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    Learn more about the latest industry trends, changes in regulations and development opportunities for your company.
    30 October, 2024

    VAT in real estate transactions

    Understanding the rules that apply to the taxation of real estate transactions is essential for anyone operating in the market, whether investors,...

    28 February, 2025

    Omnibus package – incoming changes in ESG reporting

    The European Commission’s proposals to simplify ESG regulations as part of the so-called Omnibus Package published on February 26th 2025 have sparked...

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    • Omnibus package – incoming changes in ESG reporting

      The European Commission’s proposals to simplify ESG regulations as part of the so-called Omnibus Package published on February 26th 2025 have sparked a wide debate on their impact on the functioning of companies. The main objective of the changes is to reduce the administrative burden on enterprises and improve their competitiveness. However, there is a risk that reducing ESG reporting obligations could lead to a loss of availability of key ESG data for investors in the long term and difficulties in monitoring sustainability progress.

      ESG deregulation – intentions and consequences

      Both legislative packages – Omnibus I and Omnibus II – are aimed at simplifying the requirements for companies, especially in the field of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDD). The key assumption is to reduce administrative obligations by about 80%.

      The new regulations will apply only to the largest enterprises which:

      • employ over 1000 employees
      • and generate annual revenues exceeding EUR 50 million and/or having a balance sheet total of more than EUR 25 million.

      All other companies will be able to report voluntarily (using the VSME standard), which will ultimately be issued in the form of a delegated regulation.

      The reporting schedule has also been changed. Companies that were supposed to publish a sustainability report for the first time in 2026 or 2027 will be given additional two years to adapt to the new requirements.

      In addition, sector-specific reporting standards have been removed, meaning that companies will not have to adapt reports to industry-specific guidelines.

      Do you want to learn more about sustainability?

      Check out our other articles on this topic!
      Read more

      Regulatory perspective – what’s next?

      The Omnibus package also provides for the simplification of reporting in the field of:

      • EU Taxonomy – Disclosures regarding the Taxonomy will be mandatory only for companies that both have more than 1000 employees and annual revenues above EUR 450 million.
      • CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) – 90% of importers (mainly SMEs and individuals) have been exempted from the CBAM obligation.
      • Audit of the report – The requirement for “limited assurance” will remain in force. ESG reports will be subject to limited verification by auditors (less rigorous control, based on the analysis of available information and the assessment of the probability of errors).
      • CSDDD requirements – Risk assessment in the activity chain will focus on direct business partners (Tier 1) with at least 500 employees hired.

      Conclusion

      The proposed changes to ESG reporting as part of the Omnibus Package are an important step towards simplifying regulations and reducing the administrative burden on enterprises. For many companies, this means reduced costs and greater flexibility in terms of sustainability activities.

      However, the limitation of ESG reporting also comes with serious risks. It may lead to a decrease in transparency on the markets, limit the access of smaller companies to financing and weaken the effectiveness of the EU’s climate policy. A key challenge for businesses will be to find a balance between the benefits of deregulation and the long-term sustainability goals.

      Regardless of future legislative decisions, companies should continue to pursue ESG strategies, even if they are not formally required to report. Sustainable development continues to be an increasingly important element of business strategy, which not only generates cost reduction by increasing the efficiency of processes, attracts investors, but also allows for building long-term value and resilience to market changes.

      28 February, 2025
    • 5 ways SMEs can manage the financial pressures of EPR compliance

      Managing compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations can be particularly challenging for smaller businesses, which often operate with limited budgets and resources. However, there are several strategies these businesses can adopt to minimize costs while fulfilling their obligations.

      Join collective compliance schemes

      Many small producers can benefit from joining compliance schemes or producer responsibility organizations (PROs). These schemes handle much of the administrative and logistical burden of EPR compliance, including waste collection, recycling coordination, and reporting. While there are membership fees involved, the shared infrastructure and expertise significantly reduce costs compared to setting up independent compliance systems.

      EFF can help your business simplify this process further! Instead of having to contact and coordinate with a unique PRO for each of your products and markets, partner with EFF with our EPR Attorneys will be your one-stop shop for organising all of these communications. We’ll work with you and the PROs to understand each of your requirements and make sure that you are meeting all your obligations in a timely manner.

      Start simplifying your processes now!

      Schedule a meeting with one of our experts and see how we can help your business. Contact us to discuss the details.
      Contact us

      Focus on sustainable product design

      Redesigning products and packaging to align with recyclability and sustainability standards can reduce modulated EPR fees. For instance, using mono-material packaging or incorporating higher levels of recycled content can lower financial obligations under many EPR frameworks. Proactive eco-design can also appeal to eco-conscious customers, creating long-term business value beyond compliance.

      Leverage government and industry support

      Many EU countries provide financial incentives, grants, or technical support to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) transition to sustainable practices. These programs can offset costs related to material changes or compliance adjustments. Additionally, working with industry bodies or trade associations can provide access to shared resources and advocacy for proportionate EPR policies.

      Streamline reporting and data management

      EPR regulations often require detailed reporting, which can be resource intensive. Investing in software or consulting services that automate data tracking and reporting can save time and reduce the likelihood of penalties for inaccuracies. Partnering with compliance specialists ensures that reporting is efficient and adheres to regulatory deadlines.

      Engage in supply chain collaboration

      Smaller businesses can work closely with suppliers to source compliant materials or optimize packaging for sustainability. By collaborating on eco-friendly solutions, they can achieve compliance while sharing costs and innovation efforts across the supply chain.

      By combining these approaches, small businesses can not only reduce the financial burden of EPR compliance but also turn it into an opportunity for innovation and competitive advantage. Strategic adaptation to EPR policies positions these businesses to thrive in a marketplace increasingly driven by sustainability.

      Sources:

      – ECommerce Europe (2020) “Extended producer responsibility policies that work for SMEs in Europe – Ecommerce Europe”
      ECommerce Europe (2023) “ECOM-Position-paper-PPWR-April-2023.pdf”
      Medium (2024) “Support of Micro, Small, And Medium Enterprises with EPR Registration Business. | by Ascgroup | Medium”
      PWC (2023) “How will Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) affect you? | PwC”
      Reusable Packaging Europe (2024.) “The Extended Producer Responsibility in the EU: from fragmentation to harmonisation – Reusable Packaging Europe”

      10 February, 2025
    • All about the PPWR

      The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation 2025/40 (PPWR) officially enters into force on Tuesday, 11th February. Currently, roughly 40% of plastics used in the EU are for packaging, and in 2021, each EU resident generated approximately 36.1 kg of plastic packaging waste—an increase of 8.1 kg (29%) compared to the previous decade.

      Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation

      First adopted in late 2022, this legislation amends and replaces the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/EC (PPWD) of 1994. The general date of application for the PPWR will be 12th August 2026, 18 months after its entry into force, at which point the PPWD will be officially repealed.

      Both the PPWD and PPWR regulate packaging placed on the EU market while introducing packaging waste management and prevention measures.

      Key elements

      According to the European Commission, key elements of the new legislation include:

      • “Restrictions on certain single-use plastics, such as pre-packed fruit and veg weighing less than 1.5 kg and individual portions of condiments, sauces, and sugar in hotels, bars and restaurants.
      • Minimising the weight and volume of packaging and avoiding unnecessary packaging.
      • 2030 and 2040 targets for a minimum percentage of recycled content in packaging.
      • A requirement for take-away businesses to offer customers the option to bring their own containers at no extra cost.
      • Minimising substances of concern, including restrictions on packaging containing per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) if they exceed certain thresholds.”

      This legislation will affect a wide range of businesses, including packaging manufacturers, e-commerce platforms, and retailers and distributors, among others. It covers materials and packaging for commercial, household, and industrial use. It covers commercial, household, and industrial packaging materials, meaning its impact will be felt across multiple sectors. As a result, its implementation and long-term effects will be closely monitored across Europe.

      recyclable packaging

      Why does packaging waste matter?

      Properly managing and reducing packaging waste is essential for achieving many of the EU’s environmental goals, including five of the six objectives of the EU Taxonomy:

      • Climate Change Mitigation – Plastics accounted for approximately 3.4% of global emissions in 2019, including emissions from production and disposal.
      • Protection of Water and Marine Resources – Around half of marine litter comes from packaging waste.
      • Transition to a Circular Economy – The EU’s packaging waste recycling rate has stagnated at around 64–65% for over 15 years, with plastic packaging at only 40.7%.
      • Pollution Prevention and Control – Both plastic and paper-based packaging have been found to contain hazardous and carcinogenic chemicals, such as PFAS, according to the Environmental Defense Fund and Zero Waste Europe.
      • Biodiversity and Ecosystem Protection – Paper-based packaging remains the most widely used packaging material in the EU and is a major driver of deforestation in Europe and beyond, according to the European Environmental Bureau.

      Beyond material substitution: The need for systemic change

      The sustainability of single-use packaging is not determined solely by material choice. As Marco Musso, Senior Policy Officer for Circular Economy at the European Environmental Bureau, explains:

      This study sounds the alarm on the false solutions of substituting one single-use material for another… To credibly prevent waste EU decision-makers must focus on restricting avoidable packaging while promoting efficient and convenient reuse systems.

      The PPWR—with its obligations to minimise excessive packaging and reduce hazardous substances—is a significant step forward in achieving the EU’s environmental objectives. However, it is just one piece of the puzzle.

      For example, packaging is a key component of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes, which go further by placing the onus on producers to manage the waste they generate and introduce into the market.

      Next steps

      To learn more about how EFF can help you register your packaging and packaging waste with your local EPR system, contact us!

      For further details on the legislation, you can read the full Regulation 2025/40 here.

       

      Sources:

      “Beyond paper: PFAS linked to common plastic packaging used for food, cosmetics, and much more”). Tom Neltner for the Environmental Defense Fund. (2021
      “How much of global greenhouse gas emissions come from plastics?” Hannah Ritchie for Our World in Data. (2023).
      “Packaging Waste”. European Commission (n.d.)
      “Packaging waste statistics”. Eurostat. (2024).
      “Paper-based food packaging at the centre of Europe’s waste crisis, new report reveals”. Abou-Chleih for the European Environmental Bureau. (2023).
      “Plastic Waste and Recycling in the EU: Facts and Figures”. European Parliament. (2018/2024).
      “41% of plastic packaging waste recycled in 2022”. Eurostat. (2024).

      7 February, 2025
    • January updates to EU taxonomy

      This month, the EU’s Platform on Sustainable Finance (PSF) initiated a public consultation to collect feedback on the updates made to the EU Taxonomy, as system for classifying and reporting on sustainable activities. The intention was to improve usability and simplicity while expanding the scope of the activities included.

      Updates to EU taxonomy

      The organisation published a report with initial findings from extensive stakeholder engagement, particularly with companies, and is now seeking further consultation from the public. In introducing the note to the report, Helena Viñes Fiestas, Chair of the PSF, stated:

      During this period, our priority has been to improve the usability and effectiveness of the Taxonomy and the broader sustainable finance framework. Once the necessary changes have been implemented, the Platform hopes that a future mandate will allow us to focus on incorporating many more activities into the Taxonomy.

      Currently, the EU Taxonomy includes the following sectors and their activities:

      Accommodation activitiesArts, entertainment, and recreationConstruction and real estate activitiesDisaster risk management
      EducationEnergyEnvironmental protection and restoration activitiesFinancial and insurance activities
      ForestryHuman health and social work activitiesInformation and communicationManufacturing
      Professional, scientific, and technical activitiesServicesTransportWater supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation

      Proposed changes include expanding the scope to include areas such as digital services or mining and smelting of key metals such as lithium, copper, and nickel. Other metal manufacturing, such as that of iron and steel, is included in the Taxonomy list of activities.

      To be considered sustainable, an activity must contribute significantly to at least one of the following six objectives and Do No Significant Harm (DNSH) to any of the others, as well as complying with the minimum safeguards.

      Pollution prevention and controlMarine and water resource protectionBiodiversity and ecosystem protection
      Climate change adaptationClimate change mitigationCircular Economy transition

      One aspect of the feedback was the call for the criteria and instructions to be made clearer and more practicable. This is essential for implementation and interpretation of results because, as in the technical screening criteria, the report states:

      A clear description of the technical screening criteria reduces implementation costs and ensures that criteria be interpreted in the same way by different preparers and auditors, providing comparability of the reporting results.

      Another area of improvement is in the DNSH criteria, particularly in regard to new activities proposed.

      You can read the official report here.

      The consultation is open to the public from January 8 to February 5, 2025. Stakeholders are invited to share their evidence-based feedback via the official consultation link.

       

      Sources:

      – “Call for feedback by the PSF on preliminary recommendations for the review of the Climate Delegated Act and the addition of activities to the EU taxonomy” by the European Commission (Jan 2025). Available at Call for feedback – Platform on Sustainable Finance
      “EU Platform on Sustainable Finance Proposes Key Updates to EU Taxonomy” by ESG News (Jan 2025). Available at EU Platform on Sustainable Finance Proposes Key Updates to EU Taxonomy – ESG News
      “EU Platform on Sustainable Finance Unveils Proposals to Simplify, Expand EU Taxonomy” by Mark Segal at ESG Today (Jan 2025). Available at EU Platform on Sustainable Finance Unveils Proposals to Simplify, Expand EU Taxonomy – ESG Today
      “EU Taxonomy Navigator” by the European Commission (n.d.). Available at EU Taxonomy Navigator
      “Platform on Sustainable Finance Draft Report on Activities and Technical Screening Criteria to be Updated or Included in the EU Taxonomy” by the Platform on Sustainable Finance (Jan 2025). Available at Platform on Sustainable Finance draft report on activities and technical screening criteria to be updated or included in the EU taxonomy

      7 February, 2025
    • Switzerland to introduce annual VAT reporting in 2025

      Starting from January 2025, Switzerland will introduce an option for businesses with a turnover of up to CHF 5,005,000 to switch to annual VAT reporting. This new system will provide an alternative to the current quarterly, semi-annual, or monthly reporting requirements. The change aims to simplify VAT compliance for smaller businesses while maintaining efficient tax collection.

      Eligibility criteria

      To qualify for the annual VAT reporting option, businesses must meet two key criteria. First, their annual turnover must not exceed CHF 5,005,000. Secondly, the business must have a clean VAT compliance history, meaning timely VAT filings and full payments for the last three periods. The Swiss Federal Tax Administration (SFTA) will verify compliance before granting approval. Businesses that wish to opt for the annual VAT reporting system must submit an application through the ePortal by February 28, 2025. New businesses, however, have 60 days from receiving their VAT number to apply.

      Advance VAT payments

      Under the new system, businesses will be required to make advance VAT payments. These payments, calculated by the SFTA, will be due in instalments on May 30, August 30, and November 30. For those using the net tax rate method, only the August 30 payment is required. These advance payments are based on an estimated tax liability and can be adjusted up to 10 days before the due date. However, if the advance payments are deemed insufficient—specifically if they are below 50% or 35% of the total tax claim—they may be considered inadequate, potentially leading to penalties.

      Filing and payment

      The annual VAT statement, which will include final VAT calculations, must be submitted and paid by the end of February in the following year. Businesses will have the option to request extensions or make corrections to the submitted VAT return. If a business overpays its VAT in advance, the excess amount will be refunded after the annual reconciliation.

      Revocation of the option

      If a business exceeds the CHF 5,005,000 turnover threshold or fails to meet VAT obligations on time, it will lose the right to opt for annual VAT reporting. In such cases, the business will be required to revert to the more frequent reporting periods, such as quarterly or semi-annual returns.

      This shift to annual VAT reporting in Switzerland offers businesses an opportunity to streamline their VAT reporting obligations. However, careful attention to compliance and timely payments will be essential to avoid penalties and ensure smooth operation under the new system.

      How can EFF help?

      As the new VAT reporting system in Switzerland takes effect, businesses may find the transition challenging. EFF offers comprehensive VAT services, including VAT registration, compliance, and reporting. By choosing EFF, businesses can ensure that they meet all regulatory requirements while saving time and avoiding potential penalties. Contact us today to see ho we can help your business!

       

      Sources:

      – Federal Tax Administration VAT changes

      7 February, 2025
    • The Estonian Ministry of Finance has proposed changes to VAT reporting and mandatory e-invoicing to enhance VAT receipts

      The Estonian Ministry of Finance has proposed significant changes to VAT reporting and the implementation of mandatory e-invoicing to improve VAT collection.

      Changes to VAT reporting

      A key aspect of the reform is the removal of the €1,000 threshold for declaring transactions, requiring VAT payers to report all transactions. This change aims to close loopholes, as many small transactions under the threshold are often undeclared, contributing to tax evasion. In 2023, approximately €327 million in input VAT went unreported.

      A 2014 reform, which required more detailed invoice declarations, resulted in an increase of over €100 million in VAT receipts. Building on this success, the Ministry believes that the introduction of e-invoices will further enhance VAT receipts by reducing administrative burdens, improving data quality, and preventing fraud. Already, 47% of entrepreneurs are prepared to adopt e-invoicing, which will also be mandatory for cross-border transactions within the EU from July 1st, 2030.

      The proposed changes are expected to increase VAT receipts by €16.6 million annually and could take effect by 2027. These measures align with broader EU trends, as several countries are also moving towards mandatory e-invoicing.

       

      Sources:

      https://www.fin.ee/uudised/rahandusministeerium-esitas-ettepanekud-kaibemaksulaekumise-parandamiseks

      6 February, 2025
    • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

      Failure to comply with the rules of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) carries a number of sanctions, ranging from a restriction or complete ban on the sale of a product, to loss of brand reputation, to monetary fines or confiscation of goods. More and more countries are adopting EPR as a mandatory environmental policy, so its tenets are strictly enforced. Manufacturers that fail to comply with its provisions or use inappropriate waste management practices face numerous consequences. The severity of possible restrictions depends on both the scale of the violation and the size of the company, while their effects have a…

      What exactly is EPR?

      Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a type of environmental policy that was first implemented in Sweden and has subsequently gained popularity in many countries around the world. The policy is based on the “polluter pays” principle, thus regulating the producer’s responsibility for the products they put on the market. Its application directly contributes to the development of a circular economy.

      The main goal of EPR is proper waste management and sustainable consumption of raw materials.

      According to the policy, manufacturers are responsible for the entire life cycle of products, from the moment they are manufactured to the end of their useful life. Accordingly, regulations govern the management of generated waste through payment of fees for collection, recycling, reuse and disposal.

      Who is affected by the EPR regulations?

      In short, the provisions of Extended Producer Responsibility apply to any person who takes part in a product’s introduction to the market. In other words, any legal or natural person whose business activity consists of developing, manufacturing, processing, selling or importing products, regardless of how they are placed on the domestic market.

      Companies that sell their products directly to end consumers (B2C) are subject to different regulations than those that trade with retailers or distributors (B2B). Moreover, the requirements applied to domestic sellers differ from those applied to international sellers. Therefore, it is important to consider the type of business you are doing in order to correctly determine your obligations.

      Who should apply for an EPR registration number?

      • Individuals and companies that manufacture products subject to EPR
      • Vendors of products subject to EPR

      What products are subject to EPR?

      In order to reduce waste and contribute to the development of a circular economy, the particulars of EPR are regularly updated. According to experts’ predictions, more and more products will be strictly regulated in the coming years.

      Products covered by EPR:

      • Packaging
      • Batteries
      • Electrical and electronic equipment
      • Used industrial oils
      • Tires
      • Vehicles
      • Furniture

      What is a Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO)?

      A Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) (PRO) is an entity established under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system. Its task is to relieve producers of their responsibilities for managing waste resulting from their operations, in particular collection, recovery and recycling.

      Key features and role of PRO:

      • Assumption of producer obligations: PRO acts on behalf of producers, assuming their waste management obligations. Producers pay fees to the PRO, which funds recycling and recovery activities.
      • Waste management: PRO is responsible for organizing the collection, transport, recycling, and reuse of waste generated from products placed on the market.
      • Supporting a circular economy: Through waste reuse and recycling activities, PRO contributes to waste minimization and supports sustainable development.
      • Regulations: PRO’s operations are strictly regulated in each country, often stemming from EU directives such as Directive 2008/98/EC on waste. These organizations are often subject to supervision to ensure compliance with regulations and the achievement of specific recycling targets.
      • Application in various industries: PROs operate in many sectors, such as packaging, electronics, vehicles, batteries, and textiles. Each industry may have specific waste management requirements.

      How to contact us?

      Customers can contact our sustainability experts directly. At an arranged meeting, we determine how we can best meet your EPR needs. Although we operate mainly in Poland, we have many years of experience working with clients from all over Europe. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you think you could benefit from our expertise!

      Do you have any questions?

      Don’t hesitate to reach out if you think our expertise could help you!
      Contact us

      Responsibilities

      Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations can vary from country to country, so it is important to verify exactly what obligations apply to the specific category of products a company markets. Despite the many differences, a common feature of the vast majority of cases is the presence of declaratory and financial obligations.

      The main obligations of producers in Poland under the EPR:

      1. Financing of waste management – manufacturers are required to cover the costs of collecting, transporting, recovering and recycling waste generated from their products. These costs include, among others:
        • Selective waste collection,
        • Environmental education,
        • Reporting on waste management activities.
      2. Achieving recycling levels – manufacturers must meet certain recycling and recovery quotas, which are set by national and EU regulations. For example, in the case of packaging, a certain percentage of materials such as plastic, glass and paper are required to be recycled.
      3. Cooperation with producer responsibility organizations (PROs) – producers can delegate their waste management responsibilities to PRO organizations, which manage collection and recycling processes on their behalf. The producer pays an appropriate fee for this.
      4. Reporting – manufacturers are required to submit detailed reports on:
        • The amount and type of products marketed,
        • recycling and recovery activities undertaken,
        • Implementation of obligations related to environmental education.
      5. Eco-design of products – EPR encourages manufacturers to design products in ways that minimize their environmental impact, such as by:
        • Limiting the amount of materials used,
        • Use of recyclable raw materials,
        • Facilitating product disassembly and repair.
      6. Funding environmental education – manufacturers are required to conduct or finance educational activities that raise public awareness about separate collection, recycling and waste reduction.
      7. Product labeling obligation – products placed on the market must be labeled in a way that facilitates their subsequent segregation and recycling. This applies especially to packaging.

      Example: Obligations for the packaging industry in Poland

      Manufacturers marketing packaged products must:

      • report the amount of packaging put on the market,
      • achieve certain recycling levels (e.g., for plastic or glass),
      • pay fees to the waste management system, including to PRO organizations,
      • ensure that their products are labeled in accordance with regulations to facilitate selective collection by consumers.

      Learn more about extended producer responsibility.

      Explore our offer.
      Read more

      What do we offer?

      We work with companies, manufacturers and individuals marketing electronic and electrical equipment, batteries and packaging, offering comprehensive support, including:

      • Initial consultation to determine customer needs
      • Individual case analysis
      • Regulatory compliance analysis
      • Calculation of estimated EPR charges
      • Registration in the register of producers
      • Support for appointment of attorneys
      • Establish contact with Producer Responsibility Organizations
      • Benchmarking and advising on EPR best practices
      • Regular mapping and monitoring of legislative changes
      • Advice on labeling responsibilities
      4 February, 2025
    • Carbon footprint in the context of ESG reporting

      One of the key indicators in ESGx (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting is the carbon footprint. Understanding its principle, importance and how to measure it, is the basis for companies preparing ESG reports in accordance with new European Union regulations, particularly the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive).

      What is a carbon footprint?

      Carbon footprint is a gauge of the total amount of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), that have been emitted as a result of a company’s operations. It is an indicator that measures a company’s impact on climate change through greenhouse gas emissions associated with its production processes, operations, transportation, energy consumed in offices and other activities.

      Carbon footprint is most often expressed in tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e), a unit that allows different greenhouse gases to be unified into a single measure, taking into account their global warming potential.

      Why is carbon footprint an important issue from the perspective of ESG reporting companies?

      The obligation to report on carbon footprint has gained significance in the context of changing legislation and a growing emphasis on the transparency of companies’ environmental activities. It has become one of the key indicators in assessing a company’s impact on climate change and thus sustainability.

      Increased environmental awareness among consumers and investors is making carbon footprint not only an environmental indicator, but also a competitive element in the market. For example, companies that reduce emissions by optimizing production processes, switching to renewable energy sources or reducing water consumption can be assured of consumer loyalty and the positive evaluation of investors, who increasingly consider sustainability in their investment decisions.

      Reducing carbon footprint is also an integral part of a sustainability strategy that aims to minimize the negative impact of business activities on the environment. Companies that engage in such initiatives are seen as responsible and forward. In the long run, such actions ensure an enhanced reputation and trust among all stakeholders: from employees to business partners.

      How is carbon footprint calculated?

      Calculating carbon footprint is a multi-step process that requires taking into account all sources of greenhouse gas emissions in a company’s operations. Carbon footprint can be divided into three ranges to be considered when calculating it:

      • Scope 1 – Direct emissions: These are emissions that come directly from the company’s operations, such as the burning of fuels in furnaces, company cars or other company-owned equipment.
      • Scope 2 – Energy-related indirect emissions: Include emissions related to the purchase of electricity, heat or steam. Companies should calculate emissions related to the energy consumed in their operations, taking into account the sources of that energy (e.g., coal, gas, renewables).
      • Scope 3 – Indirect emissions from other sources: These are emissions resulting from the company’s entire value chain, including transportation, production of raw materials, waste, business travel, or consumer use of products. Scope 3 is typically the most complex to calculate, as it includes emissions from the activities of business partners, suppliers and customers.

      When measuring carbon footprint, companies should use appropriate tools such as carbon footprint calculators, standards and protocols (a globally recognized one is the Greenhouse Gas Protocol) to help accurately determine greenhouse gas emissions.

      What carbon footprint disclosures should be reported under ESRS guidelines?

      Under the ESRS guidelines, which were developed by the European Union as part of the CSRD regulations, companies are required to disclose detailed information on their environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions. This reporting is intended to increase transparency and accountability in managing climate impacts. Companies will have to disclose:

      • Total greenhouse gas emissions: Companies must disclose total greenhouse gas emissions, expressed in tons of CO₂ equivalent, broken down into direct emissions (Scope 1), indirect energy-related emissions (Scope 2) and other indirect emissions (Scope 3).
      • Emission reduction targets: Companies will be required to disclose their GHG emission reduction targets, including timelines and strategies for achieving these targets, consistent with global climate goals (e.g., the Paris Agreement).
      • Strategies and actions: ESG reports should outline strategies and specific actions taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as implementing energy-saving technologies or switching to renewable energy sources.
      • Sustainability indicators: Companies must provide indicators to measure progress toward emission reduction targets. This could include, for example, emissions intensity per unit of production, emissions reduction per employee or energy efficiency.

      Do you have any questions?

      Don’t hesitate to reach out if you think our expertise could help you!
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      Summary

      A key element in managing carbon footprint is integrating appropriate operational activities into the company’s daily operations. Companies must focus on accurately monitoring and measuring greenhouse gas emissions throughout the value chain, which requires collaboration with suppliers, logistics partners and other stakeholders. Operational measures include optimizing energy consumption, introducing energy-saving technologies, reviewing production processes and efficient waste management, among others. In addition, it is necessary to regularly audit emissions, implement renewable energy solutions and transport efficiency. This approach not only ensures compliance with regulations, but also effectively contributes to reducing the company’s operational carbon footprint.

      4 February, 2025
    • EU taxonomy

      The EU Taxonomy is a classification system that determines which economic activities can be considered environmentally sustainable in the European Union. It is a key tool within the European Green Deal to promote environmentally friendly investments and counter greenwashing.

      Main environmental objectives:

      • countering climate change,
      • climate change adaptation,
      • Sustainable use and protection of water and marine resources,
      • The transition to a circular economy,
      • Pollution prevention and control,
      • Protection and restoration of biodiversity and ecosystems.

      If an activity is considered sustainable, it must first significantly contribute to one of these goals without harming others. The taxonomy aims to direct capital to projects that foster environmental transformation and to increase transparency and accountability in reporting sustainable activities.

      In order for a company’s activities to be considered compliant with the taxonomy, it must meet all three conditions:

      1. It must make a significant contribution to at least one of the six environmental goals.
      2. It must not cause significant harm to any of the six goals.
      3. Must demonstrate compliance with the Minimum Safeguards
      4. In addition, the company must meet the Technical Qualification Criteria, but this condition is included in items 1 and 2.

      Why is taxonomy important for companies preparing an ESG report?

      For companies preparing an ESG report, the EU taxonomy provides a compliance framework and guidance to better understand the environmental impact of operations and meet regulatory requirements. The taxonomy’s provisions specifically affect:

      • Transparency reporting – companies covered by the CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive) must demonstrate in their ESG reports the extent to which their activities are in line with the taxonomy.
      • Attracting investors – sustainable actions in line with the taxonomy can increase a company’s attractiveness in the eyes of investors, who are becoming increasingly influenced by ESG criteria.
      • Minimize reputational risk – Taxonomy compliance reporting helps avoid allegations of greenwashing and build credibility.

      What steps should the company take?

      When preparing an ESG report in accordance with the requirements of the EU taxonomy, a company should:

      • Conduct an audit of activities – identify which activities are consistent with the objectives of the taxonomy and the Technical Qualification Criteria.
      • Gather data – collect the necessary information on the impact of the activity on the environment.
      • Understand DNSH (Do No Significant Harm) requirements – make sure that no activities violate other environmental objectives.
      • Ensure compliance with the Minimum Safeguards – implement human rights and labor standards.

      Learn more about EU taxonomy

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      Summary

      At EFF, we fully understand that meeting these requirements can be a challenge. Depending on the size of your company and the specifics of your industry, you may need to collect a large amount of data and meet numerous reporting requirements. Our experts are here to help you! We will analyze your operations to determine which data fits into the taxonomy criteria and how well it complies with the applicable requirements. In addition, we will support you in implementing social safeguards where needed.

      4 February, 2025

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