Our lawyers take stock of these new obligations.
Companies meeting at least 2 of the following criteria are concerned:
- More than 250 employees,
- A net turnover of more than €40 million,
- A balance sheet total of over €20 million.
The CSRD also applies to all listed SMEs, as well as to non-EU companies with a net turnover of over €150 million in the EU and a subsidiary or branch in the EU.
It defines harmonized sustainability standards that can be used to compare companies according to a dual materiality approach. Companies will publish information on the impact their activities have on the environment and on people, as well as on the impact sustainability issues have on their business and financial performance.
The CSRD will come into force gradually. It applies to:
- Large, listed companies with over 500 employees from January 1, 2024.
- Large unlisted companies meeting the above criteria from January 1, 2025.
- Listed SMEs from January 1, 2026.
Lastly, the CSRD provides for the certification of published information, so that it can be verified.
Implementing these regulations can be complex. Our lawyers can help you with the following:
- Raising awareness and preparing teams, Comexes and boards of directors for the future obligations arising from the CSRD.
- Drawing up corporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies.
- Auditing, evaluating, benchmarking and verifying the compliance of ESG policies.
- Identifying, mapping and managing environmental, social and governance risks.
- Discussing ESG policies and sustainability issues with shareholders and stakeholders.
- Certifying sustainability reporting information.
Our lawyers’ expertise covers a wide range of ESG areas, including energy, the environment, corporate governance, social and societal issues, green and sustainable finance, as well as assistance with litigation, disputes and reputational risks arising from ESG or duty of care.
