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What is the Sustainability Report

The sustainability report is a comprehensive document that provides a balanced representation of a company’s activities in the three dimensions: economic, social, and environmental, approached with a long‑term perspective.

It is aimed at internal and external stakeholders (employees, customers, suppliers, investors, local communities) and its goal is to provide a transparent view of the company’s impact and sustainable development strategies.

Examples of topics that a company in the Food sector might address in its sustainability report: reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, food safety, supply chain traceability, waste reduction, the use of organic raw materials, etc.

Who is required to prepare the Sustainability Report

Relevant legislation

 

According to the relevant regulations, the entities required to report on sustainability include listed SMEs and large companies, defined as those exceeding at least two of the following thresholds:

  • Number of employees: > 250
  • Total balance sheet assets: > €25 million
  • Net turnover: > €50 million

Certain categories of financial institutions and non-EU groups with subsidiaries established in the EU that exceed specific size thresholds are also included within the scope of the reporting obligation.

Timeline for the Implementation of the Sustainability Reporting Obligation

As for the implementation timeline, on 16 April 2025, the Official Journal of the European Union published Directive (EU) 2025/794, also known as the “Stop the Clock” Directive, which amends the CSRD and postpones by two years the entry into force of the reporting obligations for two categories of entities. The new schedule is as follows:

  • Year 2024: Companies already subject to the previous regulation (Directive 2022/2464/EU and Legislative Decree 254/2016)
    → First report to be published in early 2025
  • Year 2027: Large EU companies (listed and unlisted)
    → First report to be published in early 2028
  • Year 2028: EU listed SMEs (excluding micro-enterprises) and non-EU companies with subsidiaries in the EU exceeding certain thresholds
    → First report to be published in early 2029

 

Why It Is Important to Prepare a Sustainability Report Even When Not Legally Required

Although the sustainability reporting obligation does not apply to all companies, many are indirectly affected. They may need to respond to requests from parent companies that are subject to the obligation, financial institutions — which must assess ESG profiles before approving financing — and consumers, who are increasingly aware and sensitive to sustainability-related issues.

Sustainability Reporting and Its Impact on the Supply Chain

Sustainability reporting also has a significant impact on supply chains, as companies are required to disclose the environmental and social impacts of their value chain. Beyond being a regulatory requirement, this represents an opportunity to foster collaboration among producers, processors, and distributors, encouraging the development of innovative and sustainable business models.

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The Sustainability Reporting Process

Sustainability reporting involves a structured, multi-phase process that leads to the disclosure and communication of the company's Sustainability Report.

Phases of the Sustainability Reporting Process

  1. Stakeholder engagement
  2. Double materiality analysis
  3. Application of European standards and identification of indicators
  4. Development of the reporting model and data collection
  5. Monitoring of strategy and action plans
  6. Drafting of the Sustainability Report
  7. Communication and dissemination

 

How We Support You in Drafting Your Sustainability Report

  1. Preliminary Assessment
    We start by assessing the company’s sustainability performance across the three ESG pillars:
    Environmental, Social, and Governance.
  2. Gap & Strengths Analysis
    The assessment allows us to identify both critical issues and areas of strength in the company’s ESG profile.
  3. Customized Roadmap
    Based on the results, we develop a tailor-made pathway towards a Sustainability Report that is:
    → CSRD-compliant
    → Effective and aligned with current ESG regulations
  4. Complementary Services
    Alongside the reporting process, we offer additional support to:
    → Address any gaps revealed during the assessment
    → Reinforce the company’s existing strengths and ESG commitments

The benefits of a well-structured Sustainability Report

  • Increases the company’s credibility and transparency
  • Improves access to financing
  • Strengthens reputation with clients, suppliers, and stakeholders
  • Stimulates innovation and collaboration along the supply chain
  • Demonstrates alignment with the UN SDGs and the 2030 Agenda
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How we help you draft your Sustainability Report

Pegaso Management offers a comprehensive and integrated service:

  • Initial assessment to evaluate the company’s sustainability level based on the three ESG criteria (Environmental, Social, and Governance).
  • Support and guidance throughout the drafting of the Sustainability Report (strategic, technical, and methodological contribution): we design a customized pathway toward a Sustainability Report that is compliant, effective, and aligned with the CSRD and ESG regulations.
  • In addition to the Sustainability Report, we provide related services aimed at addressing any gaps identified during the assessment phase or reinforcing the company’s strengths.
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Our references:
Case Study

The Journey of COAL

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Pegaso Management supported COAL, a company operating in the large-scale retail sector, in drafting its first voluntary Sustainability Report (2024).

The Journey of Jingold Spa

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Pegaso Management supported Jingold Spa, a company specialized in the production of high-quality kiwis, in drafting its first voluntary Sustainability Report (2024).

Related services supporting the Sustainability Report

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FAQ

Who is required to prepare a Sustainability Report?

Large EU companies, listed SMEs, and non-EU companies with significant EU subsidiaries.

Which standards are used?

GRI, ESRS, and the principles established by the CSRD Directive.

Why is it important to prepare a Sustainability Report even if not legally required?

Even when sustainability reporting is not mandatory, many companies are indirectly involved. They must respond to requests from parent companies that are subject to the obligation, from financial institutions—which assess ESG profiles before approving funding—or from consumers, who are increasingly sensitive to sustainability issues.

How long does it take?

On average, 6 to 9 months, depending on the company’s ESG readiness. It is essential to start early in order to produce a Sustainability Report that meets compliance requirements.