CSRD in practice: how Belgian organizations are getting ready
This research explores how 97 Belgian organizations are preparing for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), with a focus on resources, costs, and strategic impact.
The introduction of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) brings new and detailed reporting requirements for companies across the EU. As a result, Belgian organizations face significant challenges in areas such as data collection, reporting processes, and compliance.
Early signals show that many companies still approach CSRD primarily as a compliance exercise rather than as a strategic opportunity.
Smaller organizations often struggle with limited ESG expertise and lower leadership involvement, while larger organizations tend to be further along but are not always fully ready for implementation.
This creates a risk of delays in compliance and of missing the opportunity to embed sustainability more strategically within the organization.
How organizations are preparing for CSRD
This research looks at how companies are concretely preparing for CSRD and which resources, processes, and strategies they are putting in place
By analyzing a representative sample of 97 organizations, the study highlights both key challenges and success factors.
The project provides evidence based insights into:
the level of preparedness
the use of external consultants
increases in budget
expansion of staff
expected annual compliance costs
In addition, policy recommendations are formulated to support the transition, including guidelines, more harmonized frameworks, and financial support mechanisms.
"It is important to investigate your risks across the twelve CSRD reporting domains and report on them: from climate change to biodiversity and ecosystems. This involves not only the impact of your business on the world but also the impact of the world on your business."
—
Jan Beyne, Professor Sustainability Management
Project approach
Data collection We gathered and consolidated responses from 97 Belgian organizations on their CSRD preparedness.
Analysis We compared smaller and larger organizations, focusing on:
use of external expertise
budget allocation
staffing and internal organization
Interpretation We identified key structural challenges, such as:
limited internal ESG capacity
a strong focus on compliance rather than strategic value creation
Reporting and dissemination We publish the results, complemented by practical recommendations for:
companies (clear steps toward CSRD readiness)
policymakers (support measures and enabling conditions)
Benefits and opportunities for organizations
This research provides organizations with concrete insights and support to prepare for CSRD:
Participating organizations gain:
insight into how peers in their sector are preparing for CSRD
benchmarking of their own efforts and resources against market averages
practical recommendations to strengthen internal ESG capacity
policy input for more effective support from governments and sector organizations
The project provides a clear and well grounded view of CSRD preparedness in Belgium, with attention to differences across company size and sector.
The results offer a solid basis for strategic decision making, capacity building, and policy development.
In addition, the research aims to inspire companies to see CSRD not just as a compliance requirement, but as a lever for improving ESG data, strengthening internal coordination, and driving long term value creation.
Publications
Blog: Preparing for CSRD: 3 tips for a credible and compliant sustainability report
The significance of corporate sustainability reporting is increasing, driven by EU CSRD regulations. It underscores the imperative for companies to authentically acknowledge and mitigate their social and ecological footprints. Compliance with CSRD entails comprehensive reporting across diverse domains, mandating rigorous risk assessment and transparency. Dr. Jan Beyne, sustainability expert, offers essential tips for effective reporting.
