Organizations fear not meeting CSRD objectives in time

The CSRD is a European directive that requires companies to report on their sustainability performance in a standardized and transparent manner, allowing stakeholders to assess their contribution to social and environmental objectives. The CSRD requirements pose a major challenge for organizations. Nearly half of both sustainability (49%) and IT influencers (50%) find it a major challenge to meet all requirements within the organization. In addition, more than a quarter (27%) indicate that they currently do not have sufficient knowledge of CSRD legislation to ensure that their organization is or can become compliant. More than a third (36%) of sustainability influencers say they dread all the work involved with CSRD requirements, compared to 44% of IT influencers.

Despite these challenges, a majority of organizations (62%) have a sustainability strategy. These are mainly the large organisations (250+ employees, 68%). Among small organisations (10-50 employees), half (51%) have a sustainability strategy. Organizations with a sustainability strategy have a significantly higher expectation of achieving their CSRD objectives in time: 66% compared to only 15% of companies without a strategy.

Maaike Maranus - van de Vrande, Sustainability Director at Conclusion: "Organizations struggle with laws and regulations surrounding sustainability and need support. It is essential that companies recognize the role of IT in this process. IT has a major impact on people and the environment. Intrinsically motivated companies that can link sustainability to their primary processes should not view laws and regulations as an obligation, but as confirmation of good behaviour. Identifying the correct data is essential."