ADCONIA: The CSRD was introduced as one of the most important regulatory measures for sustainability reporting in Europe. Now the EU’s omnibus package is bringing about far-reaching changes. Is the issue of sustainability reporting for SMEs now off the table?

Rainer den Ouden, ADCONTERRA: Not at all! There have been some adjustments that reduce the workload for companies, in particular by raising the relevant thresholds to over 1,000 employees and introducing simplified standards for SMEs. However, ESG and sustainability reporting remain key issues – not only from a regulatory perspective, but also for economic and strategic reasons.

ADCONIA: Why should companies that are no longer subject to CSRD continue to engage with ESG and sustainability?

Rainer den Ouden: The pressure is no longer just coming from legislation. Large companies must continue to report on their sustainability performance – and this applies to the entire value chain. Suppliers who are unable to provide ESG data risk being excluded from certain supply chains in the long term. Banks, investors and customers also increasingly expect transparency when it comes to sustainability. Medium-sized companies in particular can gain a long-term market advantage here.

ADCONIA: Critics argue that the EU’s new omnibus adjustments will reduce the workload for SMEs and that it could therefore make sense to reduce investments in sustainability. Is that a risk?

Rainer den Ouden: Absolutely. Those who only focus on short-term relief now and view sustainability as a cost factor will have disadvantages in the long term. Sustainability is a competitive factor. Companies that are already taking a structured and strategic approach to ESG issues have a clear head start. The market for sustainable financing is growing rapidly – banks are increasingly offering better conditions to companies with ESG strategies. Companies with sustainability reports also have stronger negotiating positions in the supply chain and are favoured as suppliers.

ADCONIA: What does this mean in concrete terms for companies that have been involved in implementing the CSRD to date? What next steps make sense?

Rainer den Ouden: Companies should not lose the momentum. Instead of putting everything on hold, now is the time to review their ESG strategy and develop it further in a targeted way. The two years gained through the omnibus shift offer an opportunity to utilise sustainability not just as an obligation, but as a strategic advantage. Our advice is to optimise processes, improve data quality and establish ESG reporting as an integral part of the corporate strategy.

ADCONIA: What role does voluntary ESG reporting play for SMEs?

Rainer den Ouden: A very important one. Even if there is no legal obligation, voluntary sustainability reporting can bring many advantages. Companies that record and actively communicate ESG data have better opportunities in terms of financing, partnerships and employer branding. With the new VSME standards (Voluntary SME Standard), there is also an easier way for SMEs to record their ESG performance in a structured way without having to dive into complex regulations.

ADCONIA: What would you specifically recommend to SMEs?

Rainer den Ouden: View sustainability not as a burden, but as an opportunity. The Voluntary SME Standards (VSME) are a voluntary reporting standard for small and medium-sized enterprises that are not covered by the new CSRD provisions and can be applied if the CSRD reporting limits are not exceeded. Companies should therefore adapt their strategy instead of stopping the entire process. This includes a proper materiality analysis, clear objectives and efficient data collection. Not taking action now can mean losing touch with market requirements in the long term. Those who think strategically will utilise sustainability as a competitive advantage.

ADCONIA: Thank you very much for the interview, Rainer!