More and more companies face increasing demands to demonstrate how they work with sustainability. But many lack a tool that fits their size and circumstances. VSME is a voluntary reporting standard for small and medium-sized enterprises that want to create structure, increase transparency, and strengthen their business.
What is VSME?
VSME stands for Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs and is developed by EFRAG, the European organization responsible for sustainability standards. VSME is a voluntary framework that helps companies report on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues in a clear, comparable, and reasonable way. It is specifically designed for small and medium-sized enterprises and creates a clear structure for communicating the company’s sustainability work.
Why you should choose VSME
VSME is not a legal requirement but a powerful tool for creating order, demonstrating responsibility, and building business value.
With VSME, your company can:
- Establish a foundation for further development
- Share sustainability information in a structured way with customers, financiers, and other stakeholders
- Create increased understanding of your most important risks and opportunities
- Build credibility and strengthen relationships
- Create internal alignment around your sustainability work
- Contribute to the EU’s overall sustainability goals and support the transition
How is VSME structured?
VSME is structured according to the ESG framework and consists of two modules:
Basic Module – Minimum level for sustainability reporting
This module contains 11 key indicators covering general information, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. No materiality analysis is required here; if a disclosure is not relevant to the company, it is sufficient to state this.
Comprehensive Module – For companies with higher ambitions
This module contains an additional 9 indicators and approaches the principle of double materiality, although no formal analysis is required. Here, there is an increased focus on reporting strategy, climate targets, risk management, and social factors.
Companies that choose the Comprehensive Module must also report according to the Basic Module.
Is VSME right for us?
Ask yourselves the following questions to determine if and how you should use VSME:
- Do we want to demonstrate our sustainability work in a credible way?
- Do our customers request sustainability data?
- Do we lack a clear structure for what we already do?
- Do we need a framework that can grow with us?
If the answer is yes, then VSME is a good path to start on.
We help you create a VSME report
We offer different levels of support, depending on whether you want to do the work yourself or together with us.
1. Report Template
A practical template with clear structure, key performance indicator tables, and guiding questions. You get everything you need to produce a sustainability report according to VSME.
Suitable for you who want to do the work on your own, but with a clear framework to follow.
2. Complete Report
We create the report together with you – from identifying what you already do, to selecting the module, content, structure, and finished text. If you also want a graphically designed version, we create a clear and visually appealing design according to your brand guidelines.
Suitable for you who want a professional report that reflects your work and brand.
Are you curious about VSME or our report template?
Get in touch and we’ll have an initial conversation. We’ll listen to your needs, discuss what you want to achieve, and help you consider which next step is right for you.