ESG consulting for sustainable business development

ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) refers to a set of criteria that assess how a company manages its impact on the environment, its relationships with people and the way it manages its organization. In the European Union, ESG is increasingly regulated through a legislative framework such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the ESRS standard, which makes certain companies obligated to report on sustainability, while others introduce ESG voluntarily for reasons of competitiveness and the demands of business partners.

ESG is no longer just a reputational issue, but also a business requirement. An increasing number of banks, investors, customers, and regulators are seeking information on business sustainability. Companies that systematically manage ESG issues find it easier to obtain financing and investments, participate in international supply chains, reduce operational and reputational risks, and meet EU regulatory requirements.

Integrating ESG principles into business can bring: better access to financing (banks and funds increasingly require ESG data), competitive advantage in the market and in international supply chains, reduction of business risks through systematic management of environmental and social issues, stronger reputation with customers, employees, and partners, compliance with EU regulations, and preparation for future reporting obligations.

The service is intended for companies that want to systematically manage business sustainability, and in particular: companies that are subject to ESG reporting obligations (CSRD), companies that are part of international supply chains, companies that plan investments, financing, or entering a new market, and companies that want to improve their ESG performance and reputation.

Not necessarily for all companies to the same extent, but the European Union regulatory framework is gradually expanding sustainability reporting obligations. Currently, the primary reporting entities are large companies, financial institutions, and listed companies, which report according to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). However, companies that are not formally reporting are also increasingly required to provide ESG data due to bank and investor requirements, participation in international supply chains, applications for EU projects and public tenders, and requirements of large customers who collect ESG data from suppliers. As a result, ESG is increasingly being transformed from a regulatory obligation for a segment of the market into a business standard for a large number of companies.

The level of complexity of an ESG project depends primarily on the size of the company, its activities, and the goals that the organization wants to achieve. For companies that are not reporting, ESG is most often introduced on a smaller scale and focuses on topics that are relevant to the business, such as energy management, employee relations, or governance transparency. ESG can be introduced gradually and in a scope adapted to the size and needs of the company.

The first step is usually an initial assessment of existing practices and identification of topics that are most relevant to the business. Based on this, the scope of activities is defined, from a basic review of ESG practices to the development of a strategy or report according to relevant standards.

Client engagement is usually limited to activities that require internal information and data confirmation. It most often includes: an initial meeting to understand the client’s business and organizational structure, delivery of basic business and operational data, and occasional consultations during the analysis and preparation of documentation. The methodological part of the work, data analysis, and preparation of ESG documentation are usually carried out by Apsolon, with occasional cooperation with responsible persons within the company. The goal is to make the process as efficient as possible and with minimal administrative burden for the client.

No. The introduction of ESG principles into the business can be carried out gradually, depending on the needs and capacities of the company. Therefore, the services are organized into three basic packages: a basic ESG overview – aimed at structuring and communicating existing ESG activities to partners, investors or the public, an ESG strategic and reporting package – intended for companies that want to identify the current level of compliance with the standards and establish key policies, indicators and reporting according to the relevant standards, and an ESG operational management and support – intended for companies that want continuous professional support in managing ESG topics and operationally managing the ESG segment within the organization. This approach allows companies to gradually develop an ESG system without the need for a large initial commitment.

Yes. Although SMEs are most often not formally required to report, the introduction of an ESG approach can bring concrete business benefits. The most common are: better access to financing, as banks and investors increasingly require ESG data, easier inclusion in international supply chains, where large buyers check the sustainability of their suppliers, reduction of operating costs, for example, through energy efficiency or resource optimization, and strengthening the reputation and trust of customers, employees, and business partners. In practice, ESG is most often introduced gradually and in a scope adapted to the size and activity of the company in smaller companies. 

No. Most companies that are not required to report begin the ESG process by conducting a basic analysis of existing practices and identifying key topics relevant to their business. Only after that is it decided whether there is a need for formal reporting or other forms of ESG documentation (e.g., reporting according to the VSME standard).

Many companies are already carrying out activities related to ESG topics, although they do not call them that term. Examples include: investments in energy efficiency or renewable energy sources, employee health and safety measures, social responsibility and community engagement activities, and internal management and control procedures. In such cases, the first step of an ESG project is to identify and systematize existing practices, assess their compliance with relevant standards, and integrate them into a structured ESG framework. In this way, a company often discovers that a significant portion of ESG activities already exist, but they need to be more clearly systematized and linked into a functional whole.