The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is transforming how businesses address Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues. Rooted in the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), this directive requires companies to provide detailed disclosures on their ESG performance. As of 2026, companies need to report on the previous year. This means that companies that meet at least two of the following three criteria must comply with new regulations:
- More than 250 employees,
- a turnover of over €50 million,
- assets exceeding €25 million.
The CSRD is not just about regulation—it is about transparency and the redirection of capital flows to sustainable businesses. Thanks to CSRD reporting, pressing issues like resource depletion, pollution and workforce exploitation by companies shall not go unnoticed. The utilities sector, characterized by significant carbon emissions, water usage, and biodiversity impacts, is greatly affected. Due to its key role in society, stakeholders add pressure to become transparent on sustainability performance, worker safety, diversity, and governance.
CSRD Compliance for Utilities: Turning Challenges into Opportunities
The utility industry faces significant challenges in meeting the CSRD’s requirements, which can hinder progress if not addressed effectively. One of the main hurdles is data collection. Companies must track and report on a wide range of metrics, often needing data from suppliers who may not be equipped or willing to provide it. Additionally, governance and reporting are complicated in large organizations. CSRD reporting demands clear, streamlined processes that need to involve many departments, making coordination and knowledge management critical.
Finally, staff shortages and high costs pose another challenge. Skilled ESG professionals are in short supply, and so is the time for business lines to gather and report accurate data. Reducing work pressure by investing in new data management tools and reporting software is sensible but adds time and financial strain in the short run. However, failing to meet CSRD requirements can result in reputational damage and missed opportunities for growth and innovation. Consequently, utility companies should be brave and set the right conditions to navigate CSRD and become stronger in the long run.
Advisory framework to support utilities to meet CSRD requirements
BearingPoint offers a tailored, step-by-step advisory framework to help companies meet CSRD requirements while addressing these challenges. Your CSRD journey begins with a Value Chain & Double Materiality Assessment, capturing the entire value chain and engaging stakeholders to identify material sustainability topics for your business. This ensures alignment with both regulatory standards and business goals.
We then offer a Gap Analysis & Compliance Roadmap, examining your current data and practices to highlight improvement areas. This roadmap becomes your guide to achieve compliance efficiently and set you on a path towards meaningful transformation. Next, we assist with the Governance & Organizational Design, helping you set up the necessary structures, roles, and reporting processes to manage your sustainability initiatives smoothly.
Our services extend to Program Implementation & Management, where we support ESG data management, software tool selection, CSRD disclosure management and ESG performance integration into your existing processes. This ensures that sustainability becomes a core part of your operations, not just an add-on for compliance.
What Sets Us Apart?
At BearingPoint, we go beyond simple compliance and aim for meaningful transformation of your business. To guide you effectively on this path, we use technology as our accelerator having developed highly relevant intellectual property for sustainability reporting. Furthermore, we can connect you with our frontrunner reporting software partners. Also, we are end-to-end and can guide you along your entire CSRD journey. This means that we provide tailored solutions that fit your company’s specific needs, ensuring a smooth transition from strategy to reporting. And lastly, we work impact-driven focusing on measurable results while minimizing the burden on your teams. In partnering with BearingPoint, you’ll not only meet CSRD standards but also unlock opportunities for innovation and growth. Let’s collaborate to guide your company through this new era of sustainability.
Our services extend to Program Implementation & Management, where we support ESG data management, software tool selection, CSRD disclosure management and ESG performance integration into your existing processes. This ensures that sustainability becomes a core part of your operations, not just an add-on for compliance.
Jaco van Zijll Langhout, Partner at BearingPoint.
For more information on how BearingPoint can help your company navigate the CSRD,
download our Modular Advisory Framework for Utilities or contact our experts:
Jaco van Zijll Langhout
Partner at BearingPoint
David Bergsma
Partner at BearingPoint
Casper Wennekers
Manager Sustainability & Strategy at BearingPoint