VSME Report
Getting started with sustainability reporting
Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly receiving enquiries about sustainability issues – from customers, banks, investors or larger companies in the supply chain. The VSME standard provides a pragmatic framework for this: it helps SMEs and micro-enterprises to provide sustainability information in a simple and structured way.
Why VSME coverage is worthwhile for your business
- Collecting sustainability data in a structured manner
- Responding efficiently to ESG enquiries
What is the VSME standard?
The Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for non-listed SMEs, or VSME for short, is a voluntary sustainability standard for unlisted SMEs and micro-enterprises. It offers companies the opportunity to report on sustainability issues in a proportionate and standardised manner – thereby enabling them to better meet the data requirements of large companies, banks and investors. It was developed by EFRAG, the European Forum for Corporate Reporting.
The VSME consists of two modules: the ‘Basic Module’ serves as a starting point, covering the essential basic data that many stakeholders expect: information on energy and greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, biodiversity, water and waste, as well as employee metrics, health and safety, and corruption. The advanced ‘Comprehensive Module’ adds further data points frequently requested by banks, investors and business partners, including details on targets and measures, climate targets and risks, Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions, human rights and employees.
You can find more information in our insight article on the VSME.
How SuCo supports you
Through our service, in collaboration with our partner Sulytics, we help companies get started with voluntary sustainability reporting: with expert guidance, digital support and a final report as the outcome.
Our three-step approach
1. Orientation and Scope
During a no-obligation initial consultation, we will work with you to determine whether VSME is suitable for your organisation, what expectations customers, banks or other stakeholders have, and whether the Basic Module is sufficient. At the subsequent kick-off meeting, we will work with you to define the system scope and assess what data is already available and who within your organisation can provide which information.
2. Tool setup and data collection
Sulytics provides the tool, whilst SuCo sets up the data collection process. The relevant data can then be entered into the tool either by your organisation itself or with support from SuCo. We ensure that data collection is structured, traceable and efficient.
3. Technical review and report preparation
SuCo assists you with technical queries, checks the data entered for plausibility and helps you to categorise the requirements. Based on the data collected, the VSME report is prepared, quality-checked and provided in Word format. On request, our partner Polarstern can also format the report using a professional layout.
The right approach for your company
Our VSME service is aimed at companies that:
- receive ESG or sustainability enquiries from customers, banks or business partners,
- are part of a supply chain for larger companies,
- are looking for a pragmatic introduction to sustainability reporting,
- are not subject to statutory non-financial reporting requirements but need to provide structured ESG data,
- wish to centrally collate and professionally present their sustainability information.
This service is particularly relevant for Swiss SMEs with EU customers or international supply chains, as sustainability information is increasingly being requested indirectly via customer and supplier relationships.
What you receive from us
- Carbon footprint for Scope 1 and Scope 2*
- VSME report ready for publication
*Scope 3 available at an additional cost
How much a VSME report (Basic Module) costs
In the first year, the cost is CHF 6,000. This includes technical support from SuCo, use of the SulyticsTool, tool set-up and licence fees, the Scope 1 and 2 carbon footprint, and the final VSME report in Word format. From the second year onwards, the cost is reduced to CHF 4,900, as the structure, tool and data processes are already in place. The offer includes up to five sites.
Introductory discount: For the first ten companies, we are offering the first year for CHF 5,000.
All prices are exclusive of VAT.
Book a free initial consultation.
We invite you to acquaint yourself with us – with no obligation and tailored to your specific requirements.
FAQ
We require general company information (legal form, locations, turnover, field of activity), as well as details on energy consumption and energy sources, water consumption, waste volumes and recycling figures (where available), information on employees, workplace accidents and details regarding corruption during the reporting year. The VSME follows the ‘where applicable’ principle: certain information need only be provided if it is relevant to the company’s specific situation.
As SuCo, we contribute our specialist expertise in sustainability strategy, greenhouse gas accounting and sustainability reporting. This includes experience with VSME, CSRD, GRI, TCFD, SBTi and decarbonisation plans. Sulytics provides the central tool for collecting, structuring and analysing sustainability data – including GHG accounting. The software is ISO 27001 certified, with data stored exclusively in Switzerland. Together, we combine specialist ESG expertise with an efficient digital solution.
No. The VSME is a voluntary standard. It is aimed at unlisted SMEs and micro-enterprises that are not directly covered by the CSRD but nevertheless wish to provide sustainability information in a structured manner.
The VSME Basic Module does not require a traditional dual materiality assessment as is the case with the CSRD. The approach is pragmatic, based on the specified basic information and key figures. Individual items are reported only if they are relevant to the company.
The CSRD is a statutory EU reporting requirement for larger companies; reporting is carried out in accordance with the ESRS (Implementing Standard). The VSME is a voluntary, significantly more streamlined standard for SMEs that wish to provide ESG data in a structured manner – particularly to customers, banks, investors or business partners.
For many SMEs, the Basic Module is a sensible starting point. It covers key basic ESG data. If banks, investors or larger clients require additional information, the Comprehensive Module can be added.
Yes. Our quote for the VSME Basic Module includes a carbon footprint assessment for Scope 1 and Scope 2.
Not necessarily. The VSME report may be published, but this is not compulsory. The report’s primary function is to inform business partners. Companies may also choose to share the report specifically with customers, banks or other stakeholders and use it as a basis for further sustainability communications.
Between four and 12 weeks. This depends very much on how much of the required data you already have available. We will help you to identify what data is needed and to determine who can provide which data.
Yes. The Basic Module forms the foundation. If you have more advanced requirements, you can add the Comprehensive Module.
A basic layout for the VSME report can be added as an optional extra. This is not included in the standard package. The layout comprises a maximum of 10 pages and is based on an existing template. It includes one language version. This service is subject to any images, illustrations, icons or other design elements being supplied in a format ready for publication. For the first reporting year, the optional layout costs CHF 1,500; for subsequent years, CHF 1,000, excluding VAT.