Many companies consider sustainability reports, according to the CSRD, a mandatory burden: something they have to do, extra work, a cost. However, this misses the point of the regulation: a more sustainable business and a healthier planet. A “must-do” attitude won’t win hearts, and the sustainable results are often limited.
If a requirement only creates extra work and the results remain invisible, it often ends up in hastily completed Excel spreadsheets. A staple through it, and voilà, there you have the sustainability report! This, however, is a missed opportunity and completely unnecessary. Sustainability is much more than a checklist or an annual report; it’s an attitude that must be interwoven with an organization’s core values and daily operations. When companies consider this carefully and involve their staff—from HR and IT to management—valuable, sustainable, efficient, and often cost-saving initiatives emerge.
We saw this at a company that transported semi-finished goods over long distances worldwide, with production spread across several continents. Over the years, this had grown, but the CO2 emissions from the use of container ships were significant. Of course, the company could have simply recorded this in their sustainability report, but they decided to go a step further. From the boardroom to the production floor, they considered their logistics flows. The result? Part of the production was centralized in Europe, meaning only the raw materials needed to be shipped there. This changed their approach from “it’s the way it’s always been” to “more efficient and sustainable.”
More impact can also be made on other ESG goals (Environment, Social, and Governance). Consider, for example, investing in employee health and well-being, which leads to a happier and more productive team. Or, together with HR, examine the gender pay gap and the ratio between top salaries and the salary of the lowest-paid employee. Do you want to maintain this ratio? Leaders who embrace sustainability across the board are inspiring examples for the rest of the organization.
A sustainable mindset leads to sustainable behavior.
Sustainability means taking responsibility for the impact your company has on the world. It requires a continuous effort to make better choices, both for the environment and for society. When sustainability is viewed as a mindset rather than an accounting task, space is created for innovation and progress that goes beyond what any regulation can impose.
Companies that embrace sustainability as a mindset not only meet CSRD requirements but also play a leading role in the transition to a more sustainable future. It’s time to view sustainability as an opportunity to grow and improve. Sustainability isn’t an obligation; it’s an attitude.
Lenny van Klink
Co-founder Salacia Solutions
