CSRD readiness study: 75% of leaders see sustainability data as a competitive edge

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is driving the transformation towards more sustainable business models. But how prepared are businesses for the new regulations? And what lies ahead? Our study uncovers the answers and illustrates how sustainability data can be a catalyst for business benefits across industries.

Explore the study's key insights here
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The CSRD represents a fundamental shift in sustainability reporting for organisations across Europe. With deadlines rapidly approaching, businesses must act now to ensure compliance with the new regulation.

Our study evaluates the readiness of companies for CSRD compliance, provides insights into the current market landscape, identifies areas for improvement, and highlights opportunities to generate tangible benefits through the strategic use of sustainability data.

About the study

Our CSRD Readiness Assessment survey is conducted in close cooperation with Zühlke Group and FS Partners, under the academic guidance of EPFL/UNIL/IMD and HWZ University of Applied Sciences in Zurich, and bespoke contributions by BDO and Arbeitgeber Zürich VZH. The most well-represented industries include manufacturing, technology and engineering, and consulting with 66% of participants holding top management positions.

Key findings of the study

Companies are generally on a good stage

70% of participating organisations are rated as being at a fair or good stage of CSRD readiness.

Recognition of the competitive edge of sustainability data

3 out of 4 companies believe that leveraging sustainability data will provide a competitive edge. 90% of participants agree that technology can significantly enhance data management.

Increase of brand reputation and risk & performance

The top perceived benefits, the participants mention in our study, are connected to brand reputation and risk & performance.

Four areas with potential for improvement

The study clearly identifies four areas with huge potential for improvement:
- Stakeholder communication management
- CSRD compliance expertise
- ESG goals
- Data management (accessibility and quality) and IT systems (Lack of internal expertise)

So, the message of the study is clear: Organisations recognise the benefits coming from CSRD compliance but without appropriate stakeholder management, CSRD expertise, proper IT tools, and integration of ESG goals into the company’s overall strategy, businesses cannot reap the benefits that they expect.

What does this mean for businesses?

  • Investing in training and education on CSRD requirements delivers long-term benefits.
  • Establishing a dedicated sustainability team ensures clear accountability and focus.
  • Initiating processes for managing internal and external stakeholder communication fosters transparency and builds trust. 
  • Digital tools are essential for efficient, reusable reporting and improving data quality and accessibility.
  • Effective data management underpins operational efficiency and added value.
  • The true value lies in implementing sustainability measures, such as driving sales with sustainable products or reducing costs through resource optimisation.

With over 50 years of experience in transforming complex technologies into scalable solutions, we enable businesses to overcome the critical challenges. We leverage technology to enhance data management, helping organisations use sustainability data to drive innovation and secure a competitive advantage.

Contact us and discover the opportunities that sustainability data and innovation can unlock for your organisation:
Contact person for Switzerland

Noemi Rom

Head of Sustainability Transformation
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