CSRD Reporting Has Arrived: What We’re Seeing & What’s Next for Businesses

The first wave of Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) reports are being published, marking a significant shift in how businesses disclose their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. These reports are setting a new standard for corporate transparency, with companies now required to provide detailed, auditable sustainability data alongside financial reporting.

As these reports start to emerge, we’re seeing key themes take shape—from the challenges of double materiality assessments to the growing importance of structured ESG data collection. For companies in the next reporting phase, the time to prepare is now.

What We’re Seeing in the First Wave of CSRD Reports

Companies in Group 1—those already subject to the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD)—are leading the way with their first CSRD-aligned reports, covering the 2024 financial year. Early insights reveal:

• Double Materiality in Action – Many reports outline how businesses are assessing both financial materiality (impact of ESG factors on business performance) and impact materiality (the company’s effect on people and the planet). This has proven to be one of the biggest shifts in ESG reporting.

• Data Quality & Assurance – The requirement for limited assurance on sustainability information means companies are focusing on robust ESG data management systems. For many, this has been a challenge, as sustainability data is often fragmented across multiple departments.

• Integration with Business Strategy – Companies are linking their sustainability efforts to broader business objectives, showing how climate risks, social responsibility, and governance structures are embedded in long-term planning.

• Comparability & Standardisation – The European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) aim to make ESG disclosures more structured and comparable. Many businesses are adjusting their existing frameworks (e.g., GRI, TCFD, SASB) to align with CSRD requirements.

What’s Next? Preparing for the Next CSRD Reporting Phases

If your company is in Group 2, you need to start preparing now. This group includes large companies that meet two of the three criteria:

✔ €50 million+ turnover
✔ €25 million+ total assets
✔ 250+ employees

These companies will report in 2026 on FY 2025 data, meaning this year is crucial for setting up the right processes.

Key Steps to Take Now

• Conduct a Double Materiality Assessment – Identify what ESG factors are most important to your business and stakeholders. This will define the scope of your reporting obligations.
• Establish Data Collection & Governance – Ensure ESG data is accurate, reliable, and auditable. Start engaging finance, sustainability, and IT teams to create a centralised ESG data framework.
• Engage Internal & External Stakeholders – Collaboration is key. Work with investors, regulators, suppliers, and internal teams to align on expectations and requirements.
• Analyse Group 1 Reports for Best Practices – The first wave of reports provides valuable lessons. Look at sector peers and industry leaders to understand how they’ve structured their disclosures.
• Prepare for Limited Assurance – Work with audit teams now to understand what ESG information needs to be verified and how to strengthen reporting controls.

Finding the Right Talent for CSRD & Sustainability Roles

As companies gear up for CSRD compliance, many are realising the need for specialist talent in areas such as sustainability strategy, ESG reporting, risk management, and data governance. Having the right team in place is critical to meeting reporting obligations and embedding sustainability into corporate decision-making.

At Savvi Recruitment Consultants, we specialise in connecting businesses with top talent in finance, risk, and ESG roles. Whether you need an experienced sustainability officer, an ESG data specialist, or a financial professional with sustainability expertise, we can help you find the right people to drive your CSRD strategy forward.

Final Thoughts

The CSRD is transforming corporate sustainability reporting, making it more structured, comparable, and impactful. Companies that embrace these changes early will not only ensure compliance but also gain a competitive advantage by improving transparency and building investor trust.

For businesses in Group 2 and beyond, the message is clear: start preparing now. The lessons from the first CSRD reports will be invaluable in shaping your own sustainability journey.