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Double materiality analysis

Understanding what really matters

The new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requires companies to perform a double materiality analysis. But we see this as more than an obligation: it’s an opportunity to get a focus on what really matters to your organization in terms of ESG. Empact helps you conduct a thorough analysis that not only complies with the legislation, but also adds real value for your organization.

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Double materiality analysis by Empact

  • We make the analysis practical and valuable to your organization
  • We engage the right stakeholders at the right time
  • We make sure the analysis aligns with your broader ESG strategy
  • We think beyond compliance and focus on real impact
  • We make ourselves redundant by transferring knowledge

Double materiality: easier than it sounds

Double materiality sounds complex, but the concept actually makes a lot of sense. It’s about looking at ESG issues from two sides:

What impact does your organization have on the world around you? This is about how your business activities affect people and the environment. Consider the CO2 emissions in your supply chain, working conditions at suppliers, or the positive contribution your products make to a more sustainable world.

How do ESG topics affect your organization? Here you look at the financial risks and opportunities. For example, higher costs due to CO2 taxes, reputational damage in case of incidents, or new market opportunities by making your products more sustainable.

A theme is “material” (relevant) if it is important to your organization from one or both perspectives. This double view gives you a complete picture: you see not only where you can make an impact, but also which sustainability themes are important for your business continuity. This helps you make informed choices and deploy your resources effectively where they make the most difference.

The double materiality matrix as a foundation for the CSRD pathway

The double materiality analysis is the starting point of the CSRD journey. It not only determines what to report on, but gives direction to your entire ESG strategy. At Empact, we guide you through the complete process: from analysis to implementation and reporting. We help you translate the outcomes into concrete goals and measurable KPIs. In this way, the CSRD becomes not an administrative burden, but a springboard to meaningful change.

Our approach: careful and thorough

At Empact, we have developed a proven method consisting of eight concrete steps:

  • Identification ESG themes: We create a complete longlist of all possible themes, risks and opportunities
  • Thorough assessment: we evaluate each theme from both perspectives with qualitative and quantitative criteria
  • Prioritization: we rank and visualize the themes for a clear overview
  • Review: We validate the results with internal and external experts and stakeholders
  • Approval: We ensure executive-level support
  • Validation: We have the analysis checked by an auditor
  • Management: We are developing a plan for annual review
  • Reporting: We provide clear reporting according to CSRD requirements

Also gain insight into what really matters?

Are you curious about how a double materiality analysis can help your organization focus on the ESG topics that really matter, so that you not only become CSRD-compliant, but also clarify all ESG opportunities and risks? Then get in touch. We would be happy to tell you more about our approach and think along with you about how we can make impact together.

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