VSME – Reports

VSME (Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed SMEs) - The voluntary standard for unlisted micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises

The VSME (Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed SMEs) is a voluntary EU reporting standard aimed specifically at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are not directly subject to the CSRD’s reporting requirements. Since these companies are often indirectly subject to the requirements of various stakeholders, the VSME is intended to provide a uniform alternative to the corresponding questionnaires and establish a standard that is as easy as possible for all companies to implement. Stakeholders may include customers, suppliers, financial institutions, investors, potential partners, or even future employees.

The EU’s VSME standard is a voluntary ESG reporting standard designed to provide SMEs with a clear and structured framework for communicating their sustainability activities and to ensure comparability.

An audit of the VSME report is not legally required, but is sought to strengthen confidence in the reported metrics and to identify areas for improvement.

• Voluntary Disclosure of Sustainability Information
• Sharing Information Throughout the Supply Chain
• Building Trust in Sustainability Information

• SME's

The report should:

• cover the company’s key sustainability issues,
• be understandable and proportionate,
• be based as much as possible on existing company data,
• supplement quantitative metrics with qualitative explanations.

There are two levels:

• Basic
• Comprehensive

A VSME report should include, at a minimum, information on the company and its business model, energy and emissions data, employees and working conditions, corporate governance, and compliance.

Basic Module – Overview of Requirements:

• General Company Information
• Company Profile
• Business Model and Activities
• Number of Employees
• Relevant Locations and Supply Chain Relationships

Environment (E)

• Energy Consumption
• Greenhouse gas emissions (particularly Scope 1 and Scope 2)
• Information on environmental measures
• Significant environmental impacts and risks
• Water consumption (if material)

Social (S)

• Number of employees
• Gender distribution
• Workplace accidents and occupational safety
• Training and continuing education
• Basic information on working conditions

Governance (G)

• Corporate governance
• Compliance with laws and codes of conduct
• Prevention of corruption and bribery
• Material sustainability responsibilities within the company

In addition, the Comprehensive Module includes detailed information on climate, the supply chain, risks, goals, and governance.

The VSME Standard is not accredited.

GRI, ÖNORM S2500, ISO 14001, EMAS, ISO 45001, ISO 14064-1, ISO 37301