ESG? We take of it.
FAQs und unser Wissen rund um die Nachhaltigkeit.
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about ESG.DNA, our services, and our approach.
What is the EU Omnibus Initiative and why is it relevant for your company?
The EU Omnibus Initiative is a package of proposals from the European Commission aimed at adjusting several ESG regulations, including the CSRD. For many SMEs, this could mean no longer being legally required to report on ESG — but at the same time, increasing demands from banks, customers, and supply chain partners who still expect ESG data.
Which companies are still affected by the CSRD under the Omnibus Initiative?
Due to the proposed adjustments to the CSRD size criteria (with a likely threshold of 1,000 employees), fewer SMEs would be directly subject to reporting requirements in the future. However, indirect obligations remain — for example, through ESG data requests from large corporate clients or financial partners.
What is the VSME Standard?
VSME (Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed SMEs) is a voluntary reporting standard for SMEs, developed by EFRAG in collaboration with stakeholders. It is based on the ESRS but is significantly simpler to apply — offering a structured and credible approach to ESG reporting without being legally required.
Why should companies report voluntarily under the VSME if they are no longer subject to the CSRD?
Even without a legal reporting obligation, banks, customers, insurers, and investors are increasingly expecting ESG transparency. The VSME helps you meet these expectations efficiently and in a standardized way — without excessive bureaucracy. It strengthens your competitiveness, access to financing, and overall credibility.
Welche Vorteile bietet die ESG-Berichterstattung nach VSME konkret?
- Improved market opportunities with ESG-focused clients
- Access to sustainable financing and better loan terms
- Strukturiertes und systematisches Nachhaltigkeitsmanagement within the company
- Avoidance of individual questionnaires from customers or banks through the “Value Chain Cap”
- Early risk detection and targeted control of measures
Is the VSME future-proof and internationally recognised?
Yes. The VSME is aligned with the official ESRS and supported by the European Commission. It offers a compatible solution for companies looking to prepare for future regulatory developments or the requirements of their business partners.
Wie kann ESG.DNA mein Unternehmen bei der VSME-Berichterstattung unterstützen?
Mit ESG Starboard VSME bieten wir eine digitale Lösung, die Sie durch den gesamten VSME-Standard führt – inklusive Wesentlichkeitsanalyse, Textbausteinen, KI-Hilfen und Exportfunktion für den ESG-Bericht. Unsere Expert:innen begleiten Sie auf Wunsch persönlich.
How long does it take to prepare a VSME report?
Depending on the availability of data and internal resources, the initial report can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Based on our experience, subsequent reports are typically completed much faster. With the Starboard digital tools and our expert support, you can save significant time compared to conventional consulting services.
What does it cost to prepare a VSME report with ESG.DNA?
Our pricing model is tailored to the specific needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. We would be happy to provide detailed information and a personalised offer in a one-on-one consultation.
Ist eine VSME-Berichterstattung auch für Leasinggesellschaften oder Finanzdienstleister relevant?
Yes. Institutions that rely on refinancing are under increasing pressure from their banks to provide robust ESG data. Our ESG Starboard Leasing solution offers a structured and efficient approach to ESG reporting and climate accounting – even for industries that are not typically production-based.
Ist die Starboard ESG - Lösung durch Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaften anerkannt?
Ja, es wurde mit einer Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft gemeinsam entwickelt.
Where is company data stored, and how is data access secured?
The solution is hosted in the Microsoft Azure Cloud, which meets the highest security standards and is fully compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This ensures that companies benefit from a reliable, secure, and legally compliant platform for their sustainability reporting. A cloud-based solution within the EU offers flexibility, scalability, global accessibility, and reduced IT costs. Companies can access their data and generate reports at any time, regardless of location.
The software is regularly updated and maintained to ensure the highest standards of security and performance.
Lassen sich auch Organisationsstrukturen abbilden?
Yes. ESG.DNA Starboard supports the mapping of complex corporate structures, including subsidiaries, branches, and locations. These structures are accurately reflected in the resulting sustainability report, ensuring transparency and consistency across the organisation.
Can the solution be used by teams?
Yes. The software includes collaborative features that enhance communication and coordination within the organisation. It allows an unlimited number of users to be added, enabling teams to work together efficiently. Additionally, it supports dedicated access for auditors, ensuring secure data access, transparent collaboration, and a smooth audit process.
Does the solution use AI features?
Yes, artificial intelligence helps analyse data more quickly and accurately. AI is particularly used to support the double materiality analysis and the creation of the sustainability report, making these processes significantly more efficient.
Was ist die doppelte Wesentlichkeitsanalyse und warum ist diese wichtig?
The double materiality analysis evaluates both the impact of sustainability topics on the company (“financial materiality”) and the company’s impact on the environment and people (“impact materiality”). It takes into account both financial and non-financial aspects of sustainability and plays a key role in identifying and assessing a company’s individual sustainability topics.
How intuitive is the tool to use?
The digital solution features a user-friendly interface, step-by-step guidance to help users reach the required results, and a wide range of helpful explanations and tips throughout the process.
Is the number of users limited?
No, Starboard ESG allows an unlimited number of users to be added—without affecting licensing costs, as is often the case with other software products. This gives companies the freedom to assemble a dedicated sustainability team that can work collaboratively within the Starboard platform.
The solution includes a user and permissions management system, enabling administrators to easily and transparently set up and manage access.
Muss das Unternehmen zwingend eine Doppelte Wesentlichkeitsanalyse durchführen, wenn es nur gemäß VSME berichten möchte?
No, it is not mandatory. The ESG Starboard VSME solution includes the double materiality analysis as an optional feature. While it offers significant added value for preparing the sustainability report, it is entirely up to each company whether or not to make use of this option.
Start your ESG self-assessment now
Find out in just a few minutes where you stand in terms of sustainability management and start
your ESG journey today.
Getting started with ESG can be this easy.
ESG often seems complicated and overwhelming. Our ESG self-assessment provides clarity: with just a few intuitive questions, we determine your ESG status and provide a clear overview where your company stands and how it can move forward.
No clear starting point?
Our barometer shows you at a glance where your company currently stands.
Missing ESG-Know-how?
Each question is formulated in a clear and understandable way—no expert knowledge required.
Time-consuming?
The assessment takes just a few minutes instead of time-consuming research on your part.
Resource constraints?
Der Check funktioniert ohne internes Experten-Team oder zusätzliche Tools
Regulatory complexity?
Das ESG Self-Assessment zeigt, welche ESG-Themen für Ihr Unternehmen wichtig sind
