How do you get started with a VSME sustainability report? - First steps for SMEs
Want to get started with sustainability reporting as an SME, but don't know where to start? Don't worry - you're not the only one. More and more business owners want to show what they are doing environmentally, employee and socially, but it is often difficult to take the first step.
The VSME standard was developed specifically to help SMEs do just that. In this blog, learn how you can take the first steps toward a VSME sustainability report today.
1. Awareness & commitment: why do you want to report?
Before you start collecting data, it's good to be clear internally why you want to create this report. Consider, for example:
You receive questions from customers or supply chain partners
You want to be prepared for future legislation (such as CSRD)
You seek structure for your own sustainability policy
In this blog on the benefits of VSME reporting for SMEs, read why a report can be valuable even without a legal requirement.
Tip: In addition to your board or MT, involve your staff in your sustainability report so that the report is truly carried within the company.
2. Gather your basic information
A sustainability report starts with understanding what you are already doing and what data you have. Consider:
Energy consumption of your building(s)
Business fuel consumption
Number of employees and turnover
Initiatives around waste, diversity or supply chain responsibility
You don't need to know all of this perfectly - it's all about an initial inventory. Our data checklist will tell you exactly what numbers you need.
3. Choose an approach: do it yourself or with help?
There are roughly three ways SMEs can create their VSME report:
All by yourself, with your own spreadsheets or Word templates
Doing it yourself with help from a tool, such as Greenreporting
Fully outsource to a consultant
In this article, we compare these three options: Outsource VSME reporting or do it yourself?
For most SMEs, doing it yourself with a tool is the most feasible and affordable middle ground. You keep direction, save time, and get an instant report that is true to VSME standards. Plus, you get automatic insights to reduce your emissions (and costs!).
4. Register and get started today
Ready to get started? Then now is the time to just get started. At Greenreporting, we have developed a free guide and accessible online tool that will get you started right away.
📘 Download the VSME guide for free
🧾 Or create an account right away at tool.greenreporting.co.uk/register and start filling in
You don't have to do everything at once. Just start with the first module. Your progress will be saved and you can always come back.
Conclusion Creating a VSME report does not have to be complicated. With the right preparation and approach, you as an SME can start today. Go through these four steps, and you'll take a concrete step toward transparency, trust and future-proofing.
