Category: Pulse Market ESG

Sustainability Consultants: Here’s How an ESG Data Platform Can Save You Time, Impress Clients, and Boost Margins

By Sarah Shannon

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If you’re a sustainability consultant, you’ve probably had this thought more than once: “There’s got to be a better way to do this.”

You’re constantly switching between Excel sheets, SharePoint folders, and endless email threads just to collect and review client data. Every client sends things in different formats, your processes aren’t standardised, and keeping up with the latest regulations or best practices? That happens in your spare time—if you ever find any.

It’s overwhelming. And worse, it makes it harder to deliver high-value work to your clients—work that makes you look smart, professional, and on top of your game.

Here’s where an ESG data management platform changes everything.

Instead of spending your energy wrangling inconsistent data, you get a single source of truth—organised, streamlined, and accessible. That means no more manually cleaning data or chasing clients for the right files. Everything lives in one place, updated in real time.

But the benefits go way beyond admin efficiency.

Let’s walk through how it actually helps you deliver better, grow faster, and stand out from the crowd:

1. You Look Good in Front of Clients

When your reports are polished, timely, and insightful, clients notice. With a platform handling the heavy lifting, you’re free to focus on delivering value—not formatting documents.

2. You Reduce Delivery Effort

Automated workflows mean you spend less time on repetitive tasks. That means faster turnarounds and more time to focus on strategic work (or finally take that lunch break).

3. You Tap Into Peer Knowledge and Best Practice

Working in isolation is tough. Good ESG platforms connect you with the latest methodologies, industry benchmarks, and other expert insights—so you’re never guessing, and always growing.

4. You Discover New Opportunities to Scale

Less admin = more capacity. With streamlined delivery, you can take on more clients, offer new advisory services, or even expand into new markets without scaling your headcount at the same pace.

5. You Stay Ahead of the Competition

More and more consultants are leveraging tech and AI to sharpen their edge. A robust ESG platform helps you stay competitive—and keeps you from falling behind those who already made the shift.

6. You Improve Your Margins

At the end of the day, smarter delivery means higher profitability. With less manual effort and more scalable processes, you improve margins while still delivering top-notch service.

The Bottom Line?

An ESG data platform isn’t just a tool—it’s your partner in delivering better outcomes for your clients, growing your business, and making your day-to-day work a whole lot smoother.

If you’re serious about staying ahead in the ESG space, it might be time to leave the spreadsheets behind.

Read about how we can work together to make sustainable impact at who we work with

Cut Costs, Save Time, and Stay Competitive: How VSME Transforms SME ESG Reporting

By Sarah Shannon

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Sustainability reporting has long been a challenge for SMEs, often burdened with multiple ESG data requests, inconsistent reporting formats, and high administrative costs. Sound familiar? There is a solution. The European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) has now introduced the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs (VSME)—a simple, structured, and standardised framework designed to make ESG reporting more accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises.

As a sustainability platform that helps organisations collect ESG data, we see VSME as a much-needed and welcome step forward. It eliminates the complexity that often discourages SMEs from engaging in sustainability reporting, making it easier to track progress, integrate sustainability into business strategies, and unlock new opportunities.

The ESG Reporting Struggles for SMEs

Until now, SMEs have faced significant challenges when it comes to ESG reporting. Many businesses have struggled with:

  • Multiple, unstructured requirements – Different stakeholders request ESG data in varying formats, leading to inefficiencies and duplication of work.
  • Limited time and expertise – Many SMEs lack dedicated sustainability professionals or the internal knowledge to gather data and prepare reports.
  • High costs – Responding to ESG data requests or hiring sustainability experts can be a costly and time-consuming process.
  • Missed opportunities – Without a structured and recognised way to provide ESG data, SMEs risk losing contracts, investment opportunities, and access to green financing.

This lack of standardisation has created an unnecessary burden, making ESG reporting seem more complex than it needs to be.

How VSME Simplifies ESG Reporting

Fortunately, the VSME framework removes much of this complexity by introducing a clear, streamlined approach that is specifically designed for SMEs.

Here’s how it makes ESG reporting easier:

  1. The “If Applicable” Principle – Unlike other frameworks, VSME only requires SMEs to report on ESG topics that are actually relevant to their business. There is no need for a materiality assessment, which saves time and effort.
  2. A Clear and Simple Reporting Process – The framework uses straightforward terminology, predefined reporting templates, and avoids technical jargon, ensuring SMEs can provide information in a structured and efficient way.
  3. Checklist-Based Disclosures – Instead of lengthy written explanations, ESG disclosures are structured as multiple-choice questions or quantitative data points, significantly reducing the effort required.
  4. A Modular Approach for Flexibility:
    • Basic Module: Helps SMEs meet fundamental ESG expectations and simplify reporting for clients and lenders.
    • Comprehensive Module: Incorporates the Basic Module but also allows SMEs to secure investment and position themselves as sustainability leaders.
  5. No Mandatory Public Disclosure – Unlike some ESG frameworks, VSME does not require SMEs to make their reports publicly available, giving businesses greater control over their sustainability information.

By following these simplified reporting steps, even the smallest businesses can now engage in sustainability reporting without the overwhelm of unnecessary complexity.

The Strategic Advantages of VSME for SMEs

For SMEs considering ESG reporting, adopting the VSME framework offers a range of key benefits, including:

  • Reducing inefficiencies in ESG reporting – Avoid the administrative burden of responding to multiple questionnaires, cut costs, and save valuable time.
  • Improving access to financing – By demonstrating sustainability commitments in a structured format, SMEs can strengthen loan applications, attract sustainability-focused investors, and access green finance opportunities more easily.
  • Strengthening business relationships – Many large companies now require ESG data from their suppliers. Adopting VSME allows SMEs to meet supply chain sustainability requirements, ensuring they remain competitive and avoid losing contracts due to a lack of ESG data.
  • Preparing for future regulations – While VSME is currently voluntary, ESG disclosure requirements continue to evolve. Adopting this framework now ensures businesses are well-prepared for potential regulatory changes, reducing the risk of disruption in the future.
  • Enhancing market position – By improving brand reputation and demonstrating responsible business practices, SMEs can attract sustainability-conscious customers, investors, and business partners, setting themselves apart from competitors.

How a Sustainability Platform Can Help

For SMEs already tracking ESG data—or those looking to start—a sustainability platform, like Pulse Market can make the entire process even easier. With the right tools in place, businesses can:

  • Standardise ESG data collection in alignment with the VSME framework.
  • Reduce the reporting burden by automating data gathering and structuring reports efficiently.
  • Gain a competitive edge by demonstrating ESG commitment with minimal effort.

Is VSME the Right Choice for Your Business?

If you are an SME, it is worth considering whether the VSME framework could be the right fit for you. Ask yourself:

  • Are stakeholders (such as clients, lenders, or investors) requesting ESG data?
  • Does your business already track sustainability metrics, but struggles with reporting?
  • Would standardisation help reduce the complexity and costs of ESG reporting?
  • Do you want to stay ahead of future regulations and position yourself as a sustainability leader?

If you answered yes to any of the above, then we can help simplify sustainability reporting, reduce administrative burdens, and open new doors for business growth. Now is the time to take action and build a solid foundation for future ESG reporting.

Contact Us – Pulse Market to book a demo

Why ESG is No Longer Just for Big Corporations

By Sarah Shannon

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A Beginner’s Guide to ESG Strategies for SMEs

For a long time, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies were mostly associated with big corporations and financial institutions. But now, the ripple effects of international sustainability standards and policies are reaching small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) too. Thanks to global supply chains and increasing regulatory expectations, SMEs are feeling the pressure to step up their sustainability game. Large companies and financial institutions want more transparency from their suppliers, and that means SMEs need to rethink how they approach ESG.

So, what’s the big challenge?

✅ Customers and partners expect SMEs to take ESG seriously.

❌ But many SMEs don’t have the resources or structured processes that bigger companies do.

The real struggle isn’t just identifying ESG gaps—it’s figuring out what to do next. Too often, businesses stall after a gap analysis because there’s no clear action plan. Without a well-thought-out approach, ESG becomes just another compliance checkbox rather than a real business driver.

However, SMEs that embed ESG into their overall business strategy instead of treating it as a reporting requirement are setting themselves up for long-term success. When ESG efforts align with business goals, SMEs gain a competitive edge—especially as larger clients and supply chain partners demand more sustainability measures. And here’s a tip: framing ESG in terms of risk, impact and opportunity (known as double materiality) gets the attention of executives and board members.

The good news? In December 2024, the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) introduced the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard (VSME) for non-listed SMEs. This new standard makes ESG reporting more accessible without the complexity of larger corporate regulations like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

Before we get to the reporting let’s get back to basics and understand why ESG really matters for SMEs today.

What is ESG?

ESG boils down to three key areas:

  • Environmental: Sustainable resource use, carbon footprint reduction, waste management.
  • Social: Employee well-being, diversity and inclusion, community engagement, ethical sourcing.
  • Governance: Transparent decision-making, regulatory compliance, ethical leadership.

Why ESG Matters for SMEs

Here’s why prioritising ESG is a smart move for SMEs:

  1. Investors Are Watching – About 40% of venture capitalists now consider ESG factors when making investment decisions. If you’re a mission-driven business, this could make you more attractive to funding.
  2. Consumers Care – Around 70% of consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable products, and that number keeps growing.
  3. Operational Efficiency Pays Off – Sustainability efforts like energy efficiency and waste reduction lead to cost savings.
  4. Stronger Market Position – A solid ESG strategy can enhance your brand reputation and attract more customers.
  5. Regulatory Readiness – Compliance with ESG regulations isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about staying ahead of industry trends.

How to Get Started with ESG

1. Measure Your Impact

Start by assessing your carbon footprint and social responsibility efforts. Tools like Pulse Market can help manage, track and improve your ESG metrics. Even small changes—like reducing energy use or choosing responsible suppliers—can lead to meaningful results.

2. Set Practical Goals

Your ESG goals should be specific, realistic, and aligned with your business strategy. Avoid vague commitments and aim for measurable targets.

3. Integrate Sustainability into Daily Operations

  • Cut down on energy consumption and waste.
  • Opt for eco-friendly suppliers and materials.
  • Promote workplace diversity and inclusion.

4. Build a More Inclusive Workplace

  • Conduct diversity audits and set clear targets.
  • Foster a company culture where every employee feels valued.
  • Remember that inclusive teams drive innovation and better decision-making.

5. Strengthen Your Governance Practices

  • Establish clear ethical guidelines and transparent decision-making processes.
  • Develop an ESG task force to ensure alignment with business goals.
  • Make governance a proactive, not reactive, effort.

6. Engage with Stakeholders

  • Keep employees, customers, suppliers, and investors informed about your ESG efforts.
  • Show tangible progress to build credibility and trust.

7. Track and Report Progress

  • Use key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure ESG success.
  • Regularly publish updates on your sustainability initiatives.

Overcoming Common ESG Challenges

💡 Limited Resources? Start with small, cost-effective changes and expand over time.

💡 Lack of Awareness? Educate employees and stakeholders about ESG benefits.

💡 Regulatory Complexity? Stay informed on laws and best practices to avoid compliance risks.

Time to Take Action!

Financial stability and ESG alignment go hand-in-hand. When ESG becomes part of your commercial strategy rather than just a compliance burden, you create real business value and long-term success.

Final Thoughts

Adopting ESG isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about future-proofing your business. By taking small but meaningful steps today, SMEs can contribute to a more sustainable world while staying competitive in an evolving market. The key is to start now and build from there!

Why not check out our ESG Discovery designed for SMEs like yours.

From Chaos to Clarity: Why Smart ESG Data Management is a Game-Changer for Companies

By Sarah Shannon

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The Benefits of ESG Data Management for Businesses

The demand for transparency in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) data practices is skyrocketing. The thing is, investors, regulators, and consumers aren’t just asking for ESG—they’re expecting it. But truthfully, as ESG compliance shifts from a “nice-to-have” to a business necessity, many companies are struggling to keep up with the ever-growing data demands from multiple stakeholders.

ESG: More Than Just a Buzzword

You see, ESG isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about making a real impact. It evaluates how businesses operate responsibly across three key areas:

  • Environmental impact (e.g., carbon emissions, waste management)
  • Social responsibility (e.g., employee well-being, diversity, and inclusion)
  • Governance structures (e.g., ethical leadership, transparency, risk management)

While many companies claim to have ESG strategies in place, the reality is that managing the data behind these initiatives is a logistical nightmare. In other words, without structured processes, ESG reporting becomes a mess—fragmented, unreliable, and, worst of all, non-compliant with global and regional standards like CSRD, SECR, and ISSB.

The End of Greenwashing: Here’s Why ESG Data Governance Matters

The thing is, regulatory bodies worldwide are cracking down on greenwashing—those misleading sustainability claims companies use to look good on paper. But surprisingly, many organisations still don’t have the right infrastructure to ensure accurate and trustworthy ESG reporting.

Here’s why that needs to change: a robust ESG data management platform helps businesses simplify ESG data management, ensuring compliance, transparency and audit ready.

With the right ESG data governance framework, businesses can:

✅ Ensure data integrity – Say goodbye to errors and inconsistencies.

✅ Meet regulatory requirements – No more last-minute compliance scrambles.

✅ Boost efficiency – Automate ESG data collection and validation.

✅ Minimise risk – Avoid reputational and financial disasters.

✅ Build stakeholder trust – Show investors and customers you mean business.

How the Right ESG Platform Can Turn Chaos into Clarity

Let’s be real—most companies are drowning in ESG data, trying to juggle spreadsheets across multiple teams and locations. In short, it’s a mess. But thankfully, automated ESG data management is changing the game.

With the right ESG data management tools, you can:

  • 📊 Streamline data collection across the entire value chain
  • 🤖 Eliminate manual errors with smart analytics
  • 📈 Stay compliant with sustainability frameworks
  • 🔍 Turn raw data into real-time insights for smarter decision-making

In other words, if your organisation is still relying on spreadsheets, it’s time to rethink your strategy. The future is digital, and smart ESG data management isn’t just helpful—it’s necessary.

Driving a Sustainable Future

The thing is, ESG isn’t just about regulations—it’s about building a resilient and future-proof business. Companies that embed ESG into their core operations are leading the way, cutting carbon footprints, advancing social equity, and ensuring transparent governance.

So, what’s next? Well, emerging trends like renewable energy, circular economies, and social impact initiatives are shaping the future. But the companies that will truly thrive are those that take ESG seriously—not just for compliance, but for real change.

In short, if you want to lead, the best time to act is now. Get structured, get digital, and get ready—because ESG isn’t just the future, it’s the present.

So from chaos to clarity—smart ESG data management isn’t just an upgrade, it’s a game-changer. The question is, are you ready to take the lead?

See ESG Data Management in Action!

Book a quick demo and discover how easy ESG data management can be on our Pulse Platform..

Cracking the ESG Code: Common Challenges and Tech Fixes

By Sarah Shannon

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Why ESG Matters Now More Than Ever

Have you considered Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices aren’t just a nice-to-have anymore—they’re essential? Businesses today are under growing pressure from clients, regulators, and investors to prioritise sustainability and transparency. It’s not just about being good to the planet; it’s also about meeting the demands of clients and stakeholders. Here’s why ESG compliance is more critical than ever:

  • Transparency: With regulations like SECR, CSRD, CSDDD, and B-Corp certification, companies need to be crystal clear about their practices.
  • Investor Expectations: Investors want to see sustainable practices in action, not just on paper.
  • Cost Reduction: Believe it or not, efficient ESG strategies can actually save you money.
  • Risk Management: Staying compliant helps minimise risks—both regulatory and reputational.

Typical Organisational Challenges

Now, while ESG sounds great in theory, putting it into practice comes with its own set of hurdles. For example:

  1. Disconnected Data Sources & Manual Processes: Many companies are juggling fragmented data systems and tedious manual reporting, which makes ESG compliance feel like a never-ending task.
  2. Keeping Up with Shifting Regulations: The thing is, ESG regulations are always evolving. Staying on top of standards like CSRD and CSDDD can feel like hitting a moving target.
  3. Difficulty Scaling Efforts Globally: If you’re operating in multiple countries, aligning ESG efforts across different regions can get pretty complicated.

The CEO ESG Challenge

Balancing ESG priorities with business performance is no small feat. CEOs face the tricky task of juggling performance, priorities, and transformation all at once. Here’s what that looks like:

  1. Performance Monitoring:
    • There are often gaps in ESG data acquisition.
    • Automating data feeds and ensuring traceability isn’t as easy as it sounds.
    • Plus, getting near real-time sustainability data can be a challenge.
  2. Prioritising Initiatives:
    • Navigating complex regulations like CSRD and CSDDD is no walk in the park.
    • Ensuring sustainable procurement and due diligence takes time and resources.
    • And let’s not forget budget, skills, and time constraints—they’re always part of the equation.
  3. Transforming the Business:
    • Getting the entire C-suite aligned on ESG goals can be a tough sell.
    • Educating the workforce on sustainability practices? That’s another challenge.
    • Adapting business models for long-term resilience requires both vision and commitment.

The Cost of Getting ESG Wrong

Although ESG compliance can seem daunting, the cost of getting it wrong is even higher. Here’s why:

  • Financial Penalties: Non-compliance with ESG regulations can lead to hefty fines.
  • Loss of Trust: Failing to meet ESG standards can erode both investor and consumer confidence.
  • Missed Opportunities: Neglecting ESG can mean missing out on innovation and growth.

 

“Less time buried in spreadsheets, more time making a real impact”​

 

How Technology is Changing the Game

The good news? Technology is stepping in to make ESG compliance a whole lot easier. Here’s how:

  1. Automating Data Collection and Verification:
    • Tech simplifies data gathering from different sources and ensures it’s accurate and traceable.
  2. Simplifying Compliance with Evolving Regulations:
    • It adapts to regulatory changes, so you don’t have to worry about falling behind.
    • Plus, it offers user-friendly tools for easy monitoring and reporting.
  3. Providing Real-Time Insights for Proactive Decision-Making:
    • Near real-time sustainability data helps you make informed, agile decisions.

Making ESG Effortless for Teams and Consultants

Let’s face it, managing ESG data can be overwhelming. But with the right tech:

  • Streamlining ESG Data Management: Say goodbye to the chaos of handling vast amounts of ESG data.
  • Fast, Easy Monitoring and Reporting: Compliance becomes a simpler with intuitive platforms.
  • Working Smarter on Sustainability: Automating routine tasks means teams can focus on what really matters.

From Drowning in Data to Data-Driven Decisions

The thing is, businesses often feel like they’re drowning in ESG data. But tech helps turn that flood into actionable insights:

  • Unified ESG Data: It pulls data from from every corner of an organisation and across the value chain into one central system.
  • Actionable Insights: Complex metrics get transformed into clear, impactful reports.
  • Agile Business Strategies: With data-backed decisions, companies can pivot confidently and quickly.

“When you lead on ESG, everyone in your network levels up.”

Amplifying ESG Impact Across Your Network

ESG isn’t just about what happens inside your company—it’s about your entire network. Here’s how tech helps amplify your impact:

  • Connecting with Stakeholders: Easily and securely link suppliers, partners, and customers for a unified ESG approach.
  • Cascading Impact: Drive sustainability throughout your entire value chain.
  • Creating Long-Term Value: Smarter, sustainable business choices lead to lasting success.

Closing the Loop Across the Value Chain

Finally, the real magic happens when you close the loop. Here’s what that means:

  • Unified Efforts: Bringing together suppliers, partners, and customers enhances your ESG impact.
  • From Small Actions to Big Impacts: Even small sustainability steps can lead to significant outcomes.
  • Building Resilience: Transparent, sustainable practices strengthen your business ecosystem.

“It’s not just data—it’s the roadmap to a more sustainable future.”

At the end of the day, embracing technology not only simplifies ESG compliance but also sets your business up for long-term growth and resilience in an increasingly sustainability-focused world.

Ready to amplify your ESG Impact or simply just get started? Check out our sustainability solutions

Is your organisation ready to move from offsetting to insetting? 

By Sarah Shannon

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Everyone is familiar with the term offsetting – when a company buys credits to compensate for carbon dioxide emissions. How familiar are you with insetting?  

MyClimate.org defines ‘insetting’ as an investment by your company in emissions reduction projects within the supply chain. In contrast to emissions reduction in external climate protection projects (carbon offset projects), climate protection money remains within your company’s value creation cycle.’ 

Insetting is not a new concept.  

Insetting was promoted, nearly 10 years ago by sustainability standards Plan Vivo and Pur Projet. Since COP26, insetting is fast becoming the new buzzword flying around corporate board rooms. Why? Companies of all shapes and sizes are being held accountable for their actions by consumers and investors. Therefore, their boards are keen to get their ESG houses in order and proactively drive down their organisations carbon emissions in a more sustainable way. Offsetting does not tackle an organisations emissions within its supply chain. Whereas insetting focuses on the impact of manufacturing, running operations and transportation.  

The organisations moving away from offsetting recognise to successfully adopt ‘insetting’ they cannot do this alone. It requires a partnership. Who better to align with than the organisations they do business with – the supply chain.  

John Dowdall, CRO Pulse Market commented: “The financial services sector is beginning to realise that instead of investing in carbon offsets, they can spend that same money to strengthen their supply chain and have a wider impact on the people and the planet. This more proactive approach is very much aligned with why we created the Pulse ESG passport, namely increasing the impact firms can have when working together” 

In order to make real change happen companies need to think seriously about who they do business with not just how they do business. This is more important than ever with the tightening up of ESG reporting requirements for the financial services sector. Buyers and suppliers need to act together.  

The question is how do buyers align suppliers with their ESG goals and vision. The answer is the Pulse Market ESG passport: the simple solution to align and educate your suppliers with your ESG vision.  

Discover more and book a demo today at ESG Passport 

Accelerating Sustainability with Digital Solutions 

By Sarah Shannon

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This decade is critical for addressing a century’s worth of pollution and environmental neglect. So how can we reverse the damage – fast? It’s now essential to embed sustainability practices into organisational strategies. The backbone of these practices is high-quality data that will ensure it is transparent, has integrity regulatory compliance, and buildes stakeholder trust. By integrating sustainability into digital transformation strategies, organisations can accelerate their transition to a sustainable economy. 

Digital Strategy Meets Sustainability 

For starters digital strategies and sustainability are increasingly intertwined. A robust digital platform, like Pulse, can centralise information, making it easily accessible for teams, stakeholders, and suppliers. This facilitates vital collaboration, a key component in driving sustainable practices that will successfully drive positive change for people and the planet. 

3 benefits of blending digital strategy with sustainability goals: 

1 Monitoring and Tracking Progress 

Digital solutions enable organisations to monitor and track their sustainability efforts effectively. They provide transparent audit trails, ensuring data reliability and trustworthiness. This transparency is critical for accurate reporting and compliance. 

2 Benchmarking and Supplier Profiling 

Using data to benchmark and profile suppliers helps identify risks and impacts across the value chain. This insight is vital for transitioning from a linear to a circular economy. High-quality information supports strategic goals and drives sustainability initiatives. 

3 Harnessing Data for Sustainability 

Centralising non-financial information on a digital platform reduces the carbon footprint by eliminating the need for scattered data storage.   

Responsible AI Deployment 

Automation, AI, and machine learning are revolutionising the way organisations approach sustainability. These technologies enable businesses to adapt and innovate, making sustainable practices more efficient and impactful. AI and machine learning can significantly improve accessibility, reduce waste, and optimise energy consumption in the production of goods and services. However, placing AI at the core of sustainability we need to be responisble too. Therefore, deploying AI responsibly is essential when dealing with sensitive non-financial information.   

Optimising Resource Use 

Digital technologies play a crucial role in advancing sustainability. They enable precise measurement and tracking of sustainability progress, optimise resource utilisation, and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By facilitating this transition, these technologies are pivotal in moving from a traditional linear economy to a more sustainable circular economy. 

Innovation and Collaboration 

Digital technologies drive both innovation and collaboration, creating new opportunities for tackling climate change. Tools like AI, copilots and machine learning, are at the forefront, developing the next wave of solutions for a sustainable future. 

Building a Transparent Supply Chain 

Visibility is essential for supply chain leaders. Without precise tracking, they risk over-ordering and tying up valuable working capital. Transparent data sharing with suppliers ensures accurate tracking from origin to delivery, mitigating risks and safeguarding the brand. 

Achieving Supply Chain Sustainability 

Reaching sustainability goals requires a global, accurate, real-time inventory view. Sharing data across the supply chain ecosystem builds trust and efficiency. AI helps avoid obsolete inventory, reduce carbon emissions, and minimise waste. 

Environmental Intelligence 

Sophisticated predictive tools are necessary for companies exposed to various external factors. Environmental intelligence helps organisations predict and respond to weather events, streamlining risk management and operational processes, including carbon accounting and reduction. 

We are already experiencing the impact of a rapidly evolving digital transformation – it can be scary sometimes. However, we do need to address the climate crisis urgently and when we use digital responsibly we can truly accelerate solutions. We are working with clients who are transforming how their organisation approach sustainability. They believe in embedding sustainability into digital transformation strategies, leveraging data, and fostering collaboration – these are the businesses that will accelerate a transition to a sustainable, circular economy.

Ready to collect, organise and visualise data on Pulse Market?

Book a Demo now

How to Influence Sustainability Conversations and Actions in Your Organisation? 

By Sarah Shannon

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Sustainability regulation is looming on the horizon for many big organisations. This impending legislation serves as a powerful motivator for change, compelling businesses to meet legal requirements and align with economic, political, social, and stakeholder expectations. However, beyond compliance, many organisations genuinely want to reduce their material impact and reverse environmental damage.

So, how do you change hearts and minds, get everyone on board, and drive action within your organisation? 

Involve Everyone in the Conversation 

The first step is to openly engage everyone in your organisation – share the goal that together we can shift to a sustainable organisation. Encourage a diverse range of people across all levels to join the conversation – especially those working on the frontline. Their varied perspectives and inputs are invaluable in understanding the complexities of reducing your business’s material impact. 

Understand the Resistance 

People tend to resist change as they focus on what they must give up rather than what they will gain. So a good place to start is by identifying the core reasons behind any resistance to change. For example, do they worry lower quality materials will replace current materials, will it cost more to be sustainable so another core offer is dropped, will it take longer at the expense of tried and tested efficiency. Understanding these blockers allows you to start improving processes and practices effectively while reviewing innovative alternatives too.  

Identify and Remove Blockers 

Once you know the blockers, you can then identify gaps and bottlenecks to provide ideas and practical solutions that help overcome the resistance. A simple first step is to focus on quick wins. This not only demonstrates progress but also signals your commitment to change. Talk to your employees and suppliers about alternative technologies and sustainable materials that could improve processes.

Remember to celebrate these wins to stimulate further conversations.  

Create a Supportive Culture 

Fear of failure can hinder progress. Foster a culture where trying new approaches is encouraged, even if they aren’t 100% perfect. Ring-fence a budget to support your sustainability strategy, showing that the organisation is serious about making a change. 

Ensure Leadership Commitment 

Ensure the senior team demonstrates a commitment to listening to the conversation and removing blockers. Their active participation can significantly accelerate the shift towards a sustainable future. 

Set Targets and Track Progress 

Every organisation can set its own sustainability targets and track progress. They key is to gather all non-financial information, such as policies and carbon emissions data, in one place to gain a comprehensive view. Going forward it is easy to visualise year-on-year progress and proudly share your successes. 

By incorporating these steps, you can effectively influence sustainability conversations and actions within your organisation, leading to meaningful environmental impact and a more sustainable business. 

Be proactive, not reactive.

Reach out to Pulse Market now and find out how to streamline your non-financial reporting and spearhead your sustainability initiatives.

Contact Pulse Today

Strategic Support: Enhancing Business Resilience under CSRD 

By Sarah Shannon

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Accountants know that staying ahead of trends is crucial for business success. While trends typically come and go, influencing strategies and operations in cycles, sustainability is proving to be far more than just a fleeting focus. Unlike other passing business fads, sustainability has solidified its position at the core of corporate strategies, driven not only by the climate crisis and consumer demand but also regulatory mandates – particularly CSRD – coming into force. 

Background and Evolution of CSRD 

Within the European Union, the CSRD was first proposed in 2021 as an update and expansion of the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD). The CSRD took effect in January 2023, introducing more rigorous demands for transparency and accountability in reporting sustainability issues. The new legislation mandates that companies adhere to the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), which consist of 12 standards adopted by the European Commission in July 2023. These standards are designed to ensure that sustainability reporting aligns with the depth and rigor traditionally reserved for financial reporting. 

This regulation makes it clear: sustainability is no longer optional! 

It’s a critical element that around 50,000 companies throughout the EU must integrate sustainability reporting into their operations. These businesses are required to approach non financial information reporting with the same rigour as financial reporting.  

What are companies expected to report on 

Under the CSRD rules, reporting entities are required to report on non-financial qualitative and quantitative information related to: 

  • Diversity of company boards 
  • Double materiality 
  • ESG targets and progress in reaching them 
  • Greenhouse gas emissions and targets 
  • Human rights issues 
  • Social responsibility and employee treatment 
  • Sustainability goals, performance and policies 

The knock-on effect of CSRD

Not only are large companies directly affected by these regulations, but their supply chains are also impacted. Larger organisations will now expect their suppliers to demonstrate and account for their sustainability efforts, extending the reach and implications of these standards throughout the entire supply chain. 

The Importance of Early Preparation 

Just like a house needs a solid foundation to stand strong, a business needs a robust base to grow and thrive as sustainability becomes increasingly central to operations. To report effectively, it’s important for businesses to start preparing now. As legislation evolves and becomes more demanding, companies will need to share more detailed non-financial information. Establishing a solid foundation today will help ensure that a business can meet these increasingly more stringent requirements in the future. 

Experts in the accounting profession foresee increasing regulation on data disclosure, information, and metrics around environmental, social, and governance (ESG) matters. Now is the best time for accounting and finance professionals to embed sustainability metrics into an organisation’s business model. 

Data Management: A Critical Component 

Effective data management under CSRD cannot be overstated. Relying on ad-hoc processes, clunky spreadsheets, shared drives or individual knowledge not only poses a risk to compliance but to the integrity and continuity of your business operations. Instead, collecting, organising and securely storing sustainability data in one single source of truth ensures that a company can respond quickly to regulatory requests and manage information efficiently. 

Visualise and Showcase Progress 

Visualising all sustainability data in one place not only simplifies compliance but also showcases a company’s progress. It enables effective decision-making and highlights ongoing improvements in sustainability actions. This centralisation ensures that no effort is duplicated and that every stride towards sustainability is documented and accessible. 

Operational Strategy for Compliance 

Preparing for CSRD involves 3 elements: 

1. Data Collection: Establish robust systems to continuously collect detailed, accurate non-financial data. 

2. Analysis and Reporting: Implement tools and processes that allow for effective analysis and transparent reporting of sustainability efforts. 

3. Supplier Collaboration: Extend data practices to the supply chain, ensuring that suppliers can provide the necessary non-financial data to align with sustainability reporting requirements. 

In conclusion, the role of accounting professionals is more crucial than ever under the CSRD. By proactively collecting, managing and analysing sustainability data, a company will not only comply with evolving regulations but also position a business as a leader in sustainable practices. Put simply, start early, organise diligently, and embrace the CSRD with confidence. 

At Pulse Market we are working with accountants, CFOs and supporting organisations prepare for CSRD with our sustainability consultancy services and our sustainability platform for collecting, organising and visualising non-financial information.

Contact us today