A practical ESG reporting framework for SMEs
Transparency on sustainability is becoming an unavoidable expectation for all companies. Large organisations are now subject to the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive), which requires structured reporting on their ESG impacts. However, for small and medium-sized enterprises, often already committed but operating with limited resources, these requirements remain complex. To provide them with a clear, proportionate and credible framework, Europe has developed the VSME (Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed SMEs), designed by EFRAG (European Financial Reporting Advisory Group) to make ESG reporting accessible to SMEs.
This voluntary standard enables SMEs to communicate in a simple, consistent and credible way on their social, environmental and economic impacts, while remaining adapted to their size and resources. It forms part of the European Commission’s SME Relief Package, which aims to reduce short-term administrative burden, strengthen SME competitiveness and resilience, and promote a fair business environment.
Target audience: Who is the VSME standard for?
In Omnibus I (26 February 2025), the European Commission proposed to reduce the scope of the CSRD to companies with more than 1,000 employees, and to rely on the VSME as the basis for a voluntary standard. Negotiations then continued within the European Parliament and the Council; by the end of 2025, the agreement validated by the Parliament set a threshold of 1,000 employees and net turnover exceeding €450 million.
The VSME standard, initially designed for non-listed SMEs, including micro-enterprises, has not yet been tested for larger or more complex organisations. The VSME implementation guidelines currently under development are therefore primarily intended to support smaller businesses (for example, those with fewer than 250 employees).
The VSME covers four main dimensions: Governance, Environment, Social and Human Rights, and Business Model and Strategy. It is aimed at companies outside the scope of the CSRD that nevertheless wish to structure their sustainability communication and respond to the growing expectations of clients, investors, banks and business partners. With a lighter and more flexible framework than traditional standards such as the ESRS, the VSME enables SMEs to showcase their sustainability commitments while keeping administrative effort under control.
What are the modules?
The VSME consists of two complementary modules, designed to adapt to the maturity level and reporting needs of each SME.
The Basic Module constitutes the entry level and is intended for non-listed small and micro-enterprises that are beginning their ESG communication journey. It uses simplified language and includes 11 disclosure requirements, covering key ESG indicators as well as streamlined narrative information. All disclosures are required, but they only apply when relevant (“if applicable”), in order to reduce the burden on the companies concerned.
The Comprehensive Module is intended for SMEs whose business partners require more detailed information. It builds on the Basic Module—whose application is a prerequisite—by adding nine additional disclosures, notably related to sustainable finance data (SFDR PAI Table 1, EBA Pillar 3, Benchmark Regulation), which serve as proxies for ESG management. As with the Basic Module, certain requirements apply only “if applicable”.
In both cases, the VSME is based on common principles: no Narrative–Performance, Action, Target (PAT)-type requirements are imposed. In addition, the VSME does not require a double materiality assessment as structured as that of the ESRS; instead, it relies on a core set of disclosures and an “if applicable” principle, ensuring an accessible and proportionate framework for SMEs.
What are the benefits of the VSME for SMEs?
Beyond structuring sustainability reporting, the VSME offers tangible benefits for SMEs. It helps improve competitiveness, strengthen relationships with value-chain partners, anticipate future risks and challenges in order to secure business activities, prepare for upcoming regulations and, ultimately, build trust with investors and stakeholders.
Moreover, as the VSME standard is voluntary and proportionate, there are no penalties if the report is not complete or “perfect”. The standard does not impose mandatory external audits. However, depending on the expectations of banks or clients, certain elements may be requested or reviewed. The primary objective is to encourage SME participation by making reporting accessible and useful, without excessive constraints.
Support tools: Platforms and tools within the VSME ecosystem
The Digital Tool developed by EFRAG supports the implementation of the VSME standard by providing an interactive Excel template and an associated XBRL taxonomy. This tool enables SMEs to enter, check and structure their sustainability data in a simple and consistent manner, using drop-down menus, automated validations and direct links to the standard’s requirements. The file can then be converted into a standardised digital format (XBRL), facilitating the transmission and comparability of ESG reports across the European ecosystem.
Thanks to this pre-formatted structure and built-in controls, companies can produce a report aligned with the standard while limiting the risk of errors or misstatements. This approach is designed to make the reporting process pragmatic, proportionate and manageable for small businesses, while strengthening the reliability and harmonisation of published data.
Conclusion
The VSME standard offers small and medium-sized enterprises a clear, proportionate and pragmatic framework to structure their sustainability approach. It enables them to highlight existing actions, respond to growing stakeholder expectations and prepare calmly for future regulatory requirements, while avoiding excessive administrative burden.
If you would like to adopt the VSME and strengthen your sustainability strategy, A Beautiful Green can support you in implementing a simple, effective approach aligned with your operational reality. Together, let’s give impact to your commitments and turn your initiatives into concrete, measurable results.
Contact us!
References:
[2] https://www.efrag.org/en/projects/voluntary-reporting-standard-for-smes-vsme/concluded
[3]https://www.efrag.org/sites/default/files/sites/webpublishing/SiteAssets/VSME%20Standard.pdf
[4] https://www.efrag.org/en/vsme-digital-template-and-xbrl-taxonomy
[5] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-10-2025-0264_EN.html
Edwige Filot