The feasible standard for companies outside the CSRD scope
VS briefly explained
The Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard (VS) provides a practical and proportionate framework for companies outside the CSRD scope. It helps organizations respond to demands from customers, investors, and lenders for ESG data efficiently.
By establishing a value-chain cap to ensure that only standard-aligned sustainability information is requested, the VS aims at reducing redundant and inconsistent ESG questionnaires from customers and investors.
The VS plays also a key role in improving scores in ESG ratings (e.g, EcoVadis) which is critical not just for costumer perception but also for securing tenders.
By offering a single, standardized source of sustainability data, the VS enables organizations with streamlined responses and builds a strong foundation for future reporting.
Added Value
Business Benefits of the VS
Increased Transparency and Credibility
Transparent and standardized ESG reporting strengthens stakeholder trust.
Stronger Market Presence and Competitiveness
Companies benefit from increased visibility and credibility, especially in environmentally conscious markets.
Better Financing Opportunities
According to EFRAG, ESG reporting can lead to loan interest rate advantages of up to 30 basis points (“lending for sustainable investment”).
Sustainability Reporting as a Management Tool
Systematic integration of sustainability promotes sustainable strategies within the company, improves resource efficiency, and identifies risks at an early stage.
Reduced Implementation Costs
The flexibility of the standards can significantly reduce implementation costs for companies.
VS-Services
Our Services to Support Your Implementation
We take the load off your shoulders! Our specialists know what is required and guide you through every step. We help you establish a lean, focused, and practical sustainability reporting structure in compliance with the VS standard. Through targeted workshops, we share essential expertise and support the structured collection of your ESG data. Together, we build the foundation for your sustainability reporting. Need further assistance? We are here to support all your sustainability projects according to your specific needs.
- Kick-off & Roadmap: Together, we define your goals, resources, and project roadmap to set a solid foundation.
- Knowledge Transfer: Targeted workshops (E, S, G) to equip your team with essential VS expertise and collect relevant data.
- Systematic Data Collection: Guided data gathering and regular check-ins to ensure quality and progress.
- VS Compliance: Compliant structuring of your sustainability data.
- Strategic Outlook: A final technical report with actionable recommendations for your next reporting cycle.
Voluntary Standard
Structure and Key Content of the VS
VS offers two reporting modules: the Basic Module and the Comprehensive Module. They provide a proportionate approach to reporting that can be tailored to your company’s needs and stakeholder expectations.
A practical starting point for companies establishing structured sustainability reporting.
- General information on the company, sustainability practices, policies, measures and targets
- Basic reporting on environmental, social and governance metrics
Builds on the Basic Module for companies that need to provide more detailed information to customers, investors, lenders or other stakeholders.
- Detailed environmental disclosures, such as climate risks, greenhouse-gas reduction targets and voluntary Scope 3 emissions
- Additional social and governance disclosures, including gender diversity and human rights
Every Organization is unique
Which Reporting Path is Right for You?
Every organization is unique, and the ideal reporting strategy depends on your specific size, industry, goals and ambition. While voluntary reporting is an option for all, the right choice between VS and ESRS can vary significantly depending on where you currently stand.
Not sure which standard fits your company? We have summarized our recommendations to help you navigate this decision. Visit our blog post to find out which standard and which level of reportings the best strategic fit for your organization or contact us for an individual consultation.
Find the right Reporting Path
You already use EcoVadis and need a VS report?
Perfect!
We can support you in a streamlined process building on what’s already there.
VS with DFGE
Why you should contact the DFGE for VS
- Focus on the essential topics – It’s not about collecting as much sustainability data as possible, it’s about the right and important ones. Depending on your needs and goals, we help your company to operate more focused on sustainability matters that matter. The start is your double materiality analysis.
- Everything from a single source – We always take a holistic view of sustainability and accompany you on your VS journey and beyond – e.g. with Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF), Climate Transition Plan (CTP), risk and opportunity analyses, EU taxonomy or strategies, e.g. on biodiversity or circular economy.
- > 25 years of experience – Our experts support companies of all industries and sizes in the implementation of sustainability projects and reporting requirements according to internationally recognized standards such as TCFD, GRI or UNGC.
- We see ourselves as your partner – to minimize resources and effort on your side.
- We are not an advertising agency that makes your data prettier – Our roots are in research and that is how we still work today.
- Individual consulting – Our solutions are always geared towards your challenges.
FAQ | Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard (VS)
1. What is the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard (VS)?
The Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard (VS) is a voluntary sustainability reporting framework designed for companies that are not subject to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). It provides a practical and proportionate approach to collecting, managing, and communicating ESG data to customers, investors, lenders, and other stakeholders while preparing businesses for future regulatory developments.
2. Which companies should use the VS?
The VS is primarily intended for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as larger companies outside the scope of the CSRD. It is particularly suitable for organizations that need to provide standardized sustainability information to customers, financial institutions, business partners, or ESG rating providers such as EcoVadis.
3. What is the difference between the VS and the ESRS?
The VS is a voluntary and proportionate sustainability reporting standard, whereas the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) define the mandatory reporting requirements under the CSRD. Companies using the VS benefit from a more streamlined reporting process while still providing credible, standardized, and decision-useful ESG information.
4. What are the benefits of the VS?
The VS helps companies improve transparency, strengthen stakeholder trust, and provide reliable ESG information in a standardized format. It also supports better ESG ratings, enhances competitiveness, facilitates access to sustainable financing, and reduces the administrative burden of responding to multiple sustainability questionnaires through the Value Chain Cap.
