CSRD compliance: Turning challenges into opportunities

This directive requires companies to embrace detailed non-financial reporting. For many, it’s a daunting task. It means reevaluating current practices, collecting vast amounts of data, and embedding sustainability into their strategies.

But here’s the good news: with the right approach, CSRD can become a powerful advantage. With the expertise of Mirjam van der Velde, our Strategic Consultant Environment & Sustainability, we created this blog to explore the CSRD reporting requirements, common challenges, and practical strategies to help businesses comply and thrive.

Ready to turn compliance into opportunity? Let’s dive in.

What is CSRD?

The CSRD reporting requirements are designed to provide stakeholders with greater insight into a company’s sustainability efforts. CSRD replaced the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD), requiring detailed disclosures on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics across an organisation’s operations and value chain.

With our substantive knowledge and experience in corporate and non-financial reporting, we can get you ready. Our simple, structured 7-step approach and together with our strategic ESG management services ensure qualitative and fully compliant non-financial reporting for your organisation. 

 

The opportunities of CSRD

CSRD compliance is not about just meeting regulatory requirements. It’s about leveraging sustainability as a competitive advantage. Here’s how businesses can benefit:

1. Attract and retain talent 

Sustainability matters to employees, especially younger generations. Companies with clear, transparent ESG strategies often stand out as employers of choice. Reporting under CSRD helps position your company as a responsible and forward-thinking organisation that aligns with employees’ values. 

2. Gain a competitive edge

Consumers, business partners and stakeholders in your value chain increasingly scrutinise the sustainability credentials of companies. Transparent reporting under CSRD builds trust, distinguishes your brand, and appeals to ESG-conscious customers. By aligning your ESG strategy with CSRD, you gain insights that can set you apart from competitors. 

3. Improve access to capital 

Investors and financial institutions are raising the bar on sustainability. Demonstrating that your company's future proof is with a strong ESG strategy, managing the ESG risks and acting on opportunities enhances your attractiveness to ESG-focused investors, making it easier to secure financing at favourable terms. 

4. Reduce costs and enhance efficiency 

A thorough understanding of your value chain—an essential part of CSRD—can reveal inefficiencies and drive cost savings. For example, companies that streamline supply chains or optimise resource use can reduce material costs and minimise risks. 

5. Strengthen stakeholder trust 

Transparency fosters trust. By openly communicating your sustainability efforts and outcomes, you can build stronger relationships with stakeholders, from investors and customers to regulators and local communities. 

6. Future-proof your business 

Contributing to a sustainable world is not just ethical—it’s strategic. By embedding sustainability into your operations and decision-making, you position your company for long-term success in an increasingly ESG-focused economy. 

Overcoming challenges: How we can help 

Implementing CSRD can feel overwhelming, but every challenge presents an opportunity for growth. Here’s how we tackle the key hurdles:

Challenge 1: Data collection across the value chain

Collecting data across the value chain is often cited as the most significant challenge. Many businesses lack insight into their value chains and the systems and processes needed to gather, verify, and store the required data efficiently.

Our solution:

We guide businesses in value chain assessments and implementing robust data management systems and processes, ensuring compliance while creating a foundation for ongoing performance improvement.

Challenge 2: Lack of time and expertise

CSRD requires specialised knowledge, from double materiality assessments to value chain reporting. Many companies lack the internal resources to meet these demands effectively.

Our solution:

We provide hands-on support, from conducting materiality assessments to developing tailored sustainability strategies and roadmaps, ensuring seamless integration into your operations.

Challenge 3: Identifying your impacts, risks and opportunities

Topics like biodiversity, climate adaptation and social impact are new to many businesses. Evaluating and reporting on these areas requires expertise and collaboration across the value chain.

Our solution:

We bring deep domain knowledge to help you assess your impact, develop actionable plans, and meet CSRD requirements in these emerging areas.

Why partner with Royal HaskoningDHV?

We specialise in turning sustainability challenges into opportunities for growth. Our approach combines strategic insight with practical implementation to ensure your sustainability goals are theoretical, actionable, and impactful.

• Materiality assessments: Prioritise the most critical issues for your business and stakeholders.
• Value chain mapping: Gain insights into risks, opportunities, and efficiencies across your operations.
• Strategic ESG alignment: Develop comprehensive strategies that meet compliance requirements and drive long-term value.

Unlike others, we don’t stop at high-level advice. We work alongside you to implement solutions that create real, measurable impact.

Start your CSRD journey today

CSRD provides more than a regulatory milestone—it’s a chance to redefine your business for the future. By starting early, leveraging expert support, and embracing the opportunities it offers, your company can lead the way in sustainability and set a foundation for lasting success.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you navigate CSRD and achieve your sustainability goals.