Sustainability Reporting Verification
Credibility and trust through independent verification of your sustainability information
Sustainability is now a key component of corporate value creation. Banks, investors, business partners, customers and employees want to understand how companies manage their environmental, social and governance (ESG) impacts, opportunities and risks, and what progress they are actually making. A transparent sustainability report highlights these achievements and provides guidance for your stakeholders.
Sustainability reporting signals to stakeholders that your company is committed to long-term viability and the responsible use of resources. Originally a voluntary tool for increasing a company's transparency and credibility, it is now a fundamental part of corporate communications. The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) will bring about a fundamental update, which, in addition to changes in content, will also include a future obligation for external verification.
The quality and reliability of this information is increasingly becoming a factor for success. Independent verification strengthens the significance of your report and signals that your company is committed to the responsible use of resources. In addition to the positive external impact that comes with verification, external auditing also supports your internal processes. Against the backdrop of new European standards such as the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) within the framework of mandatory sustainability reporting under CSRD or the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs (VSME), it is worthwhile to establish robust ESG metrics and reliable reporting structures at an early stage – regardless of whether there is a formal audit requirement.
As independent auditors, we analyse your sustainability report in a structured and objective manner. Our experts identify strengths and weaknesses in your reporting and provide recommendations for improvement. By having your sustainability report verified by us, you strengthen stakeholder confidence, improve your internal management capabilities and position your company as a credible, responsible and sustainable partner.
- Reliable basis for management decisions thanks to improved internal processes and higher data quality. Sustainability thus evolves from a communication tool to a strategic management instrument.
- Clear differentiator from competitors. Strengthens position in tenders and increases visibility in the supply chains of larger companies subject to reporting requirements. Transparent reporting is increasingly becoming a selection criterion, particularly in B2B markets.
- Positive impact on sustainability ratings (e.g. Ecovadis) through improved quality and verifiability of the database
- Improved traceability through verified data can strengthen your negotiating position when it comes to credit terms and facilitate classification within the framework of sustainable financial products (e.g. sustainability-linked loans).
Our approach
At the outset, we will discuss the audit process tailored to you and your sustainability report. In the next step, our experts will draw up a detailed audit plan, which we will use as a basis for auditing the documents you have compiled. Following a successful on-site audit, we will issue you with an audit report, confirming not only your company's strengths but also highlighting areas for improvement.
Criteria for reporting and auditing
Our verification process is structured to reflect the core criteria of sustainability reporting. This means that the information provided in the report must be as follows:
- Comprehensive: All data relating to social and environmental performance and good governance must be included.
- Exactly: robust data must be used that is suitable for planning and decision-making.
- Objectivity: The data must be presented in a balanced manner and free from bias.
- Suitable for comparisons: The information must allow for comparisons over time or between organisations.
Our verification services are based on internationally recognised auditing standards. As an AA1000 Licensed Assurance Provider, we are authorised to conduct audits in accordance with the AA1000 Assurance Standard. In particular, this involves systematically reviewing stakeholder engagement, the derivation of material topics, and the reliability and traceability of the information disclosed.
At the same time, a formal audit in accordance with AA1000 is not necessary in every case. Our audit approach is based on proven international standards and is individually tailored to your company's objectives, reporting standards and regulatory requirements.
Tailor-made audits
We tailor our approach to the needs of each individual client. We coordinate our processes, taking into account the industry and size of the organisation, as well as current data collection methods, previous reporting experience and your company's objectives. Six factors influence the type of audit:
- Scope of the report (complete or partial)
- Number and type of indicators to be reviewed
- Number of locations, individuals and stakeholders involved
- Inclusion/exclusion of supply chain, subsidiaries, holding company, etc.
- Reference to standards, e.g. ESRS, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), German Sustainability Code (DNK), UN Global Compact (UNGC)
- stakeholder involvement
- We are experts in the field of corporate sustainability reporting, bringing a fresh, unbiased perspective to the review of sustainability reports.
- We have a global network of experienced specialists with comprehensive knowledge of the relevant international and local regulations.
- We specialise in helping companies optimise and effectively report on their environmental and social performance.