CSRD-aligned strategy across 5 entities and 12 countries, exit-ready.
Our client, a large corporate entity with over 5,000 employees across 12 different countries, was experiencing rapid expansion through mergers and acquisitions, comprising five entities at the time. As a private equity-owned company poised for a strategic exit within a few years, they required a robust sustainability and regulatory compliance framework to enhance their market value.
Their primary needs included developing a global sustainability strategy that accommodated the varying levels of maturity in opportunity and risk management across the group and preparing for alignment with the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
A three-stage approach
Our approach consisted of three stages, each tailored to address specific needs and challenges faced by the client: Double Materiality Assessment, Executive Sustainability Strategy Training, and CSDDD Preparation. Each stage was meticulously planned and executed to support the client in achieving a comprehensive and effective sustainability strategy.
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Stage 1: Double Materiality Assessment
We guided the client through a comprehensive double materiality assessment, collaborating closely with their Global Head of Sustainability. This process included survey creation – a stakeholder survey designed to gather crucial insights, practical and clear for a diverse stakeholder group; stakeholder mapping – responses integrated using a sophisticated weighting methodology to refine the materiality assessment; and threshold setting – clear thresholds to prioritise issues based on their significance and impact on the business and its stakeholders.
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Stage 2: Executive Sustainability Strategy Training
We organised a half-day workshop for the global executive team focusing on the importance of sustainability for the company, the current management of material sustainability issues, and a detailed roadmap to ensure the company is exit-ready, including compliance with CSRD.
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Stage 3: CSDDD Preparation
Our ongoing efforts are focused on aligning the company with the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) in conjunction with CSRD reporting requirements. Key initiatives include establishing a unified approach to supply chain management across business entities, and ensuring that overlaps between CSRD and CSDDD regulations are handled efficiently to maximise efficacy. By combining a thorough double materiality assessment with targeted executive training and proactive CSDDD preparation, we ensured that the company is not only compliant but also strategically positioned for sustainable success in a complex regulatory environment.
Through our tailored approach, the client has successfully laid the groundwork for a comprehensive sustainability strategy that not only satisfies immediate regulatory requirements but also positions them strongly for a future equity exit. The executive training empowered their leadership with the knowledge and tools necessary to drive sustainability initiatives forward effectively. As we continue to support their alignment with CSDDD, the client is well on their way to achieving a sustainable and compliant operational model that appeals to potential investors and meets global standards.