The VSME standard, now called VS (Voluntary Standard), is the voluntary European ESG reporting framework for SMEs. Initially published by EFRAG under the name «Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for SMEs», it structures extra-financial communication around environmental, social and governance issues, in a simplified format proportionate to the CSRD.
This page presents an anonymized model inspired by a real report, to illustrate the structure and information expected in a VSME / VS report. You will find the main headings of the standard, as well as concrete examples of ESG indicators and data that can be integrated into a voluntary SME report.
Download the complete anonymized VSME report template (real example, including all ESG sections).
Structure of a VSME report
A VSME report is structured around major ESG themes, with a level of granularity adapted to SMEs.
Reporting scope, entities covered, reference period, reference frame used (VSME) and key company characteristics. This section includes information on the organization, activities and reporting framework.
Company activity, positioning, sustainability issues related to the sector and stakeholder expectations (customers, employees, suppliers and investors).
Policies in place on key ESG issues: climate, resources, social and governance. Summary of existing policies and their level of formalization.
Workforce, diversity, training, health and safety, social dialogue: employee indicators and related policies.
Energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water management, waste and circular economy: data on energy, emissions and actions to reduce impacts.
Governance organization, decision-making bodies, ethical policies and compliance mechanisms. Description of governance bodies and business ethics practices.
Quantitative data and qualitative information structured by ESG theme. Data tables and organization of indicators by issue.
Platform
Structure and manage your VSME reporting with Kiosk
To support companies in the production of their VSME reporting, we have designed a dedicated platform that enables :
- Centralize ESG data in a single repository
- Structuring reporting in accordance with ESRS requirements
- Track and monitor indicators over time
- Reliable data for audit work
- Produce a compliant and usable sustainability declaration
Case study - Production of a first CSR report (VSME standard)
Europal Packaging
Context
A family-owned company specializing in sustainable packaging solutions (corrugated board and honeycomb), Europal Packaging is actively committed to sustainable development. In order to highlight its ESG commitments and structure its communications, the group has launched the production of its first CSR report.
Issues identified
- Structuring existing but scattered CSR initiatives
- Formalizing consistent and communicable ESG reporting
- Alignment with an internationally recognized standard (VSME)
- Set up a data collection process adapted to the internal organization
Work completed
Benchmark of ESG issues in the packaging sector
Identification of relevant information to be included in the report
Selection of the VSME standard, adapted to SMEs
Definition of a VSME-compliant reporting framework
Structuring ESG information in a formal document
Aligning existing CSR initiatives
Setting up an appropriate data collection process
Centralization and consolidation of ESG data
Iterative report writing and formatting
Approval by general management
Results
Production of a VSME-compliant CSR report
Structuring the Group's CSR approach
Definition of a 3-year ESG action plan
Profits
- 3 months saved on data collection and report production
- ESG commitments easier to understand and value
- First structuring step towards CSRD compliance
Feedback
Kiosk by G.A.C. can help you structure your ESG data and produce VSME-compliant sustainability reports.
