erzielten am 21. Juni 2022 eine vorläufige politische Einigung zur Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). Je nach Größe und Rechtsform haben die Unternehmen durch den neuen Zeitplan etwas Zeit gewonnen. Die Umsetzung der Richtlinie sollte trotzdem bereits vorbereitet werden.
Financial institutions increasingly recognise that climate change and other environmental, social and corporate governance risks jeopardise the world’s economy and financial system.
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