Implementing CSRD within supply chain function

Our client is a Dutch multinational operating in almost 200 countries worldwide. In the market in which this organisation operates, it is a leader and among the largest in the world.

Issue

From financial year 2024, listed companies in Europe will be required to report on their sustainability performance under the 'Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)'. This also applies to our client. Improven was asked to contribute to the implementation of CSRD at the Supply Chain. A challenge in which the subjects of sustainability, data, reporting, project management and change come together.

The result

The client has a long tradition of sustainability reporting. Therefore, after the GAP analysis, it turned out that the challenge was less than initially expected. The existing source data was already largely sufficient, but adjustments in reporting systems and interfaces were needed.

As CSRD reports will eventually be subject to audit at the 'reasonable assurance' level, process improvements have also been implemented in the area of controls at all branches worldwide. Training sessions were developed and conducted for the highest-priority KPIs, explaining the subject of CSRD, the changes in the source systems and the controls. With the realisation of this project, our client was able to take major steps towards also being able to successfully report on the subject of sustainability in the 2024 financial statements in accordance with all CSRD requirements.

The approach

To achieve reliable reporting processes, multidisciplinary task forces have been set up for the various standards. For the Supply Chain function at this organisation, the following standards are relevant: climate, water and circularity. For the purpose of implementing CSRD, the programme is led by Finance. Together with the programme team, the task forces, the application experts, and the functional experts (KPI owners), the following steps were taken: