Breakfast with a purpose: understanding the ongoing changes in the sustainability reporting landscape

How can your company turn voluntary sustainability reporting into a strategic advantage?

The recent Omnibus package has reshaped sustainability reporting, creating new opportunities for SMEs and large companies to thrive.

Join our morning session, Breakfast with a purpose: understanding the ongoing changes in the sustainability reporting landscape, which will take place in on Thursday, 11 September in Ghent, to understand the key components and best practices for implementing the VSME framework.

• Thursday, 11 September at 8:00 a.m. at EY Ghent
   

What is VSME?

VSME stands for Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Stakeholders and shareholders of your undertaking want to understand your business approach on ESG topics, therefore the VSME framework provides guidelines that enables you to communicate on your ESG efforts transparently, comply with regulations and enhance your credibility in the market. The VSME framework is also the base framework to share your sustainability information with your bank(s) and investors.

Why does this matter now?

On 30 July, the European Commission emphasized the strategic importance of the VSME standard for SMEs. Although voluntary, the pressure on SMEs to disclose sustainability data is increasing from clients, banks, and governments (See here).

The European Commission recommends:

• SMEs adopt the VSME standard as a reliable tool.
• Large companies and banks align their sustainability data requests accordingly.
• Member states support the digitalization and implementation of the VSME.

Why?

The VSME standard reduces administrative burden, clarifies expectations, and improves access to sustainable finance making it a practical blueprint for future legislation.

What to expect?

• Valuable insights: discover best practices and opportunities related to the new reporting standard.
• Understanding challenges & opportunities: learn about the ongoing initiatives on sustainability reporting requirements for undertakings outside the CSRD.
• Importance of the VSME framework: understand why mastering this framework is crucial for compliance and efficiency.
• Streamlined reporting processes: explore how these changes can simplify your reporting and enhance organizational success.
• Networking opportunities: connect with sustainability professionals from various sectors, all looking to enhance their sustainability efforts.
   

Who should attend?

• Business leaders: CEOs, CFOs, and executives looking to enhance their organization's sustainability reporting practices.
• Sustainability professionals
• Compliance officers
• SME owners and managers: small and medium-sized enterprise leaders eager to understand how the Omnibus package can benefit their reporting processes.
   

Join us

• Date: Thursday, 11 September at EY Ghent.
  
• Time: 8:00 a.m.
  
• Language: the session will be held in Dutch.

Seats are limited, so secure your spot today.