VSME Reporting Explained – A Lightweight Sustainability Solution for SMEs

Sustainability reporting doesn’t need to be overwhelming. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Planmark’s VSME Reporting (Voluntary Sustainability and Materiality Evaluation) offers a simplified, cost-effective way to get started with ESG and CSRD-aligned reporting—without the heavy workload of full compliance.

What Is VSME Reporting?

VSME stands for Voluntary Sustainability and Materiality Evaluation. It’s a light version of sustainability reporting, designed especially for organizations that are not yet legally required to comply with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) but want to future-proof their business, respond to client expectations, or explore sustainability themes.

Think of VSME as your first step toward structured ESG reporting—without needing a full-blown sustainability department.

Why Start with VSME Instead of Full CSRD Reporting?

CSRD reporting is more extensive, and designed for larger corporations. Many SMEs find it too complex or unnecessary for their current needs. VSME solves this by offering:

• A lighter framework aligned with CSRD’s core ideas

• Faster implementation without needing external consultants

• Lower cost and minimal workload for your team

With VSME, your company can build internal ESG understanding, show initiative to stakeholders, and prepare for future regulation—all without unnecessary complexity.

How Planmark’s VSME Reporting Tool Works

Planmark is a ESG data management software. From our software point of view, you can create VSME, CSRD, or any custom sustainability reports you might need for your potential customers. The Planmark VSME reporting tool is built to be simple, smart, and scalable. Here’s how it works:

1. Self-Assessment

You’ll begin by answering key questions about your business, operations, and stakeholder expectations. This helps identify your most relevant sustainability themes.

2. AI-Powered Content Support

Planmark’s tool uses AI to generate texts aligned with your input and documentation. This means, all the sustainability reporting, documentation and everything you have done until now, can be used – you do not need to re-do the work.

3. Real-Time Progress Monitoring

Track your progress on a visual dashboard. You’ll see which parts of the report are ready, what’s still in progress, and how your report aligns with CSRD categories.

4. Mix and match

Planmark enables you to leverage both CSRD and VSME standards simultaneously, combining the strengths of each to expand and enhance your sustainability data collection.

5. Optional Upgrade to CSRD

If needed, you can later upgrade to full CSRD support using the same data—no need to start from scratch. The ESG data collection and management remains the same – just the report you need changes.

Who Should Use VSME Reporting?

• SMEs looking to begin their sustainability journey

• B2B suppliers responding to client ESG requirements

• Companies preparing for future CSRD obligations

• Consultants helping clients with light ESG strategy

• Industries with growing stakeholder pressure (e.g. construction, manufacturing, tech)

What Makes Planmark’s VSME Tool Unique?

• Built-in AI guidance — The system validates the data against the directive.
• CSRD -support  — What ever sustainability data you collect, you will always be prepared for next requirements. You will not work twice!
• Fast onboarding — get started within a hour – easiest and most intuitive tool in the market.
• Transparent pricing — see our pricing page for clear monthly plans
• Affordable — Our monthly prices are very affordable. You will recover your investment in few days in time savings.

What Do You Get in Practice?

• A complete VSME report structured by ESG themes

• A clear materiality map showing your key focus areas

• An internal and external version of the report

• Real-time team progress overview

• A scalable base for future ESG strategy

VSME vs. CSRD: What’s the Difference?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VSME standard?
VSME (Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for Small and Medium Enterprises) is a simplified sustainability reporting framework designed for SMEs that are not obligated to report under CSRD. It enables transparent ESG communication with investors, clients, and stakeholders.

Who can use the VSME standard?
The VSME standard is ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises that want to voluntarily report on their sustainability performance but are not required to follow the CSRD directive.

Is VSME officially recognized by the EU?
Not yet but recognition is on the way. Because VSME mirrors CSRD principles on a lighter scale, adopting it now helps SMEs get ahead of future requirements, satisfy banks, investors and large-customer ESG requests, and ultimately boost sustainability and competitiveness.

Does Planmark support both CSRD and VSME reporting?
Yes, Planmark offers a powerful AI-powered platform for both CSRD and VSME reporting. The tool adapts to the appropriate framework based on your organization’s size and compliance needs.

What’s the difference between VSME and CSRD?
VSME is a voluntary and simplified reporting standard tailored for SMEs, while CSRD is a mandatory EU directive that applies to large companies and listed SMEs, with more comprehensive requirements.

Can I use VSME data later for CSRD or assurance?
Yes. All data you input can be used as a foundation for full CSRD reporting or external audits.

How much time does it take to complete?
Typical users complete the VSME report in 1–2 weeks depending on availability of internal data.

Why should SMEs use the VSME standard?
It helps SMEs gain credibility, attract sustainability-conscious clients or investors, and prepare for future regulatory developments in ESG reporting.

When should you start?

If you are working on sustainability already, there is no real reason why you should wait for anything. VSME reporting with Planmark is a next step from excel sheets and documents. You start using your valuable time on sustainability work that really matters in your company. All your documentation and data shall always be in place – and when later you are obliged to create sustainability reports or your corporate customers requires them – you are always up to date and inline with the standards and directives.

Clients, partners, and employees increasingly expect transparency.

Getting Started with VSME Reporting

Book a 15-minute free consultation and demo with our team.
Or request a demo account and start exploring the tool at your own pace.

Planmark makes sustainability reporting simple. 💡