Mastering an ESRS-aligned sustainability strategy

How can companies create value from their CSRD implementation? In this webinar, our specialists Felix and Julia dive into the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) requirements for sustainability strategies. They unpack the foundations of an impactful sustainability strategy and demonstrate a case of practical application of ESRS requirements through a business model and strategy resilience analysis.  

3 key takeaways: ESRS requirements for strategies  

1. Companies must strengthen the link between their commercial and sustainability strategy by revealing how these interact with the company’s material impacts, risks, and opportunities (IROs) and how this affects their business resilience. 
2. For material sustainability matters, companies are required to report on their policies, actions, and targets (PATs) aimed at addressing these issues. Policies must follow consistent quality criteria. Companies also have to consider how their policies contribute to the EU sustainability agenda.  Targets must be time-bound, outcome-oriented, measurable and with a clear baseline, while actions must be backed by dedicated financial resources.     
3. Companies need to quantify the financial impacts of sustainability-related risks and opportunities. CSRD comes with multiple analyses, which will strengthen the analytical baseline of strategy development.   

Impactful sustainability strategies  

Sustainability strategies can serve as a lever for creating value beyond compliance. What does that mean?  

We believe an impactful strategy…  

… articulates a compelling vision of a truly sustainable company.

… is grounded in science and internationally recognised social standards.

… is long-term focused by nature, but actionable in the short- and mid-term.

… includes quantitative and absolute targets (if possible and in line with ESRS). 

… is deeply integrated into the organisation’s commercial strategy.

… works in conjunction with commercial priorities.

… drives value creation towards key stakeholders, particularly customers.

…clearly communicates the organisation’s vision.

… summarises comprehensive plans concisely.

… aligns with the organisation’s brand and purpose.

… is structured and comprehensible by external stakeholders.

 

Watch the full webinar to dive deeper into the ESRS requirements for strategies and take part of practical ESRS application.   

 

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If you have more questions about developing future-fit sustainability strategies aligned with the ESRS requirements, reach out to our Strategy Lead: 

Felix Bärmann

 

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