CBS: not CSRD mandatory but wants to make sustainable business practices measurable

The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) has been the provider of reliable, independent statistics in the Netherlands for 125 years. So it is only logical that the organization wants to make reporting on its own sustainable business practices measurable. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been high on the agenda at CBS for some time, but when they learned about the CSRD – the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive – they became even more enthusiastic. Because the CSRD makes CSR data concrete and transparent: exactly what CBS is all about.

“We realize that CBS is not CSRD obligated, but we want to make a
positive contribution and make our impact measurable.”

Working together to make CBS more sustainable

Martin van Adrichem and Remco Immers are working together to create the first CSRD-compliant report for CBS. Martin from his role as responsible for (financial) planning, control and reporting. Remco from his role as CSR coordinator and his intrinsic motivation to make CBS’ business operations more sustainable: “We realize that CBS is not CSRD-compliant, but we want to make a positive contribution and make our impact measurable.”

Although Martin, as a Chartered Accountant, has a lot of experience in reporting, sustainability reporting is really something new. And although Remco is well versed in the sustainability matter, he says he doesn’t speak the language of reporting himself. So they decided to seek help from Empact. A logical choice, according to Martin: “The Empact team has been involved with CBS for several years as sustainability consultants, knows the organization well and is appreciated within CBS for its pleasant and professional contact.”

Before starting work on the CSRD, Empact developed for, and especially with, CBS a CSR strategy with an integrated approach. In addition, the team was asked to help think about the implementation of this CSR strategy.

For the CSRD, Empact supports the process of creating a CSRD report, from dual materiality analysis, stakeholder engagement strategy to the preparation of the report.

“There is an art to making it simple and
that is where a critical, outside eye helps.”

Roll up your sleeves and get to work

How do you like making ESG measurable according to the CSRD and working with Empact? Martin: “It is really tough at times with complex regulations. But Empact knows how to keep our spirits up.” Remco adds: “They have a good sense of what is needed and if necessary they change tack to make it tangible. So not just nice talks and pictures, but real deepening and cooperation.”

In this way, Martin and Remco get a better handle on the topics themselves and also gain relevant and substantive knowledge. Although this takes time, they see that it is necessary. “Because first you have to get a good grip on it yourself before you can involve the rest of the organization in a meaningful way,” Remco said.

The CSRD as a means of measuring and making impact

Remco is a go-getter and wants to make real change. “The CSRD helps me find the blind spots so that I can work on them in practice, because after all, it’s not just about checking boxes.” If necessary, he goes into the organization to push and pull here and there to take that extra step.

“The CSRD helps me find the blind spots so I can work on them in practice
because, after all, it’s not just about checking boxes.”

From regulation to practice

Currently, the greatest challenge lies in translating the complexity of the regulations into the practice of one’s own organization. This must then be captured in a readable and transparent report. This is certainly not easy, but significant steps are already being taken. Remco: “Empact is strong in translating the complexity into practical application. It is an art to make it simple and they know the language of reporting like no other. We can make good use of that to realize our ambitions.”

Advice: just start and do it in stages

When asked what they would like to pass along to other organizations, they both answer, “Take the time to discover and live through the CSRD and let people with experience and expertise help you in this : a critical, fresh perspective. That way you keep the process manageable and instructive.” Remco adds: “It doesn’t have to be perfect right away, but just start and do it in phases. And do not use the CSRD purely and simply for reporting, but use it explicitly to steer for improvement and for measuring and making impact. That way, everything you do becomes more meaningful and you work more motivated.”