ESG Multi-Reporting explained: How to align CSRD, EcoVadis & CDP
Companies are facing a growing number of ESG reporting obligations – driven not only by regulatory frameworks such as the CSRD, but also by external rating systems like EcoVadis and CDP. As a result, many sustainability managers are challenged with meeting multiple requirements in parallel. This article explores how a structured multi-reporting approach can help manage complex ESG requirements efficiently.
The ESG landscape at a glance: Who asks for what?
While the CSRD represents a mandatory, auditable reporting framework established by law, EcoVadis and CDP are based on voluntary disclosures. Nevertheless, both have increasingly become relevant tools in the context of customer relationships, financing processes, and reputation management. The challenge for companies is that the requirements of these three standards differ significantly in structure, methodology, and level of detail, creating a high need for alignment and coordination in reporting.
The challenge: Different objectives, same data source
When reporting simultaneously under multiple ESG standards, companies face a variety of operational and strategic challenges. These include in particular:
1. High time and resource requirements
- Coordinating and preparing ESG reports in parallel ties up significant personnel and time resources.
- Different requirements not only have to be understood, but also correctly implemented – often under considerable time pressure.
2. Complex data management
- Different reporting cycles, formats, and KPIs require stable and scalable data management.
- For consistent disclosures, synchronized publication of data across all standards is necessary.
- In addition, methodological differences between standards must be taken into account to avoid contradictions.
3. Overlaps and inconsistencies
- The large number of ESG indicators often leads to redundant data collection – with the risk of contradictory disclosures.
- The challenge lies in identifying true overlaps between standards and addressing them consistently.
4. Diverse stakeholder expectations
- Requirements arise not only from regulation, but increasingly from customers, financial partners, and investors.
- Thoughtful communication and coordination of all internal and external stakeholders becomes a key competence.
5. Continuous evolution of standards
- ESG requirements are constantly evolving – whether through new regulatory obligations (e.g., CDP update or CSRD Omnibus) or methodological adjustments to existing frameworks.
- Companies must remain continuously up to date to maintain compliance.
6. Avoiding reporting fatigue
- Multiple data collections and redundant reports quickly lead to overload (“reporting fatigue”).
- A centralized ESG data pool and strategic multi-reporting help reduce effort and improve data quality.
Four Tips for Efficient Multi-Reporting
To address increasing complexity, companies need a strategic and structured approach. Those who manage ESG data centrally and deploy it intelligently for different purposes gain clear advantages – both in internal efficiency and external impact.
1. Use CSRD as a structural foundation
The CSRD, with its ESRS, provides the most comprehensive framework for ESG reporting. Many requirements from EcoVadis and CDP can be built upon it – provided they are properly documented and maintained.
2. Establish a centralized ESG data architecture
Centralized ESG data management reduces redundancies and creates the basis for reusing information efficiently across different standards. Consistent processes and reporting boundaries are crucial.
3. Set clear priorities
Not every company needs to meet all ratings. Prioritizing according to business relevance – for example, based on customer requirements or financing considerations – helps allocate resources effectively.
4. Leverage synergies between standards
A systematic mapping shows where there are content overlaps. Many data points – such as greenhouse gas emissions – can be reused multiple times if format and granularity are aligned.
Less effort, more impact
Multi-standard reporting is not an end in itself – it is an opportunity to use sustainability information in a targeted and strategic way. Companies that succeed in transforming the multitude of ESG requirements into a consistent reporting architecture not only improve their external ratings but also enhance their internal management capabilities.
A structured approach makes ESG reporting not only more efficient but also more credible – creating the foundation for real impact in terms of decarbonization, circular economy, and social responsibility.
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