Umsetzung des Standards ESRS E4 in der Nachhaltigkeitsberichterstattung

Abstract

Sustainability reporting is a forward-looking topic that, if implemented consistently, has the potential to significantly transform both the economy and society. Its aim is to reflect more than just financial performance. Compared to the previous non-financial reporting under the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD), which has been replaced by the new European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), sustainability reporting is intended to be more transparent and easier to compare. This thesis explores the complex regulatory framework of the European Union in the field of sustainability. At the same time, the implementation of the CSRD poses considerable bureaucratic and operational challenges for companies, requiring substantial additional resources. The timing of its introduction—amidst economic downturn and political uncertainty—was far from ideal. This thesis analyzes the structure and implementation of sustainability reporting and highlights the benefits it offers. While the CSRD provides the legal foundation for sustainability reporting, the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) specify the content-related requirements. The ESRS comprise twelve standards, five of which address environmental topics. These environmental standards are aligned with the objectives of the EU Taxonomy Regulation and cover climate change (E1), pollution (E2), water and marine resources (E3), biodiversity and ecosystems (E4), and resource use and circular economy (E5). The central focus of this thesis is a comparative analysis of biodiversity reporting. In this context, the ESRS are compared with the recommendations of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and the standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The CSRD reporting obligation applies for the first time to the 2024 financial year and affects companies that meet at least two of the following three criteria: more than 1,000 employees, more than €50 million in turnover, or more than €25 million in total assets. Due to the Omnibus initiative, the employee threshold has been raised compared to previous reporting requirements. In addition to the theoretical framework, selected sustainability reports are examined through qualitative content analysis. The findings of the literature review suggest that the three frameworks exhibit a high degree of interoperability. Key differences emerge in terminology and specific disclosure requirements, whereas their methodological structure and thematic focus show significant alignment.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	German (Austria)
Supervisor	Eva-Maria Öhlinger (Supervisor)