Transparency as a building block for greater credibility

CSRD stands for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and is the successor to the NFRD (Non-Financial Reporting Directive). The directive requires large European companies to report transparently on their impact on people, the environment and governance. It will be phased in between 2026 and 2028. Reporting is not mandatory for SMEs, but with the voluntary VSME standard, they too can showcase their sustainability efforts in a structured way. Major clients are increasingly asking for this information, and investors, partners and other stakeholders also expect transparency. KDV – Language & More helps you translate that information into a clear, credible and accessible narrative.

Transparent sustainability communication does not mean sharing only positive results. On the contrary. Even when targets have not yet been fully achieved or certain indicators are temporarily trending less favourably, it pays to communicate honestly about this. For example, we support an industrial client that shares its annual progress on emissions. The graphs show not only decreases but also fluctuations in CO₂ emissions. By interpreting these results, explaining their causes and detailing the actions being taken, a credible narrative emerges that builds trust. To reach international stakeholders as well, the report is also published in an English-language version each time.

3 tips & tricks

1. Use measurable results

Communicating concrete figures, data and targets makes sustainability tangible and convincing. Use simple infographics to demonstrate the impact of your actions. Always be honest and transparent – greenwashing is a definite no-go!

2. Actively engage stakeholders

By involving employees and partners, you build support and increase your impact. Our clients often do this by encouraging staff to submit sustainable ideas via their two sustainability ambassadors. They also organise awareness-raising initiatives such as an Awareness Week: a week during which staff have the opportunity to attend various training sessions on relevant topics such as safety and ergonomics in the workplace. A great way to build a sustainable team.

3. Storytelling

Readers remember stories better than dry facts and are inspired more quickly as a result. By highlighting the human element, you create greater engagement. For example, give an employee a voice and let the best quotes stand out.

Would you also like to report on sustainability in a transparent and credible way? Give us a call or send us an email, and together we’ll create a strong sustainability report.