New CSRD explainer to demystify reporting requirements

A new resource has been developed to help companies understand and comply with the EU’s recently introduced Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which mandates organisations disclose information pertaining to their social and environmental impact, including Scope 3.6 emissions from business travel.  

Created by CSRD rapporteur and member of the European Parliament Pascal Durand, together with legislation and tax specialist Lefebvre Sarrut and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the ‘CSRD Essentials’ guide is a free resource that explains reporting requirements in ‘accessible language’.

Launched on 15 May at an event at the European Parliament, the guide provides “concrete steps” for CSRD implementation, according to Durand, to help companies “build a more transparent, fairer and environmentally responsible business model”.

The guide features graphs and timelines to highlight the expanding scope of CSRD (by 2027, even small and mid-sized companies will need to comply), explains the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) upon which CSRD is based and how these relate to existing standards.

It also details the necessary reporting format, implementation procedures and penalties, including a dedicated section pertaining to SMEs. Additionally, the guide outlines how CSRD integrates with existing EU regulations, including the European Climate Law and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

Camille Sztejnhorn, ESG impact director for Lefebvre Sarrut, said the guide “builds a bridge between the ones who set the rules and the ones who’ll implement it”.

Peter Paul Van De Wijs, GRI chief policy officer, added: “CSRD Essentials serves as a one-stop-shop for navigating the challenges and opportunities of reporting under the new directive.

The free guide can be downloaded here.